Estacado High’s Mark Llanas Announces End of Tenure as Baseball Coach

LUBBOCK, TX — Mark Llanas announced Monday that the 2026 season will be his final year as head baseball coach at Estacado High School.

Llanas has led the program for 16 seasons after taking over as head coach during the 2010-11 school year, capping a 23-year tenure at the school that also included seven years as an assistant.

“Coach Llanas has been more than a coach at Estacado High School. He has been a pillar of leadership, a mentor, and a champion for our students and community,” said Dr. Angelica Wilbanks, EHS principal. “For more than two decades, he has built a legacy defined not only by wins and championships, but by the lives he has impacted and the standard of excellence he has set. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to Estacado and wish him and his family continued success and fulfillment in this next chapter.”  

Under Llanas, the Matadors reached the playoffs 14 times, winning three district championships, eight bi-district titles and six area championships while advancing to three regional quarterfinals. He compiled 296 career wins and coached numerous All-City and All-State players.

Mike Meeks, Lubbock ISD’s athletics director, praised Llanas’ impact on the program.

“What Mark Llanas has built at Estacado over 23 years — first as an assistant and then as head coach — is a testament to his commitment to this school, this community, and these kids. You don't get 14 playoff appearances and nearly 300 wins without consistency, dedication, and a standard of excellence that players believe in," said Mike Meeks, Lubbock ISD Athletics Director. “We’re proud to have had him represent Lubbock ISD and wish him all the best going forward.”

A 2003 graduate of Lubbock Christian University, Llanas played baseball for the Chaparrals and earned a degree in physical education. He also teaches Advanced Placement World History and AVID courses at Estacado.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to coach the sport I love for so many years and will always cherish the time I’ve spent leading and mentoring numerous generations of students at Estacado,” said Llanas. “I look forward to continuing teaching and supporting the Matadors as Valerie and I spend more time supporting our sons in their academic and athletic pursuits.”

Llanas and his wife, Valerie, have three sons. Lubbock ISD officials said information on the next head baseball coach will be announced at a later date.