Brian Weems Named Runners Head Coach

New Mexico Runners Name Brian Weems as New Head Coach

Rio Rancho, NM – The New Mexico Runners have officially announced the hiring of Brian Weems as the team’s new head coach! A dynamic leader with a deep passion for the game and an unwavering commitment to success, Coach Weems is ready to lead the Runners to an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s history.

During Tuesday’s press conference, the dialogue expressed Coach Weems’ focus to bring a team developmental element to the organization, making him an ideal leader to guide the Runners as they continue to deliver the fast-paced, high-energy arena soccer action fans know and love. 

A local soccer luminary who played at Sandia Prep during his high school years and at UNLV in college, Coach Weems is currently also the Head Coach of the Rio Grande High School Boys Soccer team and has built a culture of team success leading his high school team to their first ever district title in 2024. 

His resume features many key soccer coaching highlights including being named District High School Coach of the Year six times since 2007 during his coaching career which features Belen, Sandia, and Rio Grande High Schools. He will still continue to coach and work at Rio Grande High School.

"We are beyond excited to welcome Brian Weems to the New Mexico Runners family," said Team Owner Andres Trujillo. "We have the player talent to compete and Brian’s leadership, development of team culture, and commitment to community engagement are exactly what we need to take this team to the next level. We can’t wait for our fans to meet him and see what he brings to the field."

Coach Weems expressed his excitement and mentioned, “I pride myself on building relationships with my players… It’s my job to prepare them to their full maximum capacity to play.” He goes on to say, “It’s all about these amazing athletes and my goal is to propel these athletes to a winning program while changing the culture for the better.”

He brings along a 4 person assistant coaching staff that includes a goalkeeper coach as well as a defensive coach to help facilitate the fine tuning of these New Mexico Runners athletes. Player development is a key focus for Weems and will be at the forefront to bring the Runners to be more competitive and successful.

The announcement comes just days ahead of the Runners’ next home game on Sunday, January 26th, 2025, when they will host the Wichita Wings at the Rio Rancho Events Center which is themed as “Youth Soccer Day” offering discounted tickets of $11 for youth soccer teams. With Coach Weems now at the helm, the excitement and momentum are building as the Runners aim to change the tide this season.

The New Mexico Runners will kick off their 3rd home game of the sixth season hosting the Wichita Wings on Sunday January 26th, 2025 with a 3:05 PM MT kick-off at the Rio Rancho Events Center (3001 Civic Center Circle Dr. NW, Rio Rancho, NM 87144). Discounted group tickets this season start at $13 and can be purchased online at newmexicorunners.com or the box office on gameday.