PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico University director of athletics, Kevin Fite has announced Karli Bustos as the next head volleyball coach for the University.
“I am happy to announce Karli Bustos as our new head volleyball coach. She has head coaching experience that includes turning a program around and reaching postseason competition,” said Fite on the announcement. “From our first conversation it was clear to me that Karli and I shared a philosophy on how to build a successful program; with high character student-athletes, a commitment to hard work, and success in the classroom and on the court.”
Bustos comes to Portales after five seasons as the head coach at Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colo.
With the Trojans, she guided the program to a 63-91 record. Most notably, Bustos helped the program go from a 2-20 season in 2020-21 to a 23-10 mark in 2024-25. The 2024-25 season is the highest winning percentage (.696) in school history. TSJC qualified for the NJCAA Region IX tournament three times during her tenure.
In 2024, the Trojans led the NJCAA District IX DI-South in aces (306) and had three players named south region players of the week.
“Karli promotes a philosophy of structure and discipline that will create a culture needed to be winners on and off the floor,” said Fite on Bustos. “She and I expect our volleyball student-athletes to graduate and win more games. She welcomes the challenge the Lone Star Conference provides.”
The Espanola, N.M. native took the role in Trinidad, Colo. after four seasons as an assistant coach at New Mexico Highlands. In her final two seasons at NMHU, she coached 13 all-academic Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) honorees.
ENMU’s newest coach began her coaching career in Las Vegas, N.M., leading the West Las Vegas High School team. She earned NMAA District 2-AAAA coach of the year honors in 2014 after guiding the team to an 18-5 record and perfect 7-0 mark in district play.
“I am very excited. I want to thank Dr. James Johnston and Kevin Fite for the opportunity,” said head coach Karli Bustos when asked about the opportunity. “I want to create a foundation, build a culture of champions, and bring a growth mindset to the program. I look for student-athletes who are willing to work and have good character.”
Bustos holds two degrees from NMHU. She earned a bachelor’s in elementary education in 2015 and a master’s in educational leadership in 2019.
The Greyhound volleyball program just completed its 48th season in 2024. Since 1976, the Hounds have won 718 games and earned two Lone Star Conference championships.
“I want to thank Sia Poyer for all he has done for the ENMU volleyball program,” said Fite. “Sia and Jennifer mean so much to Eastern and Greyhound Athletics. I would also like to thank Natalia Burdulis and Shelby Waltrip for their efforts with the 2024 Greyhound volleyball squad.”
