Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Candace Pollard might be the ultimate example of an Artesia Bulldog.

The 2010 graduate and new head coach of the Lady Bulldogs basketball team replaced former coach Jeff Houghtaling, who decided to step down earlier this year.

Pollard was overwhelmed when she got the job in April, the coach said during a Nov. 21 interview.

“Having this job was a dream of mine,” she said.

Pollard graduated from Artesia High School in 2010 and was an all-state selection as well as district most valuable player while playing for Houghtaling.

After high school, she attended Sul Ross State in Alpine, Texas, for two seasons before transferring to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She graduated in 2014.

The Pollard coaching era at Artesia High started in June, a month dedicated to offseason practices and out-of-town tournaments. Practice for the 2024-2025 season started Nov. 18.

“We had three good solid days of practice,” she said while preparing for the Nov. 26 season opener at Santa Teresa.

Artesia’s home schedule gets underway at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Bulldog Pit against District 4-4A rival Goddard High School from Roswell.

Pollard said she’ll feel right at home in the Pit.

“I grew up in this gym,” she said.

Artesia’s early season highlights include a trip to Albuquerque for a three-day tournament at Academy High School Dec. 12 through Dec. 14.

“That’s the first time we’ve been to that tournament,” Pollard said.

She said the tournament will give the Artesia players a chance to compete with teams they normally don’t see except in the state tournament.

Artesia lost to Albuquerque St. Pius, 61-41, in the tournament last March, finishing the season with a 22-7 record. The Lady Bulldogs were 5-1 in district play.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or via email at msmith@currentargus.com.