NMHSCA Inducted Marilyn Sepulveda in Coaches Hall of Fame Posthumously

This Saturday Alamogordo was well represented, as two local coaches; Tommy Standerfer, and Posthumously, Coach Marilyn Sepulveda were each entered into the NMHSCA Coaches Hall of Honor, at the NMAA annual conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Also, a former Alamogordo graduate, and former teacher and coach; Wilson Holland, who is now the District Athletic Director of Las Lunas Schools, was awarded the 2025 NMAA Distinguished Service Award.

A video of Mrs Sepulveda’s accomplishments is posted on YouTube produced by the NMAA and presented exclusively via Alamogordo Town News on streaming KALHRadio.org via the link below…

https://youtu.be/Or9U40SVagk?feature=shared

Marilyn Sepulveda was remembered posthumously at the New Mexico Athletics and Activities Association Awards Dinner July, 19th, 2025 and inducted into the New Mexico Coaches Hall of Honor (Fame). Mrs Sepulveda was honored for her pioneering role in advancing girls athletics and her steadfast dedication to student achievement. While many locals may remember her as the wife of legendary Alamogordo High School Coach Bob Sepulveda, Marilyn’s name stands tall in its own right, etched into the foundation of girls high school sports and female leadership in New Mexico.

NMHSCA Inducted Marilyn Sepulveda in Coaches Hall of Fame Posthumously -AlamogordoTownNews.org

Marilyn began her career in education in Alamogordo in 1965 as a physical education instructor before transitioning to teaching English and coaching. She quickly emerged as a trailblazer, becomes the first woman in New Mexico to coach BOTH boys and girls cross country, while also leading the Tiger girls track and field program. Her leadership provided results at the state and national levels. In 1975, just a year after the formation of the Alamogordo Girls track and field program her team won its first district championship and placed 2nd at state. In 1982 her cross country team earned a 3rd place finish at the state championship. She developed Alamogordo’s first nationally recognized “All Americans” and several of her athletes went on to compete in the Great Southwest and other nationally recognized competitions. Some of her athletes, such as Lisa Valle, went on to national recognition in Masters championships, to include her son,  Rene Sepulveda, who became Alamogordo’s only athlete to complete 2 Olympic trails.

Under her guidance her program captured 14 district titles, one state title, 4 state 2nd place championships and two 3rd place state finishes. 

Former students of Marilyn Sepulveda join Coach’s Rene and Robert Sepulveda to celebrate Marilyn Sepulveda’s legacy at the 2025 NMAA Conference- AlamogordoTownNews.org

Beyond the track, Marilyn’s influence helped reshape the state coaching community in New Mexico. On July 31st, 1987, she led a group of coaches in founding the New Mexico Track and Cross Country Coaches Association, serving as its first president until her untimely death to cancer in 1989. 

In addition to this honor Marilyn was the first coach from Alamogordo to be named to the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Track and Field Coach of the Year in 1981. She earned level IV Coaching Milestone Ring from the NMHSCA and her impact was recognized nationally when in 1987 she was appointed vice chair for region 8 of the National High School Coaches Association. 

Her legacy lives on each year on the track as students compete, by invitation only, to the state qualifying Marilyn Sepulveda Invitational at the University of New Mexico each spring. 

Congratulations to Coach Bob Sepulveda and his son retired NCAA Coach Rene Sepulveda for the 2025 honor of Marilyn Sepulveda posthumously for her groundbreaking achievements, her leadership and her fierce dedication to student athletes. Marilyn was a trailblazer, a mentor, a legacy builder whose influence still echos across New Mexico athletics.

A pioneer, a leader and a legends the NMAA and the NMHSCA recognizes Marilyn Sepulveda. 

Alamogordo well represented at the NMAA recognition of Marilyn Sepulveda July 19, 2025 in Albuquerque

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• NMHSCA Inducted Tommy Standefer in Hall of Fame Saturday July 19th, 2025, Alamogordo High School Coach Tommy Standerfer inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame
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