For those who haven’t read my first article on Dobson High School girl's Head Coach Henry Bribiescas, it is a must read, since this feels like episode two of the Legacy of the Bribiescas Family. I wanted to do this story, because I truly feel like the Bribiescas Family has made a huge impact in Arizona girl's basketball.
I had the pleasure to catch up with Coach Monique “Mo” Bribiescas. She has an impressive resume as a player and coach. She has a storied career now as a coach, skills trainer, educator, mentor, entrepreneur and executive. Here is our Q&A:
Q: How long have you been coaching?
A: I have been coaching since I graduated college in 08. I like to coach, but my true passion is player development on the personal training side of the game.
Q: Why do you coach?
A: I love to see the progress, growth, and success of each individual player. All the experience and knowledge of the game, I have learned as a player, I love to show them what it takes to be an Elite Athlete and person on and off the court.
Q: Name your top (3) students (past or present) and why are they your top students?
A: Jennifer Schlott (Past). She played for My Dad at Mesa Mountain View from 2006-2010. A lefty that can do it all. A true point guard, she ended up playing at Utah State, and played (7) years overseas after college. I got to work with her from High School, all the way to when she retired this year as a player. Seeing her growth and success has been rewarding to see, after all these years training her. I can also truly say she has been one of my best friends even today. It's truly the relationships that we build over time that means the most to me even when basketball stops.
Rachel Early – Currently plays for Mesa Dobson. The perfect Human. I have trained Rachel since she was an 8th grader. Such an inspiring individual on and off the court. Student Body President at her High School and Team Captain for her Varsity Basketball Team. Watching her hard work all these years, I am super excited to see her future success after high school.
Jaida Brooks – PHH Prep (present) I have trained Jaida since she 1st picked up a basketball at the age of 10 years old. She is currently being highly recruited all over the country as a junior. Such a hard worker. I have put countless hours in the gym with her, not by my choice, but by hers. A gym rat, and always wanting to perfect her game. Another player that I am excited to see with all the growth and success coming her way.
Q: Your family has been very successful. If I am not mistaken, all of your siblings had successful basketball careers. Please let us know the highlights of their careers, as well as yours.
A: Yes, basketball definitely runs in the family, thanks to Coach B (Hank Bribiescas) who is my father, but also the Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Dobson High School. My father was my twin sister’s, myself and my youngest sister Shauna’s high school coach at Desert Vista High School, and Shauna’s at Mountain View and Dobson High School. I must say, Coach B was my favorite coach of all the coaches who I played for - hands down.
I played for Dobson & Desert Vista from 2000-2004. I was First-Team All-State and Player of the Year in a few publications. I played in two State Championship games, and broke the Arizona High School State Record for career assists with (770). In 2020, I was inducted to the Desert Vista Hall of Fame. I went on to earn a full-ride scholarship to New Mexico State University (2004-2008). During my time at NMSU, I helped the Aggies make it to the Western Athletic Conference Championship (3) out of my (4) years playing there.
Currently, I am the CEO of Moballin Training that develops the youth in the game of basketball. I also am the Co-owner of a basketball facility called THE LAB in Chandler, AZ. At The Lab, we provide services for the community to keep them off the streets, and playing the game of basketball. I also am the founder of an ALL-Girls Basketball League, called Arizona Girls Basketball League. We provide an opportunity for girls to learn and compete in the game of basketball. I also am the CEO of an AAU program called Copper State Basketball - we provide a travel program for both boys and girls to compete and showcase their basketball talents. I also am a co-owner of a T-shirt printing business with ASU standout Robbi Ryan. We provide custom apparel to sports teams and the community. I am also a co-owner of a trucking business, and have a full-time job as a Special Education Teacher at McClintock High School.
Shauna Bribiescas (my little sis) currently plays at Rocky Mountain College. My younger brother Josh played for Mountain View High School, but was a State Champion in golf, and I have a younger brother Brycen who currently plays Freshman Basketball at Gilbert High School.
Q: Who would win a game of one on one with all your siblings?
A: ME of course! They all know I would too. Fun fact - my two brothers and myself are all lefties .
Q: Who would win a game of one-on-one between your siblings, Dad and Aunty Sonia?
A: Me of course!! Even though my Aunt Sonia has a nice little shot to her game!
Q: What does the sport of basketball mean to your family?
A: Basketball means a lot to my family. We just love the game, and it's always been a way of life to us. For me, it's always been a passion. I am blessed to use that and made a career out of it. Most importantly, basketball has given me opportunities and opened up so many doors for me.
I’ve known Coach Mo for a few years. I used to take my youngest son to her Sunday Breakfast Club group skills training. Coach Mo is a positive role model and influence for the youth, and a heck of a coach, trainer, mentor and human being. The state is blessed to have such support from the Bribiescas Family. I appreciate all they do for the game of basketball, our youth and community.
