Graduate Assistant earns full-time role on Jody Adams’ staff.
Source: NMSU Athletics
By Louis Bolander
Photo: Courtesy
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – After serving as a graduate assistant for the women’s basketball program for the last seven months, Preston Planells has been named the newest Aggie full-time assistant – Head Coach Jody Adams announced on Tuesday.
Native to Upland, Calif., Planells began his experience within collegiate athletics competing as a member of the men’s swim team at the University of Utah.
Planells earned a Bachelor of Science in strategic communications while studying in Salt Lake City and graduated in May of 2023, earning his way onto the Utes’ Dean’s List in four separate semesters. He also qualified as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District member in February of 2023.
While competing for Utah, Planells led as team captain in his senior year, guiding his squad to notable victories over LSU and UNLV.
The Utah alum earned his start in basketball as an intern for Utah’s women’s basketball team where he contributed to the team by operating their scoreboard, assisting in drills and providing in-game assistance on the Utes’ bench. There, he developed a deeper understanding of coaching nuances and enhanced skills in game management and player development.
During his stint at Utah, he worked under the leadership of Lynne Roberts who has compiled nearly 400 wins during a 23-year career in collegiate basketball who now coaches for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Planells has assisted the NM State squad to a 8-7 start to the 2024 season, including a 1-1 mark in league play. Under Preston’s assistance, the Aggies are currently ranked 59th in the nation in steals per game.
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