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
After Chris's passing in 2022, his family created the Chris Eaton Foundation in November 2023 to carry forward what he gave so freely: passion for mentoring and belief in young people, especially student-athletes.
The Coach Chris Eaton Memorial Scholarship began in 2024 with a single $10,000 award—to a Cibola High School soccer player and co-valedictorian. Since then it has grown every year: the Foundation has now awarded $60,000 to nine Albuquerque-area student-athletes, each one a CEF Scholar for life.
Beginning in 2027, four awards will be available: The Chris Eaton Award ($10,000), The Heart Award ($7,500), The Grit Award ($5,000), and The 1% Healthier Award ($2,500).
The scholarship fund was launched by Chris's family and close friends and grows through the generosity of our community. Every gift moves us closer to an endowment that will fund these scholarships for generations.
The Foundation brings the community together in ways that reflect Chris's spirit. In partnership with the University of New Mexico and Hilinski's Hope, we hosted an honest, powerful conversation about mental health in sports between UNM student-athletes and Albuquerque-area high school students. And through our newest program, the Coaches Circle, we're walking alongside Albuquerque coaches as they care for their own mental and emotional health—because a healthier coach builds a healthier team.
COACH CHRIS EATON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Award Requirements + Criteria
Eligibility: graduating senior student-athletes from Albuquerque-area high schools (Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and surrounding communities — public, private, or charter) 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.
