News

SFIS Hires Former Lady Brave as Head Coach of the Girls Basketball Team

May 8, 2015

SANTA FE, N.M. – Today the school announced Christie Abeyta, Santa Fe Indian School Class of 1992, as Head Coach of the Lady Braves basketball team. She replaces Lanse Carter who stepped down after last year’s 16-13 season. Ms. Abeyta was the assistant varsity coach under Cindy Roybal from 2011 – 2013. A Lady Brave herself, Ms. Abeyta played from 1987-1992, beginning in her eighth grade year. She currently teaches U.S. History and Native American Studies at Santa Fe Indian School. Ms. Abeyta is from the Pueblos of Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, San Juan, and Isleta.

Ms. Abeyta states, “I know the pride that the Lady Braves bring to the community. As a player, that was our mantra, to be proud of who you are, where you come from and what you can do as a team. I want to restore that legacy.”

“I am committed to this school. I plan to start from scratch – focus on basic skills – to build the most stable foundation possible. Success will come because there’s a lot a talent to work with. My job is to regroup, build atmosphere, and take the team as high as it can go year after year.”

Superintendent Roy Herrera comments, “As a Pueblo tribal member, SFIS alumna, and former Lady Brave, Ms. Abeyta represents the type of leadership we seek to nurture – to come full circle and contribute back to our communities.” He continues, “I expect great things both on and off the court. Ms. Abeyta understands the game as well as the students. It is the kind of mentorship where the lessons play out over a lifetime. Both the players, and the communities that they will return to, will be stronger as a result.”