The University of New Mexico (UNM) women’s ice hockey is no longer a dream–it’s now history.
UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club completed its first season as New Mexico’s first ACHA Division I collegiate women’s hockey program.
The Team Behind UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club
Students Kiki Langenwalter and Mia Hollister founded the UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club in 2024. The team is building a competitive program while growing the game of women’s hockey across New Mexico, according to UNM News.
“Being the first women’s club hockey team in the entire state of New Mexico just means so much to me and the girls,” Langenwalter said.
A junior marketing major at the Anderson School of Management, Langenwalter plays defense and serves as club president. Hollister is vice president, and Kylie Phillips serves as treasurer. The team functions as a student-run organization under UNM Recreational Services.
“I wanted to play hockey in college,” Langenwalter said. “But there was no option here in New Mexico, and I wanted to stay here and go to school. So, I decided to start a team.”
Jarrod Ronquillo serves as their head coach. He is a Ph.D. candidate in engineering who works full time at Sandia National Laboratories,
“When I heard that Kiki was making a team, I knew I had to get involved,” Ronquillo said.
Likewise, assistant coach Edgar Solis holds a place in UNM hockey history, joining the inaugural men’s team in 1997.
UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club Opens Doors for New Mexico Girls
For many players, the program creates opportunities that didn’t exist in the state before.
“Growing up here playing girls hockey, there was nothing,” Langenwalter said. “Kylie and I played boys hockey until we were 16. Then you age out, and there’s one girls team in the state. We didn’t really travel anywhere. It was really important to build this for the girls coming up underneath us.”
Phillips said she never expected to play college hockey without leaving New Mexico.
“I never thought I’d be able to play college hockey,” she said. “Having that opportunity for myself and the next generation is super cool and special.”
The Lobos compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association at the Division I club level. This season marked a probationary year.They faced established programs including Arizona State, the University of Utah, the University of Denver, Colorado Boulder and Colorado State.
In their first year of competition, the team earned praise for its culture and character.
“We’ve gotten compliments from every coach about the character of our players,” Ronquillo said. “Kiki and Kylie have done a terrific job building a local pipeline. Lobo Hockey prides itself on being one of the few Division I sports with New Mexicans on the roster.”
The team practices and plays at Rio Rancho’s McDermott Athletic Center, sharing the rink with UNM men’s hockey club.
With 13 players this season, above the league minimum of 10, the team officially established its presence.
UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club’s Future Plans
The program will host a recruitment camp this spring. Prospective players can meet coaches and team members, tour the UNM campus and learn how to join the Lobos. Their website provides details about the camp and the program.
“We really wanted to give these girls an option — don’t stop playing hockey, come play for us,” Langenwalter said.
Additionally, the team is building sponsorships and community partnerships while boosting visibility through social media and outreach.
Ronquillo said their goal is to make an impact in the community. “We want youth players to say, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a Lobo’,” he said.
Sisterhood Prevails as the Team Looks Ahead
For freshman goalie Bella Luke, the sport’s family atmosphere is what keeps players committed.
“The hockey community is so tightly knit,” Luke said. “I’ve played almost every sport, but hockey is the only one I stuck with because of the family.”
That bond showed clearly when Langenwalter broke her leg and started playing sled hockey during recovery. Her teammates showed up to support her.
“I cried,” she said. “I love these girls so much.”
The Lobos are already preparing for year two, launching apparel, reaching out to sponsors, and planning season tickets
“We’re going to bounce back from this season,” Ronquillo said. “Next year we’re going to prove why we deserve to be here.”