FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

We are pleased to announce Chris Lovato as a new Director at NM Rapids SC. Chris will continue to help oversee the Youth Academy and also the younger age groups in NM Rapids and his exact Directorship will be announced over the summer.

Chris was born and raised in Belen, New Mexico later moving to Albuquerque where he started his coaching career at 25 years old. Before coaching, Chris started his soccer career with Belen AYSO where he played from age 3-10. Chris was also a New Mexico Rapids Alumni player, starting at the age of 10 and finishing as a senior in high school. Chris earned the opportunity to travel across the country training with academies like the Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids. Chris also earned the opportunity to travel overseas as a youth player to train with the West Ham United Academy. As a player, Chris also played as a five year letterman at Belen & Los Lunas High School from 2011-2015. Chris had many opportunities to play at the college level eventually deciding to stay at home and attend the University of New Mexico under Coach Jeremy Fishbein. In the spring of 2023, Chris made his coaching debut as a head/assistant coach for the New Mexico Rapids Youth Academy.  He also has valuable coaching experience from his time as a player. Chris joined New Mexico Rapids as a coach in the spring of 2023 and he recently compiled his Grassroots 9v9 coaching license and is looking to get his USSF D License in 2025/26.

Chris States: 

“Looking back as a player for the New Mexico Rapids, I remember all of the memories and great times created as a player while playing for this club. Coming back into the same soccer club as a coach/director and being surrounded by the same people who influenced me and helped me develop as a player, was the best opportunity for me to pursue my dreams as a coach. I’m extremely excited and blessed by the opportunity and even more excited to get started with the U9/U10 age group and Youth Academy.  I truly value the relationships you make with young and aspiring players, and I can’t wait to start making great impacts on the lives of players in our community. Thank you to everyone involved for trusting and believing in me.”

NM Rapids Technical Director Justin Sells States:

“Chris spent his formative years as a player in the club and had a brief stint as a player at UNM.  Having him now transition into a full-time position as a coach in the club is awesome to see.  Chris is passionate about the game of soccer, his coaching ability and development and has a lot of practical experience he can share with our developing players.”

NM Rapids DOC Chris Hurst States:

“Chris is a young and upcoming coach in our State. Constantly adding new voices and ideas to our experienced Director group is key, and Chris has a lot to offer. He can give his perspective as a former player in the club, as well as his recent experience working alongside Aidan in the clubs Youth Academy and head coaching in the youngest age groups. We are thrilled he has decided to make soccer his career, and we cant wait to see him grow with our club”.