Las Vegas, New Mexico -
Braden Mechem has been appointed as the new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at New Mexico Highlands University, as announced today by NMHU Director of Athletics
Scott Noble.
"We are very fortunate to have Braden coming to Highlands University," said Noble. "He comes out of arguably one of the best sport performance programs in the RMAC under the tutelage of E.J. Kreis. There is no doubt that we got a strong talented coach, and can't wait to see our sports performance department thrive under Braden's leadership."
Mechem served as a Coaching Assistant in the CSC Strength and Conditioning department since the spring of 2025, after initially joining Eagle Strength and Conditioning as a student assistant intern in the spring of 2023.
Prior to Chadron State, the Torrington, Wyoming, native attended Eastern Wyoming College and received his associate degree in social science. He then went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Chadron State College in the winter of 2023 in sports and recreation with an emphasis in strength and conditioning. Following the completion of his bachelor's degree, Mechem completed his master's degree in sports organizational management in the spring of 2025.
"I am very excited to get started at NMHU," said Mechem. "I would like to thank Athletic Director
Scott Noble and his staff for giving me this opportunity to lead NMHU Strength and Conditioning program."
Mechem is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and holds the Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) credential through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa). He is also CPR/AED certified.
