Miyamura High School Head Volleyball Coach Eric “Coach Z” Zamora continues to make his mark on the sport—this time on one of the biggest stages in New Mexico high school volleyball. This year, Zamora was selected by coaches from across the state to lead the 3A/4A Red vs. Green All-Star Team, an honor that reflects the respect he has earned statewide for his leadership, character, and coaching excellence.
Being chosen as an All-Star coach is no small feat; the selection comes directly from a statewide vote among fellow coaches, making it one of the most meaningful distinctions in New Mexico athletics. But for Zamora, the experience became even more special when one of his own players, Miyamura senior Elena Haley, was selected to play on his All-Star roster. Haley, a standout student-athlete and team leader, was the only player chosen from 4A District 1.
The Red vs. Green All-Star event brings together top athletes from different programs who have little time to learn one another’s playing styles. Yet in true Coach Z fashion, Zamora transformed a group of talented individuals into a unified team and a family in just two days.
Through shared team dinners, focused practices, and intentional team-building conversations, he helped the underdog Green team believe in themselves and in each other. His players bought in quickly, embracing his philosophy of connection, communication, and collective purpose.
That belief paid off. The Green team battled through five intense sets and emerged victorious, winning 3 out of 5.
After the match, Coach Zamora reflected on the experience, saying: “It was really gratifying to meet new players, lead them to being a team, and then pull off the win. I’m very blessed to have worked with such great players. Lifetime connections and friendships were made on that court”
From elevating Miyamura’s volleyball program to inspiring New Mexico’s top All-Star athletes, Coach Zamora continues to demonstrate what exceptional coaching looks like: leadership rooted in trust, teamwork, and heart.
Coach Z and Elena Haley will be recognized at Tuesday evenings Gallup City Council Meeting.
