Matt Enriquez was officially named Director of Athletics at Western New Mexico University in 2026 after serving as Interim Athletics Director since June 2025. Enriquez’s appointment marked the continuation of a 21-year journey within Mustang Athletics as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator.
A 2006 graduate of WNMU and a 2015 inductee into the WNMU Athletic Hall of Fame, Enriquez has built one of the most accomplished and well-rounded careers in department history. As a standout member of the Mustang men’s basketball program from 2002-06, Enriquez scored 1,591 career points, ranking among the top scorers in school history while earning recognition for his leadership and consistency on the court.
Following his playing career, Enriquez remained at WNMU and transitioned into coaching. He eventually became Head Men’s Basketball Coach in 2016, where he emphasized student-athlete development both academically and athletically while continuing to build upon the culture and values that shaped his own experience as a Mustang.
In 2019, Enriquez moved into athletic administration, serving as Assistant Athletics Director and later Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations. In those roles, he gained extensive experience overseeing departmental operations while helping guide the continued growth of Mustang Athletics.
Over his two decades at WNMU, Enriquez has played a significant role in the evolution of the department. His institutional knowledge, leadership experience, and commitment to the university mission have made him a trusted leader across campus and within the athletics community.
During his first year leading the department as Interim Athletics Director, Mustang Athletics experienced success both competitively and academically. WNMU student-athletes combined for a 3.19 cumulative GPA, while 126 student-athletes earned recognition on the Lone Star Conference Commissioner’s Fall 2025 Honor Roll and 52 posted perfect 4.0 GPAs.
Under Enriquez’s leadership, Mustang programs continued to achieve historic milestones. Men’s basketball recorded a program-best 22 wins and advanced to both the Lone Star Conference Tournament and NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. Volleyball and softball each posted their highest win totals since 2016, while women’s golf captured the SMSU Spring Invite championship. Men’s tennis achieved its highest national ranking in program history at No. 34, and track and field continued rewriting school records. Across all sports, WNMU student-athletes earned 16 All-Conference selections.
Beyond competition, Enriquez has prioritized enhancing the overall student-athlete experience and strengthening community engagement. He helped organize the inaugural Pink Games for men’s and women’s basketball, with proceeds benefiting the Gila Regional Cancer Center. Enriquez also reintroduced the WNMU Athletics Senior Banquet in 2026 to honor graduating student-athletes and worked closely with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) on initiatives including community toy drives and Faculty of the Semester recognition.
Additionally, Enriquez has overseen increased fundraising efforts to further support student-athlete resources and future program development. He also played a pivotal role in reinstating the WNMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2026, recognizing the accomplishments and legacy of former Mustang student-athletes. Enriquez has also expanded Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for WNMU student-athletes, creating additional branding and exposure opportunities.
Enriquez’s leadership philosophy centers on creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both academically and athletically while continuing to elevate Mustang Athletics across all programs.
The Enriquez family’s connection to WNMU extends beyond athletics. His wife, Jessica Enriquez, serves as Director of the Registrar’s Office at WNMU. A proud alumna of the university, Jessica has more than two decades of experience across academic affairs, business affairs, and student services. Together, Matt and Jessica have two daughters, Averi and Allie, and remain deeply committed to the Mustang community and the mission of Western New Mexico University.
