Small habits. Real results.
Every dollar goes to work for coaches, student-athletes, and their families.
STRONGER COACHES. STRONGER ATHLETES. HEALTHIER MINDS. HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES. BRIGHTER FUTURES.
The Chris Eaton Foundation supports coaches, student-athletes, and their families with the education, resources, and scholarships they need to thrive—on and off the field.
Small, intentional habits create lasting change. Through mental health advocacy, wellness education, honest writing on grief and resilience, and college scholarships, we help coaches and student-athletes become 1% healthier every day. Strong performance starts with a strong foundation.
Chris Eaton Foundation
The Chris Eaton Foundation supports the mental health and future success of student-athletes and their families. We raise awareness of healthy living resources, help families find support, and award annual college scholarships to graduating student-athletes. Since 2024, we have awarded $60,000 in college scholarships to nine student-athletes, and we continue to invest in coaches, mental-health resources, and community programs that help athletes and their families thrive.. We proudly sponsored the September 2025 Tyler Talk for Albuquerque-area high school students and UNM student-athletes.
TRUSTED PARTNERS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES
COACH CHRIS EATON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Following Chris’s passing in 2022, his family created the Chris Eaton Foundation and Memorial Scholarship in November 2023 to carry forward his passion for mentoring and supporting student-athletes.
The first $10,000 scholarship was awarded to a Cibola High School soccer player and co-valedictorian. In 2025, four additional scholarships totaling $20,000 were awarded. For 2026, scholarship awards will remain $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place.
The scholarship fund was launched through contributions from Chris’s family and close friends and continues to grow thanks to the generosity of community donors. Ongoing charitable support is essential as we work to build an endowment that will provide scholarships for years to come.
Beyond scholarships, the Foundation brings the community together through initiatives that reflect Chris’s spirit and heart for young people, especially student-athletes. We have hosted a 3v3 basketball tournament founded by his brother, Michael, which has grown into a high-energy community tradition. We have also partnered with the University of New Mexico and the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation to host powerful conversations with UNM student-athletes and Albuquerque-area high school students, creating space for honest dialogue around mental health in sports.
COACH CHRIS EATON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Award Requirements + Criteria
Eligible applicants are graduating seniors from Albuquerque high schools who have competed in at least one varsity-level sport for a full season, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and plan to attend college or vocational school in the fall. Every application — essays, short answers, and video — is scored by our selection committee across six weighted criteria, so students know exactly what matters most:
MISSION ALIGNMENT & WHOLE-PERSON HEALTH
The heart of this award. We look for students whose essays and video connect their own story to mental, emotional, and physical health — and who embody Coach Eaton's belief in getting 1% healthier every day.
LEADERSHIP IN WELLNESS
Initiative beyond participation: leading teammates, shaping team culture, or advocating for health and wellbeing in school or community. We want to see impact that reaches past the applicant themselves.
COACH OR MENTOR IMPACT
This scholarship honors a coach. Tell us about the coach or mentor who shaped your values, resilience, or identity — and how that relationship changed you as an athlete and a person.
ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
Strong classroom performance while balancing a demanding athletic schedule — and we read grades in context. A cumulative 3.2 GPA is required to apply.
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE & IMPACT
Your varsity career and what you gave your team: contributions, honors, club or travel experience, and growth as a competitor. Plans to play at the college level strengthen this category.
PRESENCE & COMMUNICATION
How you tell your story. The video and written responses are judged on clarity, authenticity, and voice — not production quality. Be yourself; we want to hear you.
*Selected finalists may be contacted for reference conversations with their coach and one additional reference before awards are announced June 1*
DONATE
Your support helps the Chris Eaton Foundation empower student-athletes through scholarships, mental health resources, and community programs. As a tax-exempt public charity, every contribution directly supports the Coach Chris Eaton Memorial Scholarship and initiatives that make a real difference for students and their families.
