NMMI Sports Press
Former overseas professional Chantale Riddle is the new Lady Colt volleyball coach at New Mexico Military Institute.
Riddle brings with her a wealth of experience at various levels, including five years of pro experience in Europe, four years of record-breaking play at the University of New Mexico and a state title and all-state honors at Roswell High.
Riddle also conducted volleyball camps at NMMI in recent years.
After a short stint coaching at Garden City Community College in Kansas, Riddle decided to head back to her hometown with her future wide open.
“I moved back home to kind of figure out where I wanted to be and what fit me exactly,” Riddle said. “I did a little social work with Chaves County CASA for a few months, which was rewarding, but I was always missing the sport, missing the competition.”
Working for CASA affirmed her love of working with youth and helping the community, but it wasn’t satisfying her volleyball jones.
“I still had a real itch for the game so I had to find my way back,” said Riddle. “The NMMI administration was great. I got to know them and I've worked with (Bronco volleyball coach) Shelby's (Forchtner) program in the past. I see so many good things happening here and it felt like a good fit."
Riddle is easily one of the most accomplished athletes to come out of Roswell in recent memory. At Roswell High, Riddle was a three-sport all-state athlete winning a volleyball state title and setting the state long jump record in 2008.
After a redshirt freshman season, Riddle had a very successful four years at UNM where she garnered All-Mountain West Conference honors in each season she played, was named to the All-Southwest Region and American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America teams.
Riddle graduated in 2014 as the UNM and Mountain West's all-time leader in points and kills. She still owns the MWC's record for most attacks in a single season with 1,351. She also competed with the USA College National Team from 2012-2014.
Riddle took her talents to Europe in 2015, playing one season in Finland for pro club LP Kangasala and four seasons in Switzerland, first for TS Volley Düdingen and then for VC Kanti Schaffhausen.
"I loved Switzerland, it really was a second home to me," Riddle said. "I loved the culture and the people."
Now that Riddle is back in her old stomping grounds and back on the hardwood, she said she looks forward to building a relationship with the young ladies on her squad.
"My goal is to be a mentor to the players, not only on the court, but off the court," she said. "I want to help them develop life skills and push them forward. As far as the offensive strategy, we'll have to figure that out together. It's going to be completely new for me and for them. I think we will challenge each other. My main goal is to help them as young women, not just athletes. I think the wins will follow."
Riddle said she is excited to be back home and doing what she loves.
"I grew up on the south side. My family is still here and they are happy to have me home and they all want team shirts," she said. "I thank God, my family and NMMI for the opportunity to coach and teach these young women."
The Lady Colts first match takes place in Jal on Aug. 23. The first home contest is Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. against Loving at the Godfrey Athletic Center on the NMMI campus.