SILVER CITY, N.M. - Western New Mexico University Athletics would like to announce former men's basketball player TJ Riley as this week's Alumni of the Week.

Riley was a member of the men's basketball team from 2009-2012, wearing No. 12. Being a native of Tyler, Texas, he attended Chapel Hill High School. Before coming to WNMU, Riley attended Lamar University.

As a Mustang, Riley put together quite the resume as an athlete, earning All-RMAC honors during each of his three seasons. Third Team All-West during the 2009-10 season, and continued his success by earning First-Team All-RMAC in both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.

In his first season as a Mustang, Riley was able to lead the team in both rebounds and steals, grabbing 4.8 boards a game and 51 steals. He was also second on the team in assists, with 2.3 a game, as well as points with 14.5 per game. From the field, Riley would finish the season with percentages of .408 on field goals and .305 for three.

In the 2010-11 season, Riley led the team in scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game, while hauling in 4.5 rebounds. Defensively, he would record 52 steals as well as three blocks in the season.

Before his senior campaign, Riley was honored as part of the Pre-Season All-Conference team. During the season, he would grab 4.5 rebounds a game, dish 3.2 assists per game, and record six blocks during the season. RIley also would also continue to lead the team in scoring with 18.0 points a game and steals, recording 51 during his senior season. He also would continue his efficiency, shooting .421 from the field, as well as .333 from three.

After his playing career, Riley would stay with the program and serve as a Graduate Assistant coach during the 2012-13 season.

After being a Graduate Assistant, his coaching would not stop becoming the head coach for Mineola High School girls basketball team where he helped lead his team to the 2019 regional tournament. Later, in 2020, Riley would return to his alma mater, Chapel Hill High School and become the girls head basketball coach.

Today, Riley lives in Tyler, Texas, with his wife Megan, and their family. He continues to coach the Lady Bulldogs at Chapel Hill High School, as he led the team to their first district championship in 30 years, in 2025.

From leading on the court to leading on the sidelines, Riley continues to impact his communities through his love of basketball.

WNMU Athletics is proud to name TJ Riley as the Alumni of the Week, as he continues to give back to his community lead in his everyday life, just like he did as a Mustang.

Stay tuned for next week's Alumni of the Week, as we continue highlighting stories and achievements of our Mustang Alumni.
 

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).