I grew up in a small town in Southwestern New Mexico.  My love for basketball began as a young boy.  As a kid, I would shoot baskets for hours on end at the only outdoor goalpost we had in our park. I was a 4-year letterman for my local high school team and played 1 year of college ball at New Mexico Highlands University.  I always knew I would be an attorney and hopefully become a sports agent at some point in my career.  I also had a desire to get into coaching basketball someday as well.

​

I graduated from New Mexico State University. I was accepted into a law school in Lansing, Michigan. I was able to watch Michigan State University sports programs while going through law school.  That was a big deal for me coming from a small town. I am still an MSU basketball fan to this day.  I graduated from law school and returned to New Mexico where I started my legal career.

​

I started working as a criminal defense attorney with the Office of the Public Defender.  I then switched sides and got a job as a prosecutor with the Office of the District Attorney.  I decided to run for Metropolitan Court Judge and was elected in 2008.  I had the privilege of serving as a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Judge for 10 years.  For my last two years with the Court, I served as the Chief Judge.

​

At 58 years of age, I found myself retired.  I began to fulfill my early dreams of coaching and becoming a player agent.  I coached boys' basketball at Albuquerque High School for 2 years and girls' basketball at Rio Grande High School for 3 years.  I coached as an assistant women's college basketball coach at Nobel University in 2024.   My application for certification with the WNBA was approved in September of 2022.  My FIBA certification was obtained in 2024. 

​

I met Coach King Bradley while coaching at Rio Grande High School.  Coach Bradley had worked with Tony Townsend, who agreed to come onboard with Hella Hoops.  As an elite overseas playing professional and coach, Tony Townsend brings a wealth of basketball experience and knowledge to the Hella Hoops Sports Agency.  We have added strength and conditioning Coach Tony McCoy to the team along with Player Scout Andreanna Thomas.

​

Kim Brusuelas-Benavidez is a civil attorney who adds civil trial and litigation experience to the Agency.  Our mission is to provide our clients with the best services available for our players and their families.  Kim and I will be providing in-house legal consultations for our clients and their immediate families as part of the Hella Hoops Sports Agency.

 

As we progress as an agency, I look forward to providing the best possible service to our clients.  I have always dedicated myself completely to everything I have done with my career.  Hella Hoops Sports will be no different.  Your success will be our success.  Nothing to me will be more important than your success as a professional athlete.   

​

​

                                                                                                             Edward L Benavidez - WNBA & FIBA Player Agent 

​