Home Blog Page 7

NMSU selects Karen Kopera-Frye as Graduate School Associate Dean

Grace Tackman
-
0
NMSU selects Karen Kopera-Frye as Graduate School Associate Dean

New Mexico State University (NMSU) named Karen Kopera-Frye as associate dean of the Graduate School. Kopera-Frye assumes her new role starting February 23. 

Kopera-Frye expressed that she feels honored and humbled to join NMSU’s Graduate School.  “I look forward to collaborating with our interdisciplinary faculty and students to help position the Graduate School as a premier center for promoting graduate student success and academic partnerships, particularly with our tribal and community business partners.”

As associate dean, Kopera-Frye aims to expand interdisciplinary programming. She plans to explore the development of a graduate gerontology certificate and degree program at NMSU. 

“There are many opportunities to enhance student social mobility and workforce development through the collaborative creation of graduate stackable credentials and innovative specialization training,” Kopera-Frye said.

Ranjit T. Koodali, dean of the Graduate School and associate provost for interdisciplinary studies, welcomed Kopera-Frye to the Graduate School with delight.

“Dr. Kopera-Frye brings extensive administrative experience, including 18 years in advanced leadership roles such as associate dean of academics and research, as well as institutional knowledge and Faculty Senate leadership that will help raise the visibility of graduate education at NMSU,” he said. 

Kopera-Frye’s Career Journey 

Kopera-Frye joined NMSU in 2016 and is a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. She has served in numerous leadership roles. She chaired the Faculty Senate Access, Opportunity and Outreach Committee, joined the Faculty Senate Leadership Committee, and was a member of the President’s Task Force on Federal and State Initiatives. 

Additionally, Kopera-Frye has served on the Provost Search Committee, the Federal and State Government Initiatives – Overall EID Impacts Committee, and the Inclusive Practices at a Land-Grant University Task Force. 

Kopera-Frye earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in developmental and clinical psychology from Wayne State University. She also earned a master’s degree in public administration from NMSU. She completed graduate specialist training in gerontology. Her research focuses on aging, caregiving and cultural values among Latinx and Indigenous families.

Moreover, Kopera-Frye developed an HEST interprofessional course that supports peer mentoring among undergraduate and graduate students. She has coordinated the undergraduate and graduate gerontology minor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. 

Kopera-Frye is also a fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Gerontological Society of America and the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. She is certified as an advanced-level mentor through the University of New Mexico Mentoring Institute. 

This year, she was selected to serve a four-year term as editor-in-chief of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. This journal is published by the Gerontological Society of America. She was also chair-elect of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, a division of the Gerontological Society of America. 

‘Ideas Moving Both Ways’: UNM Officially Inks Deal with Osaka Metropolitan University

Grace Tackman
-
0
‘Ideas Moving Both Ways’: UNM Officially Inks Deal with Osaka Metropolitan University

University of New Mexico’s (UNM) Anderson School of Management announced its partnership with Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU). 

It recently formalized an agreement with OMU to ensure credit transfers for doctoral students in Osaka’s Future Innovators Development Program. UNM News reported that the international collaboration strengthens both institutions’ relationships and creates new opportunities for sustained global partnership.

Through the agreement, doctoral students from Osaka can spend one semester at Anderson. They will complete 12 credit hours in the Master of Science in Project Management or Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics programs. 

After returning to Osaka, students may complete the remainder of their master’s degree online. This allows them to earn a doctoral degree from OMU and a master’s degree from Anderson.

Additionally, the partnership includes a commitment for an Anderson faculty member to teach one course in Osaka each summer. The agreement guarantees credit transfer for the next five years, providing stability and continuity for participating students.

The general cooperation agreement was facilitated by:

  • Nicole Tami, executive director of Global Education Initiatives; 
  • UNM President Garnett Stokes; and 
  • Anderson leadership, including Dean Alina Chircu, Associate Dean Reilly White, Matthew Vallejos, Graduate Programs operations manager, and Rob DelCampo, senior executive director of Corporate and Community Engagement (CCE). 

Toshiyuki Matsui, vice president of International Affairs, and faculty members Yong-Gu Shim and Eri Hoshi, represented OMU.

UNM Officials Explain the Advantage of the Agreement with OMU

Anderson Associate Dean Reilly White said the partnership is about people. 

“Students coming to Anderson, faculty going to Osaka, and ideas moving both ways. It’s a powerful way to give our students and faculty real, lived global experience with OMU as an incredible partner,” said White.

Vallejos said both institutions collaborated closely, with advising staff and faculty coordinating to bring the agreement to fruition. “Our priority was to build a structure that was clear and student-centered from the start. We are not only welcoming talented students from Osaka Metropolitan University; we are also enriching our classrooms and strengthening our graduate programs.”

