LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Ahead of the 2026 season, NM State Head Coach Rob Baarts has announced the hiring of Shayna Whieldon as the newest Aggie assistant coach.
 
Whieldon joins the Aggies after a pair of seasons with the UTEP Miners as a graduate assistant. During her time in El Paso, Whieldon organized travel, assisted in the creation of social media content, crafted team-building activities and provided input on practice sessions.
 
In her role, the Norco, Calif., native helped the Miners achieve their best record of the decade in 2024, while helping four student-athletes earn All-CUSA honors.
 
"I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the New Mexico State Women's Soccer staff," said Coach Whieldon. "Coach Baarts has built the foundation of a winning program that demands a competitive edge and relentless mentality. I am honored to contribute to the culture, and I look forward to developing these girls both on and off the field."
 
Prior to her time in the Borderland, Whieldon worked as a member of the Washington State coaching staff, contributing in a variety of roles following her graduation in 2019. Working as the team's video coordinator from 2020-2022, she organized and presented opponent scouting reports and assisted with recruiting efforts among other duties.
 
In 2022, Whieldon was named Director of Operations, where she was responsible for all operations and administration, including travel and budgeting, while also acting as a liaison for all soccer communications department-wide.
 
During her playing career at Washington State, she was a four-year letterwinner, helping the squad qualify for the NCAA Tournament in 2017 (Sweet 16), 2018 (Second Round), and 2019 (College Cup Final Four Semifinalist). The Norco, Calif., native appeared in 64 games during her career, including logging 19 starts.
 
"We are incredibly excited to add Shayna to our NMSU coaching staff" said NM State Head Coach Rob Baarts. "She has playing experience as a player, going to the Final Four in college with WSU, along with Division I coaching experience. Her immediate connection to our team and staff has been super fun to watch. Shayna's passion for team chemistry and team bonding has really taken our team by storm. Can't wait to see what new and innovative ideas she will bring to the NMSU Soccer family. Welcome to Cruces sista!"

Whieldon earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a Minor in Psychology from Washington State in 2019, while earning her Master of Arts in Leadership Studies from UTEP in May 2026. She currently resides in Las Cruces with her boyfriend, David Bellamy, who currently serves as an assistant coach for the NM State baseball program.
 
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