LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State Head Softball Coach Benet Higgs has announced a change to her coaching staff, elevating Alejandro Velasco to assistant coach after serving as the program's graduate assistant.
"I am extremely excited for this new position and can't wait for this upcoming season!" said Assistant Coach Alejandro Velasco.
"We're excited to promote Alex to Assistant Coach. Having been part of our program, he understands the culture, expectations, and history of New Mexico State Softball in a way that's invaluable. As a Las Cruces native, he has a genuine connection to this community and what this program means." added Head Coach Higgs. "Alex played a significant role in our success last season, and his understanding of our player development philosophy provides important continuity as we continue building the foundation and direction of our program. I'm excited to see him take on an expanded role and the impact he'll continue to have on our student-athletes."
Velasco enters his new role after three seasons with the Aggies where he served as the program's graduate assistant from August 2024 through May 2026 as well as a volunteer coach during the 2023-24 season. During his time on staff, he assisted with player development, defensive scouting, practice preparation and team operations, while helping coordinate travel logistics, team meals and game-day video analysis.
Prior to arriving at NM State, Velasco played collegiately at the University of Northwestern Ohio, where he earned First Team All-Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference honors in 2022 and 2023 as a utility player. As team captain during the 2022-23 season, he was also named to the WHAC Champions of Character Team. Before transferring to Northwestern Ohio, Velasco earned All-Pacific Coast Conference and Pacific Coast Conference Gold Glove honors as an infielder in 2019.
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As an assistant coach, Velasco will continue to work with the Aggies in player development, defensive strategy and team operations while helping guide NM State's student-athletes as the program prepares for the upcoming season.
For complete coverage of NM State Softball during the 2027 season, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of the Aggies – and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Softball), Twitter (@NMStateSoftball) and Instagram (@NMStateSoftball).