The agreement expands Anderson’s existing relationship with OMU, which was established through the Innovation Academy’s Entrepreneurship Workshop Week.

“This partnership directly supports the Anderson School of Management’s external engagement strategic pillar by institutionalizing sustained international collaboration, deepening industry and academic ties abroad, and positioning our school as a proactive global partner,” said Chircu.

The partnership with OMU demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and impact in graduate education. Both institutions aim to create a future defined by continued cooperation, shared discovery, and global leadership development.

New Mexico Bill Permanently Creates Office of New Americans

Juan Oliveros
-
0
New Mexico Bill Permanently Creates Office of New Americans

A new measure to permanently create the Office of New Americans in New Mexico is now awaiting the signature of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham after lawmakers approved House Bill 124 with a vote of 22-12.

The measure formalizes the Office of New Americans under the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, transitioning it from a grant-funded initiative into a permanent state office.

The Office of New Americans was initially launched in 2024 with temporary funding to facilitate workforce integration and economic mobility for immigrants across New Mexico.

The bill mandates the office to continue coordinating workforce development programs, job training access, and partnerships to integrate new arrivals into New Mexico’s labor market.

Seventeen Democratic lawmakers sponsored the bill.

If signed into law, according to Action Network, New Mexico would join a handful of states—including Nevada, Colorado, North Dakota, Ohio, and Utah.

Immigrant Safety Act

Before this, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 9, also known as the Immigrant Safety Act, into law on Feb. 5.

The law terminates any existing 287(g) agreements between public entities and ICE. It also prohibits future renewals of the agreement across the state. The law prohibits using public land, facilities, or other government resources to detain individuals for federal immigration purposes.

New Mexico Ends 2026 Session With Universal Child Care, $1.5B Road Bonds, and Malpractice Reforms to Address Doctor Shortages.

Juan Oliveros
-
0
New Mexico Ends 2026 Session With Universal Child Care, $1.5B Road Bonds, and Malpractice Reforms to Address Doctor Shortages.

New Mexico lawmakers concluded their 30-day budget session on Thursday. The session capped what the Senate leadership described as a landmark year for investments in child care, roads, and health care reform.

In a statement issued at the end of the 2026 legislative session, Lieutenant Governor Howie C. Morales cited strong state revenues as key to funding major priorities.

Morales said a “robust state economy and continued strong revenues” allowed lawmakers to channel funding toward affordability measures, infrastructure and road projects, economic development, classrooms, and healthcare.

Constructive tone

The Senate leader credited Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for setting what he described as a constructive tone for the session.

The legislature, he added, passed several measures advanced with bipartisan backing.

One of the session’s major bills was the establishment of the “first-in-the-nation universal child care for New Mexico’s youngest children and their families, building on our rigorous early childhood education and care system.”

The state legislature has also approved Senate Bill 2, establishing a $1.5 billion bond package for road infrastructure. Morales expects the measure will fund transportation projects over the next decade.

Lujan Grisham hailed the passage of the bill.

“This major investment in New Mexico’s transportation infrastructure is long overdue,” Lujan Grisham said.

In healthcare, the state lawmakers have approved reforms to the state’s medical malpractice rules.

The chamber voted 40-2 in approving House Bill 99, sponsored by Reps. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) and Gail Armstrong (D-Magdalena).

The two negative votes came from Sens. Shannon Pinto (D-Tohatchi) and Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque), according to Source NM.

The measure, according to the Senate leadership, addresses the “critical doctor shortage and high malpractice insurance costs that have made it difficult to recruit and retain doctors here.”

‘Optimistic’

“I am optimistic that this reform will help our rural communities, which are especially underserved,” Morales concluded.

These important measures await the governor’s signature.

UNM Art Lecturer Lovell’s “How to Become Invisible” Photography Project Earns Spotlight

Grace Tackman
-
0
UNM Art Lecturer Lovell’s “How to Become Invisible” Photography Project Earns Spotlight

An online fine art photography journal and platform featured a photography project by a University of New Mexico (UNM) lecturer. 

Jessamyn Lovell, a principal lecturer in UNM’s art department, is a gender-fluid artist and licensed private investigator based in Albuquerque. LENSCRATCH published their project “How to Become Invisible,” highlighting the message behind their recent work.

The article lists and explains many of their disguises. These include Guardia de Seguridad para el Pueblo (Security Guard), Motel Maid Disguise (“Joyce”), Professional Woman Disguise (“Laura”), Pro-Life Activist Disguise (“Laurel”), and Barfly Disguise (“Chelsea”), among others.

