The University of New Mexico (UNM) celebrated a remarkable signing day with the addition of new talents to the softball, soccer, and men’s basketball teams. These young athletes, hailing from various parts of the United States and beyond, bring a wealth of talent and passion to the Lobos community.
UNM Softball Welcomes a Strong Class
The UNM softball program, led by head coach Nicole Dickson, signed a group of nine talented athletes who are set to join the Lobos in the fall of 2024. This class includes two outfielders, two infielders, two pitchers, a versatile pitcher/utility player, a catcher with infield skills, and another utility player. The incoming players hail from different states, bringing a diverse range of skills and experiences to the team.
Dickson emphasized that the focus for this class was on adding high-level pitching and key offensive pieces with power and speed. She expressed her excitement for the athleticism and competitiveness of this group, believing that they have the potential to make an immediate impact on the program.
Here’s a brief look at the nine signees:
Caprice Barela (P/UTIL): A New Mexico native from Las Cruces, Barela is a versatile player with a strong high school track record and a commitment to kinesiology and exercise science at UNM.
Ava Castillo (OF): Hailing from Mansfield, Texas, Castillo is a multi-sport athlete known for her impressive speed and slugging percentage. She plans to major in exercise science at UNM.
Ella Dawson (P): Dawson, from Aldie, Virginia, is an accomplished pitcher with an outstanding high school record. She will be majoring in business at UNM.
Jessica DeLeon (C/INF): A standout catcher from San Marcos, Texas, DeLeon has excelled both on the field and academically, aiming to study criminal justice at UNM.
Natalie Fritz (P): Fritz, a right-handed pitcher from Gilbert, Arizona, brings her pitching prowess to UNM and intends to major in exercise science.
Jasmine Lloyd (UTIL): A versatile player from Grand Prairie, Texas, Lloyd is a three-time district champion, known for her impressive offensive skills. She plans to major in chemistry at UNM.
Miracle Moeitai McKenzie (INF): McKenzie comes from Long Beach, California, with a strong record in high school and club play. She intends to study business at UNM.
Mya Pacheco (INF): Pacheco, a local Lobo from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, has been recognized for her offensive prowess and her commitment to studying computer science at UNM.
Allie Williams (OF): Williams, from Houston, Texas, is a multi-award-winning player with a remarkable career in high school. She plans to major in business and continues a family tradition of collegiate sports.
Impressive additions to UNM women’s soccer
The UNM women’s soccer program also celebrated its signing day with the addition of four talented athletes set to join the team in 2024. Head Coach Heather Dyche expressed excitement about this class, noting their talent and character, which will contribute to the team’s culture and success.
The new recruits include Molly Adams from South Lake Tahoe, California, Sherry Diep from Cerritos, California, Ayla Dills from Albuquerque, and Ashley Moody from Castle Rock, Colorado. Each of these athletes brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the team.
Men’s Basketball Welcomes Top Recruits
The UNM men’s basketball program welcomed two highly-ranked prospects, Kayde Dotson from Beaumont, Texas, and Jovan Milicevic from Toronto, Canada, who signed National Letters of Intent. These recruits are expected to join the Lobos in the summer of 2024.
Kayde Dotson, a three-star recruit from Beaumont United High School in Texas, is known for his scoring ability and has a history of winning championships. Jovan Milicevic, a four-star recruit from Dream City Christian High School in Arizona, is a versatile forward with an impressive basketball IQ.
UNM head coach Richard Pitino expressed enthusiasm for these recruits, believing they will make an immediate impact both on and off the court. Both players are ranked among the top 250 players in the class of 2024.
NMAA Signings
It was a big day for several New Mexico High school athletes as well, as they signed their letters of intent:
Albuquerque Academy
Emma Eden – beach volleyball – Pepperdine
Clark Sonnenburg – golf – University of New Mexico
Aztec High School
Bryson Valdez – wrestling – University of Northern Colorado
Carlsbad High School
Ella Parker – volleyball – St. John’s University
Demonico Granger-Moreno – baseball – University of the Southwest
Fabian Hernandez – baseball – University of the Southwest
Cibola High School
Matthew Board – baseball – New Mexico Highlands
Seth Galfano – baseball – New Mexico Highlands
Cleveland High School
Rylie Pengelly – soccer – Florida Southern College
Kiana Jamerson – soccer – Ft. Lewis College
Ella Lent-Koop – soccer – Messiah University
Marian Hatch – volleyball – University of New Mexico
Malachi Jaramillo – baseball – University of Texas Permian Basin
Jaden Davis – baseball – New Mexico State University
Silas Hilton – baseball – Trinidad Junior College
Eldorado High School
Cole Bettis – swimming – University of Utah
Nick Moore – cross country – Portland State
Hope Christian School
Consuelo Clemens – softball – Arizona Christian
Zylee Dominguez – Girls Soccer – Houston Christian
Miyamura High School
Lorianna Piestewa, Wrestling
Rio Grande High School
Adan Marquez – cross country – University of the Southwest
Sandia High School
Ayla Dils – soccer – University of New Mexico
Zach Kmatz – baseball – Oregon State
Talan Barazza – baseball – New Mexico Junior College
Marissa Ramirez – softball – Greyson College
Silver High School
Alexys Salas, Track and Field