When Yair Banuelos arrived in Silver City from Mexico City, he began a path that would lead him to become one of Western New Mexico University's most accomplished men's tennis players. His progression from student-athlete to coach at the NCAA Division I level has served as an example for many in the university community.
Banuelos played two seasons at Riverside Community College in California before transferring to Western New Mexico University (WNMU). At WNMU, he was recognized for his skill and leadership on the court. He earned the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Player of the Year award and First-Team All-RMAC honors in both singles and doubles. In his senior season, Banuelos posted a perfect 6–0 record in both singles and doubles during conference play. He was also named Senior Player of the Year for the South Central Region and received recognition as RMAC Honor Student-Athlete of the Year.
His time at WNMU coincided with multiple RMAC regular season and tournament titles for Mustang tennis, where Banuelos' role as a leader was notable. His leadership qualities contributed to shaping his later coaching approach.
After earning a bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a coaching minor from WNMU in 2011, Banuelos completed a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies there by 2013. During this period, he transitioned into coaching, first serving as a graduate assistant before becoming head coach of both men's and women's tennis programs at WNMU. Under his guidance, Mustang teams continued their success within the RMAC, achieving conference championships and national rankings for individual players. In 2015, he was named RMAC Women's Coach of the Year.
Banuelos was inducted into the WNMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
He later moved on to Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), where he led both men's and women's tennis programs. While at AUM, his teams consistently reached NCAA Division II tournaments and achieved high national rankings—at one point reaching No. 14 nationally—and produced several All-Americans and All-Region honorees while maintaining strong academic records among athletes.
In 2023, Banuelos joined Iowa State University as an assistant coach for its women's tennis program at the Division I level.
"Yair Banuelos' story embodies what it means to be a Mustang: driven, resilient, and relentlessly committed to excellence. From Mexico City to Silver City, and now to the national stage, his path reflects the global reach and enduring spirit of Western New Mexico University Athletics. His journey reminds us that success is not only about victories or titles, but about the legacy you leave - and the people you inspire along the way."
The university will continue highlighting alumni achievements through future features on its athletics website.
