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Benet Higgs named New Mexico State's permanent softball coach
TL;DR
Benet Higgs has been appointed as the permanent softball coach for New Mexico State University. This decision marks a significant step for the NMSU softball program.
Key points
- Benet Higgs appointed as permanent softball coach
- Higgs aims to strengthen NMSU softball program
- Appointment reflects commitment to competitive performance
Benet Higgs named New Mexico State's permanent softball coach
The NMSU Softball Team gathers around the dugout for a quick rally cheer before the start of the game.
Aggie second baseman Destan Burks fields a ground ball and throws out the batter going to first base.
Taryn Bennett took the mound for the Aggies against UTEP on Sunday afternoon.
Taylor Baca takes a lead after reaching safely on to first base.
Kendal Lunar slides into second trying to beat the throw to the base.
Aggie shortstop Tamara Carranza gets an easy out on a pop up fly ball against the UTEP Miners.
Aggie first baseman Kendal Lunar fields a ground ball for an easy out against UTEP.
Faith Aragon lays down a perfect bunt for a hit to start the gaime against UTEP on Sunday afternoon.
Tamara Carranza makes contact with the pitch she fouls off down the third base line.
Aggie second baseman Destan Burks fields a ground ball and makes a play to first base for an out.
Kendal Lunar gets held up at third base by her coach after a hit to the outfield by her teammate.
Left fielder Skye Johnson positions herself to catch a fly ball during the game against UTEP.
Tamara Carranza gets ready to slide into home plate beating the ball to the catcher.
Destan Burks flips the ball to Tamara Carranza for an easy force out at second base.
Tamara Carranza reaches second base safely before the ball gets there.
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Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
The NMSU Softball Team gathers around the dugout for a quick rally cheer before the start of the game.
1 / 15
Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
The NMSU Softball Team gathers around the dugout for a quick rally cheer before the start of the game.
2 / 15
Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Aggie second baseman Destan Burks fields a ground ball and throws out the batter going to first base.
3 / 15
Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Taryn Bennett took the mound for the Aggies against UTEP on Sunday afternoon.
4 / 15
Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Taylor Baca takes a lead after reaching safely on to first base.
5 / 15
The NMSU-UTEP softball series was a bittersweet end of an era | Coppola
Kendal Lunar slides into second trying to beat the throw to the base.
6 / 15
Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Aggie shortstop Tamara Carranza gets an easy out on a pop up fly ball against the UTEP Miners.
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Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Aggie first baseman Kendal Lunar fields a ground ball for an easy out against UTEP.
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Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Faith Aragon lays down a perfect bunt for a hit to start the gaime against UTEP on Sunday afternoon.
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Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Tamara Carranza makes contact with the pitch she fouls off down the third base line.
10 / 15
The NMSU-UTEP softball series was a bittersweet end of an era | Coppola
Aggie second baseman Destan Burks fields a ground ball and makes a play to first base for an out.
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Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Kendal Lunar gets held up at third base by her coach after a hit to the outfield by her teammate.
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Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Left fielder Skye Johnson positions herself to catch a fly ball during the game against UTEP.
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Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Tamara Carranza gets ready to slide into home plate beating the ball to the catcher.
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Our best photos from UTEP vs. NMSU softball in Las Cruces
Destan Burks flips the ball to Tamara Carranza for an easy force out at second base.
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The NMSU-UTEP softball series was a bittersweet end of an era | Coppola
Tamara Carranza reaches second base safely before the ball gets there.
New Mexico State has officially found its next softball coach.
Interim coach Benet Higgs was named as the Aggies' permanent coach on Monday, May 11. She is now the program's 13th head coach in its history.
"From the moment I asked Coach Higgs to step into this role, her leadership, vision, and commitment to our student-athletes stood out," said NM State athletic director Joe Fields in a press release. "She exceeded every expectation and showed exactly what success for our softball program should look like. I’m proud to officially name Coach Higgs our permanent head softball coach and look forward to building a championship program together."
MORE AGGIES SPORTS: From Las Cruces High to New Mexico State, Steve Solorzano's dream is now a reality
Higgs was named interim coach on Oct. 29 after the Aggies fired Kathy Rodolph. Higgs received a pay raise from $40,000 to $70,000 as part of her temporary elevation. It is unknown yet whether she has received a larger raise now that her interim tag has been removed.
While university leaders have continued to stay silent on why Rodolph was fired (or even publicly acknowledge her departure as a firing), Fields previously told the Las Cruces Sun-News that the reason is separate from Higgs.
"She had nothing to do with any other thing that was happening with the softball program, and she's done nothing but a phenomenal job since being asked to serve in this role," Fields told the Sun-News.
MORE AGGIES SPORTS: NMSU's Emma Bunch named Conference USA Female Golfer of the Year for the 3rd time in a row
Under Higgs, the Aggies finished 27-27. Their 16-11 Conference USA record during the regular season gave NM State a No. 5 seed in the conference tournament. The Aggies went 1-2 there, defeating Sam Houston in the first round before losing their next two games against Delaware and Louisiana Tech. NM State was picked by CUSA head coaches in its preseason poll to finish No. 8 in the conference and receive the last seed in the CUSA Tournament.
While a record at .500 doesn't seem special on the surface, Higgs is just the third head coach in Aggies softball history to win at least 25 games in her first season. She was also one of four first-year coaches in the nation to post a winning record in the regular season this year, as NM State was 26-25 entering the CUSA Tournament.
"I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to lead New Mexico State Softball, and I’m incredibly thankful to Joe Fields for the trust and belief in me to lead this program," Higgs said in a press release. "Over the last year, I’ve seen the resilience, toughness, and competitiveness of this group firsthand, and I’m excited to continue building a program centered on development, accountability, connection and competing for championships in Conference USA.
"Las Cruces and NMSU mean a lot to me. There’s a lot of pride in this place, and I’m excited for what’s ahead for Aggie Softball."
Higgs had been an assistant under Rodolph in the 2024 and 2025 seasons after assistant coaching tenures at Stony Brook, Bradley and Army.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Benet Higgs named permanent New Mexico State softball coach
Q&A
Who is Benet Higgs and what is his new role?
Benet Higgs is the newly appointed permanent softball coach for New Mexico State University.
What does Benet Higgs' appointment mean for NMSU softball?
Higgs' appointment signifies a commitment to strengthening the NMSU softball program and aims to enhance its competitive performance.
When was Benet Higgs named the permanent coach for NMSU softball?
Benet Higgs was named the permanent coach for New Mexico State's softball team recently, although the exact date is not specified.
What are the expectations for Benet Higgs as the NMSU softball coach?
Expectations for Higgs include improving team performance and fostering a positive environment for player development.
