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Sandia Prep's long-tenured Athletic Director Willie Owens will be leaving the school in July to embark on a new chapter as the Athletic Director at John Burroughs School in St. Louis, Missouri.

Owens has been an integral part of the Sandia Prep community for 37 years, serving in various capacities and leaving an indelible mark on Prep's athletic programs. In his current role, he oversees 70 coaches, leading 56 girls' and boys' teams across 23 sports. His impact on the Sandia Prep athletic landscape has been profound, and we are grateful for his dedication to our student-athletes.

From coaching track, soccer, and golf to his notable achievements in basketball, Owens has been an inspirational figure. As the head coach of Prep's boys' basketball team from 1994 to 2017, he guided the team to numerous victories, district championships, regional championships, and consecutive state semifinal games. His legacy is woven into the fabric of not only our athletic achievements but also our strong school culture.

Owens has garnered well-deserved accolades, including induction into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) Hall of Honor — the association's highest honor. His commitment to developing character in his student-athletes was also recognized with the NMHSCA's Coaching for Character Award in 2022.

In 2022, he became the first African American coach inducted into the New Mexico High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

Beyond the wins and championships, Owens has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to build strong relationships within the Prep community and mentor students both on and off the field. He has consistently guided students and peers with grace and humility, and his influence will continue to resonate for years to come.

"I will always be indebted to this community for helping me grow professionally and personally," Owens says. "I owe my colleagues tremendously for helping raise my two kids and supporting the countless other students who attend Prep. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

The move will allow Owens and his wife Debra to be much closer to their children (Spenser ’11 and Whitney ’15) and grandchildren, who are in St. Louis and Kansas City. 

Please join us in extending our heartfelt thanks to Owens. We will find many ways to celebrate him in the coming months. We wish him continued success and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make at John Burroughs School.