Building stronger athletes, healthier minds, and brighter futures.
The Chris Eaton Foundation supports student-athletes 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, practical wellness education, and college scholarships, we empower student-athletes to 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 $30,000 in scholarships and proudly sponsor the September 2025 Tyler Talk for Albuquerque-area high school students and UNM student-athletes.
Operated entirely by family and friends, the Foundation has no paid employees, and 100% of tax-deductible donations directly fund scholarships and youth mental health initiatives.
TRUSTED PARTNERS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES
COACH CHRIS EATON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Following Chris’s passing, 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 athletes. Each year, we host a 3v3 basketball tournament founded by his brother, Michael, which has grown into a high-energy community tradition. We have also partnered with 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. Applications are reviewed using four key criteria, which student-athletes address in their submission:
STUDENT ATHLETICS
Performance and accomplishments in the student’s sport(s), including stats, awards, highlights, contributions to team success, personal growth, and improvement. Also considered is the student’s willingness to listen, learn, and grow as an athlete and teammate.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Focuses on classroom performance, including grades, awards, and progress over time. Curiosity, a desire to learn, academic goals, and a plan to achieve those goals are also considered.
LEADERSHIP + TEAMWORK
Efforts and achievements on and off the field, including setting an example, motivating self and others, and helping teammates improve. Good leadership is shown through concrete examples of positively impacting the team.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Activities outside of sports, such as volunteering, charitable work, fundraising, or supporting family, school, clubs, or the wider community. Focus is on contributions that improve the lives of others and the community.
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.