About LENSCRATCH

Artist and educator Aline Smithson founded LENSCRATCH. The platform supports and celebrates photographic arts and artists through exposure, discussion, community collaboration, and education initiatives. 

It aims to foster rich critical and cultural discourse on photography’s complex role, reflecting diverse community voices. 

LENSCRATCH began as an individual pursuit to broaden exposure for photographers by actively seeking out and engaging with their work. Since then, other artists have joined LENSCRATCH as volunteers to sustain and expand the platform. Contributing editors and writers also contribute engaging content to support its growth.

Lovell’s Background and Works

Lovell holds a BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology and an MFA from California College of the Arts. 

They are integrating their private investigator skills into their art as an ongoing conceptual piece, titled D.I.Y. P.I. (Do It Yourself Private Investigation). They also work with the internationally known performance troupe La Pocha Nostra as a producer and performer. 

Lovell has received several awards, including the Aperture Portfolio Prize and the Center for Teaching Excellence in Teaching Award. They were named a Center for Teaching Excellence Fellow at UNM. 

Lovell’s work on the No Trespassing project, where they surreptitiously documented their estranged father, and Dear Erin Hart, where they tracked and photographed their identity thief, led them to obtain a private investigator’s license.

Their work appeared in media outlets, including Hyperallergic, Wired, This American Life, the Today Show, BBC World News and others.

NMSU Grants Full-Time Tuition Coverage for Graduate Workers

Grace Tackman
-
0
NMSU Grants Full-Time Tuition Coverage for Graduate Workers

New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced full-time tuition coverage for its graduate assistant workforce, effective the fall 2026 semester. The Board of Regents recently ratified a memorandum of agreement between the university and the union representing graduate assistants.

NMSU says this strategic move could help boost graduate enrollment and retention and increase the competitiveness of research proposals.

On Wednesday, the Board approved an MOA modifying the existing collective bargaining agreement between NMSU and its Graduate Workers United. The agreement increases the number of tuition scholarships for qualified graduate workers from six credit hours per fall and spring semester to nine. NMSU considers this a full-time course load for graduate students.

While discussing the proposal, Regents Chair Ammu Devasthali said board members have long supported full-time tuition remission for graduate assistants. However, she explained that the university was previously unable to fund the additional cost.

The university estimates that the increase from six to nine credit hours will cost around $735,000 more per academic year. University officials say the additional costs will be covered through budget adjustments identified by the university Budget Office. 

University General Counsel Lisa Henderson, who presented the MOA for ratification, joked that NMSU President Valerio Ferme had “looked under all the cushions of the couch” to find the funding for the increase. She noted that the union had previously agreed to the six-credit-hour tuition remission in its existing collective bargaining agreement, originally signed in December 2024.

“We just closed a bargaining session with them last year, and we didn’t think that we could promise any more than the six hours,” Henderson said. “We also knew that we needed to be more competitive … in order to attract more (graduate students) and to do better research and more research – so it’s always on our minds, and I think there was some real initiative by the president to make this happen.”

NMSU Community Members Back Tuition Remission Increase for Graduate Workers

Associated Students of NMSU President Wyatt Ziehe said the undergraduate student government organization supports the change. He added that the Graduate Student Council also backs the increase. Ziehe said increasing graduate enrollment at NMSU will help offset the projected nationwide drop in enrollment, or the “demographic cliff.”

Ferme said increased tuition support for graduate assistants will help make the university more competitive when attracting potential graduate students. He said that this support appeals especially to students considering research and teaching roles while earning their advanced degrees.

“During the summer, I made a promise to NM Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Bernalillo) to increase our support for graduate student workers to cover nine credits per semester,” Ferme said. 

Ferme said that even though the collective bargaining agreement had just been completed and closed, his leadership team saw room to improve support for graduate students. He said the improvements aim both to attract more talent and to help students stay on track with their graduation requirements.

“This change is significant because it parallels our newly achieved status as a Research 1 university in moving us forward to fulfill our mission as a land-grant institution devoted to student success, research, and innovation,” Ferme continued. “I want to thank everyone who helped make this possible, from the Regents to our finance and legal teams to different units in academic affairs, faculty, and obviously, students.”

Caroline Klocksiem, communications chair for Graduate Workers United, said the agreement to provide full tuition coverage puts NMSU on par with other R1 institutions. She said that the agreement also positions the university to better retain and recruit graduate student workers.

“The research, teaching, and scholarship that graduate workers do is a major component of the university’s ability to achieve R1 status, and we want to see that status maintained,” Klocksiem said. “By bringing our effective pay more in line with our contributions to the university, graduate student workers are better able to produce high-quality work that enhances NMSU’s reputation for innovation.”

Graduate School Dean Ranjit Koodali thanked Ferme and the Budget Office for finding financial resources to support graduate student workers.

