By Isabel Laulhé
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Following its loss to Sam Houston and elimination from the conference tournament, the New Mexico State women’s basketball team returned to Las Cruces to an unexpected development: after four seasons, head coach Jody Adams had been fired.
The change came after a season of mixed results, a common reality in college athletics where performance often determines job security.
“It was expected, since the results weren’t good, but the way and the timing were a surprise,” said Luis Rodriguez, the team’s strength and conditioning coach.
On March 11, 2026, New Mexico State hired Adeniyi Amadou as the new women’s basketball head coach. Amadou previously served as associate head coach at the University of Rhode Island since 2019, where he helped guide the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance.
With the coaching change, the program has begun shifting its approach to strength and conditioning, emphasizing efficiency, intensity and overall player development.
Rodriguez said effective training does not require longer sessions, but rather a more focused approach.
“The athlete doesn’t need much more to obtain the same benefits, as long as the training is efficient and intense,” Rodriguez said.
Amadou and Rodriguez agree on that philosophy, emphasizing the importance of building players who are both physically and mentally resilient.
“We’re looking for a greater emphasis on training and for athletes who are strong and resilient,” Rodriguez said.
He added that conditioning is not intended to replace competition, but to enhance performance to a higher level.
“Training is meant to improve performance and physical qualities in order to play the game in an optimal way,” Rodriguez said.
As the Aggies transition into a new era under Amadou, strength and conditioning is expected to play a key role heading into the next season.
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