Chargers Athletics
Chargers Philosophy
Athletics is an integral part of the Academy experience. Every season our student-athletes gain lifelong lessons in the value of competition, perseverance, hard work, and the true meaning of teamwork. We believe that athletic competition is a powerful teacher. Physical and mental challenges in a team setting offer athletes the opportunity to develop leadership skills, self–confidence and a commitment to others that will inspire them to lead productive and active lives.
Academy athletes have earned more than 160 state championship titles through their dedication, earnest effort, and character. Many of our students have received scholarships based on their athletic performance at the Academy, and some have gone on to compete at the professional level. Whether or not they’re in uniform, Chargers display their integrity throughout their lives.
Nominations for the Albuquerque Academy Athletics Hall of Fame are open through Sunday, November 22.
Notable Alumni
Curtis Beach ’09
While attending Duke University, Curtis Beach ’09 earned multiple NCAA Champion, All-American, and All-ACC titles for track and field. He also competed at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, where he placed 11th in the men’s decathlon. In 2015, Curtis became a member of the Nike Track & Field team and made his professional debut at the 45th Annual Mt. Sac California Invitational.
Notah Begay III ’90
Notah Begay III, the only full-blooded Native American to have played on the PGA TOUR, was born and raised in Albuquerque. Notah secured a scholarship to Stanford University, where he earned a degree in economics in addition to earning All-American Honors three times and leading the golf team to a national championship in 1994.
In addition to winning four PGA TOUR tournaments, Notah became only the third player in the history of professional golf to shoot 59 in a professional event and partnered with good friend Tiger Woods in the 2000 President’s Cup.
Alex Bregman ’12
After breaking records on the baseball field at Albuquerque Academy, Alex Bregman ’12 was drafted the summer after his senior year by the Boston Red Sox, but elected to attend Louisiana State University. In his three years in Baton Rouge, he was named an All-American twice and was the 2013 National Freshman Player of the Year. Alex was selected again in the 2015 MLB draft, this time in the first round as the second overall pick by the Houston Astros, the highest of any New Mexico player. Alex made his major league debut on July 25, 2016 versus the New York Yankees.
Justine Schluntz ’05
While swimming at the University of Arizona, Justine became a five-time NCAA National Champion and was named to the Pac-10 First Team All-Academic Team three consecutive years. A 16-time NCAA All-American, she helped Arizona win the 2008 Division I women’s team championship. Upon graduating from U of A, Justine was named the 20th NCAA Woman of the Year for her academic and athletics excellence while demonstrating extraordinary community service and leadership. Justine also received her doctorate from Oxford University where she was a Rhodes Scholar.
