The celebratory parade in Las Vegas, N.M., had to be put on a hold for a day when the bus of the Class 3A softball champion West Las Vegas Lady Dons broke down in the hours following their 2-1 victory over Cobre in Friday’s final. The misfortune couldn’t spoil their elation from winning their second title in three years, and the Lady Dons broke out in a karaoke session outside of a restaurant while waiting for a new bus.

In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, West Las Vegas coach Julie Esquibel said her players are still riding high after capturing another title. She spoke to Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron to discuss the program’s 73-13 run over the past three years, including a 24-4 record in 2026.

In her second year coaching the Lady Dons, Esquibel said she prioritized building team chemistry. In addition to winning another Class 3A championship, she said it’s moments such as the impromptu karaoke session that her players will remember forever.

The mother of sophomore sensation Malie “Moogie” Satete, who broke the state’s home run record as an eighth-grader, Esquibel also talks about her daughter’s drive, her busy sports schedule and the first time she blasted a home run.

In the second segment, the guys touch briefly on the upcoming season for the Santa Fe Fuego and share some of their most memorable moments from the end of the 2025-26 high school sports season.

The celebratory parade in Las Vegas, N.M., had to be put on a hold for a day when the bus of the Class 3A softball champion West Las Vegas Lady Dons broke down in the hours following their 2-1 victory over Cobre in Friday&rsquo;s final. The misfortune couldn&rsquo;t spoil their elation from winning their second title in three years, and the Lady Dons broke out in a karaoke session outside of a restaurant while waiting for a new bus.
In the latest episode of &ldquo;The Sports Den&rdquo; podcast, West Las Vegas coach Julie Esquibel said her players are still riding high after capturing another title. She spoke to&nbsp;Santa Fe New Mexican&nbsp;sports writers Will Webber and James Barron to discuss the program&rsquo;s 73-13 run over the past three years, including a 24-4 record in 2026.
In her second year coaching the Lady Dons, Esquibel said she prioritized building team chemistry. In addition to winning another Class 3A championship, she said it&rsquo;s moments such as the impromptu karaoke session that her players will remember forever.
The mother of sophomore sensation Malie &ldquo;Moogie&rdquo; Satete, who broke the state&rsquo;s home run record as an eighth-grader, Esquibel also talks about her daughter&rsquo;s drive, her busy sports schedule and the first time she blasted a home run.
In the second segment, the guys touch briefly on the upcoming season for the Santa Fe Fuego and share some of their most memorable moments from the end of the 2025-26 high school sports season.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.   
The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of The Santa Fe New Mexican.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.&nbsp;&nbsp; The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of&nbsp;The Santa Fe New Mexican.

The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.  

The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of The Santa Fe New Mexican.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of&nbsp;The Santa Fe New Mexican.