Fernando Santillanes named new Valley High baseball coach in Albuquerque

Fernando Santillanes took over the Valley High School baseball program in Albuquerque this spring. He replaces former head coach Chad Kuhn. Kuhn led the Valley baseball team for the past 21 years.

Santillanes spent the last nine seasons as the head coach at Highland. Four assistant coaches will join him on the new staff. All five coaches played for the Vikings in their playing days.

The coaching staff now returns to their Albuquerque roots. Santillanes said the staff has a chance to give back to the community that shaped them.

“It’s an opportunity to continue to serve in a community that gave so much to us,” Santillanes said. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, honestly, and we are excited.”

Santillanes said his message to the players was clear from the beginning. The coaches want to serve, lead and encourage the players. They also demand a relentless approach every day.

“I came in day one letting them know I am here to serve you guys and encourage you guys, and we are here to lead you guys, but we are going to be relentless in everything we do,” he said.

Head coaches manage team training, organize game plans and mentor student athletes. High school athletic programs hire experienced coaches to guide team traditions. The staff oversees practices and directs daily player development.

Santillanes and his assistants now begin preparing the Albuquerque team for the upcoming season. The group will work to build on the baseball tradition for the next generation.