STAFF
Founder Brenda M. Atencio
(Ohkay Owingeh, NM)
"Hard Work Never Sleeps and Time Waits For No Man or Woman"
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I was born and raised in Ohkay Owingeh, NM; the second of 8 children, raised by my grandmother Gregorita. Nothing in my life was ever handed to me. I learned at a very young age that if I wanted anything in life, I had to work hard for it from walking to school everyday when I was in Elementary, Junior and High School to catch the bus, to riding a mountain bike to make it to classes at Northern New Mexico College. My grandma and my aunt Sandy always told me, without an education, I would struggle in life, and this has been my driving force - educating myself. I graduated with my Masters in Indigenous Peoples' Law from O-U - Boomer Sooner! I am all for the growth, betterment, and equality of Women in all aspects of life! If my life is a true testament that you can accomplish everything you set your mind to, then let it be so. If I can help women work to accomplish their goals and attain their dreams, then I have done my job in this life!
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Offensive Coordinator
Open Position
(NM)
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Offensive Assistant Coach
Open Position
(NM)
"My Goal is"
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Coming Soon!
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Defensive Coordinator
Dyron C. Thompson
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"I can't believe that God put us on earth to be ordinary" - Lou Holtz
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I am Dyron C. Thompson or simply, "Coach Dy." As a coach who has played high school and college football, my football coaching background is on offense and defense with a strong emphasis on fundamental linemen technique remains extraordinarily diverse and I am determined to apply my skill set to the success of the Rio Grande Heat Women's Football Program. Having worked alongside esteemed college and high school coaches during many off seasons with a brief rewarding internship with the Duke City Gladiators, and over 10+ years cutting my teeth in the NMYAFL coaching ranks, my love for the game continues to grow. The amazing game of football has taught me so many invaluable lessons like handling sudden change, expecting setbacks, championing the uninformed and finding solutions to problematic situations. When I'm not serving as an IT Federal Manager or Coach, you'll find me as an Event Supervisor, on horseback, or perhaps deep sea fishing or simply riding my Harley on a back deserted road still chasing dreams. I am excited and honored to coach these amazing athletes for the 2020 Rio Grande Heat season! Let's go HEAT! #DreamChaser
Defensive Assistant Coach
Open Position
(Location)
"Coming Soon"
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Coming Soon!
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Special Teams Coordinator
Open Position
(Location)
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Coming Soon!
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Team Assistant Heather Koyawena
(Second Mesa, AZ)
"A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong!"
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I was born in Tucson, AZ but raised in different parts of the states in a military family. I am Native American from the Hopi Tribe out of Arizona but settled in Albuquerque, NM. Graduated from Highland High School, attended Community College at TVI where I studied Emergency Medicine. Outside of school and books, I was always active in sports. I played basketball, ran track and field, cross country and was a sports trainer for the JV/Varsity football team while attending Highland High. I am a single mother of three beautiful children, a Surveillance Operator in the Casino field and Security Supervisor. Given a second chance at life and rebuilding, with my kids, my partner, and this amazing sisterhood by my side, has me high on life. I didn't have an easy or perfect life but my hardships and struggles made me who I am today - A STRONG AND INDEPENDENT WOMAN with a strong desire to help others. I'm very thankful to a special someone who introduced me to women's tackle football. Football is now my outlet. Go HEAT!
Team Assistant Kateri Keevama
(Ohkay Owingeh, NM)
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Coming Soon!
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