Kenny Barreras Takes the Lead To many in the Albuquerque Academy community, the new athletic director is best known for his years of leadership with Think Summer. What few realize is that Kenny Barreras brings 35 years of public education experience to his new post — including 18 years as district athletic director for Albuquerque […]
Spring 2026 Sports Honors
Scores of Chargers received individual recognition during and following the Spring 2026 season. GOLF Metro Athlete of the Year Adelyn Haas ’27 All State Adelyn Haas ’27, champion Gabby Sanchez ’28 Thomas Whitten ’29, champion Alex Hanna ’27 All Metro Adelyn Haas ’27, champion Gabby Sanchez ’28 Russel Hiller ’28 Josh James ’26 Thomas Whitten […]
Academy’s Diego Friedrich wins the boys race at UNM
James Yodice, Albuquerque Journal The University of New Mexico North Golf Course was decorated in Eldorado burnt orange Saturday morning. Not that the Eagles girls cross country team has anything to prove, but they’re already in full flight, dominating the Lobo Invitational. Freshman Helene Gessner of Eldorado and Diego Friedrich, a sophomore at Albuquerque Academy, […]
Leaving his own mark: Notah Begay III ’90 honored for Native youth work
The Albuquerque golfer and analyst receives the 2026 Payne Stewart Award for his NB3 Foundation’s work supporting Native youth health and leadership. Geoff Grammer, Journal Staff Writer He’d rub a small strip of chiih across his cheek — just a little below each eye — before every match. It was part of the routine for […]
Academy Joins Polaris Athlete Hub Pilot Program
The Academy’s Student-College Outreach Program, developed and led by the College Guidance Office’s Shaun Gehres, is one of 24 schools selected to participate in the Polaris Athlete Founding Pilot Program. Polaris Athlete provides tools to schools and student-athletes that streamline communication and track progress. Through this partnership, student-athletes participating in the Academy’s SACO program will have […]
Albuquerque teens sweep national javelin championship
Pedro Cuadra IV ’30 and Malik Sulaimon finish 1st and 2nd at the USA Track & Field National Junior Olympic Championships in California Austin Curtis | For the Journal [Albuquerque Academy ninth grader] Pedro Cuadra IV had one throw left. The 14-year-old from Albuquerque, javelin in hand, prepared for his final throw at the 2026 […]
Sports Illustrated: Bregman ’12 a Top-5 Athlete in NM
2012 Academy grad Alex Bregman joins MLB Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, four-time Indy 500 champ Al Unser Sr., top women’s golfer Nancy Lopez, and NFL great Brian Urlacher in Sports Illustrated’s list of the five best athletes from each state in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary. “Though lacking any major professional sports […]
Chargers Athletics Named #11 Sports Program Across U.S.
The tradition of excellence continues for Chargers athletics! MaxPreps named Albuquerque Academy’s sports program #11 nationwide in its 2025-26 ranking of top 100 high schools. The recognition comes on the strength of eight state championships, five runners-up, so many hard-working student-athletes, and the best in coaching — and after taking the 13th spot for the […]
Tennis’ Amy Badger Named 2026 NMHSCA Coach of the Year
Girls varsity tennis coach Amy Badger has been named a 2026 New Mexico High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year. The honor recognizes her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to her student-athletes, our school, and the values of education-based athletics. In Coach Badger's nearly 30 years with the Academy tennis program, the team has [...]
Notah Begay III ’90 honored with PGA TOUR’s Payne Stewart Award
By PGAtour.com Staff Four-time PGA TOUR winner and founder of NB3 Foundation – a national, award-winning Native-led nonprofit – Notah Begay III has been named the recipient of this year’s Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company, honoring his character, sportsmanship, and commitment to charitable giving. Begay, 53, will be honored Tuesday, Aug. 25, at […]
