Branch promoted to BHS volleyball head coach

BELEN — Belen High School has removed the “interim” title in the job description for Shenoa Branch, who has been officially hired as the Eagles’ head volleyball coach.

Branch took over the program in November when Buddy York was terminated before the final regular season game of the season.

The Eagles were 15-9 last season, qualifying for the 4A State Championship.

“I’m excited and I think we have a good chance to make it to state again,” said Branch. “I’m really impressed with our girls and their abilities.”

The resume for Branch includes one year as an assistant in the BHS program, an assistant head coach at Valencia under Connie Campos more than a decade ago, as well as coaching club volleyball.

Branch, who is a homemaker, what she calls, “The best job in the world,” played high school volleyball in Mountainair.

As far as her coaching style, Branch said, “I’m old school. Fundamentals. I think fundamentals are important. I’m not about the hoopla. I’m not about the bright and shiny. It’s starting off humble.”

Jim Collins, Belen Consolidated Schools director of athletics, said in a statement that “We are very excited to have Shenoa as our next head coach.

“She is very organized and I feel she will have a program that is very disciplined,” and that discipline will be shown on the court.

Spring workouts and a summer program will be available for the players, according to Branch.

“I’m excited to get into the gym and the weight room with them,” she said.