“Such efforts will help attract high-quality students and help make NMSU the preferred choice for graduate education, regionally and nationally,” Koodali said.

Regent Rico Gonzales said increasing the tuition coverage for graduate workers is an important part of the university’s long-term student success strategy.

“To me, this seems really in line with the strategy of how we are focused on student success,” Gonzales said, “and I hope that … It helps us to continue our R1 rise as an institution. This seems like a real win today for NMSU and for the students of NMSU.”

New Mexico Senate Passes HB4 to Protect Health Coverage Amid Federal Cuts

Juan Oliveros
-
0
New Mexico Senate Passes HB4 to Protect Health Coverage Amid Federal Cuts

The New Mexico Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that sought to shield affordable health insurance for tens of thousands of residents threatened by federal aid and Medicaid cuts.

House Bill 4 headed to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signature. The bipartisan measure increases revenue for the state’s Health Care Affordability Fund, New Mexico’s primary tool to keep premiums affordable for working families and small businesses.

The bill passed on a bipartisan 24-12 vote.

State officials said last year’s federal decisions eliminated enhanced premium tax credits and reduced Medicaid funding, putting tens of thousands of New Mexicans at risk.

“The federal government may be cutting back, but New Mexico is not,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement.

The governor described the bill as a measure to preserve coverage and ensure individuals can continue accessing doctors, prescriptions, and other essential health care.

House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski sponsored the bill. Representatives Elizabeth Thomson, Joseph Hernandez, and Anita Gonzales, as well as Senator Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales, also sponsored the measure.

Szczepanski said the state has worked to keep healthcare affordable amid the decline of federal support. Under the Affordable Care Act, the lawmaker noted, coverage has continued to grow, and premiums did not spike in New Mexico when federal support was reduced.

The governor’s FY27 executive budget recommendation ensures that funding for health care affordability programs supported by the fund would continue. Estimates had shown the investments could protect coverage for up to 46,600 residents and lower healthcare costs for as many as 122,000 people statewide.

Gonzales said the bill enhances the state’s capacity to support coverage for affordability programs in the long term.

Down to Five: WNMU Names Finalists for Presidential Search

Grace Tackman
-
0
Down to Five: WNMU Names Finalists for Presidential Search

The search for the next university leader reached a significant development. Western New Mexico University’s (WNMU) Presidential Search Committee named the five finalists in its national search for the institution’s 16th president.

The distinguished finalists will visit the Silver City campus for interviews and community engagement in late February and early March.

WNMU search committee representatives said the process was ethical, collaborative, and professional. They also ensured all voices were heard, including student needs. The search committee alone selected the finalists, making certain decisions reflected the group’s collective insight and judgment on the candidates. 

“We look forward to seeing how the five finalists and their visions resonate with our campus and the broader Silver City and Mustang communities. I encourage everyone to partake in the selection process where possible, either in person or remotely,” said Interim President Chris Maples.

According to WNMU, the finalists bring diverse expertise in higher education leadership, research, and community advocacy:

  • Jose E. Coll, Ph.D. (Western Oregon University): Coll currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Western Oregon University. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he focuses on student success and veteran transition. He previously led at Portland State University and the University of Southern California.

  • Cameron Braxton Wesson, Ph.D. (La Salle University): Wesson serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at La Salle University. An archaeologist by training, he led significant administrative roles at Lehigh University and Franklin & Marshall College. He focused on curriculum redesign and student retention.
  • Carlos Rey Romero, Ph.D. (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology): Romero is an Associate Vice President at New Mexico Tech. He has extensive experience within the New Mexico higher education and governmental landscape. His background includes leadership in economic development and research at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC).
  • Sharon A. Jones, Ph.D. (University of Washington Bothell): Jones is the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Engineering at UW Bothell. She is a first-generation college student and a licensed professional engineer. She has a background in bridging STEM with the liberal arts and has served as a dean at the University of Portland.
  • Mario Martinez, Ph.D. (Fort Lewis College): Martinez serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fort Lewis College. His work emphasizes institutional innovation, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence with inclusive learning and addressing equity gaps in rural education.

WNMU’s 16th President to be Announced on March 17

On March 17, 2026, the WNMU Board of Regents will convene to announce the university’s next leader. This is in accordance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act.

“Identifying the next leader of Western New Mexico University is one of the most important tasks that can be undertaken by the university community,” said Maples.

Maples said the five finalists rose to the top of a field of highly qualified candidates with outstanding leadership and innovation credentials. “Each candidate brings a unique perspective that aligns with our mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and our commitment to the applied liberal arts.”

In September 2025, WNMU launched a comprehensive nationwide search for its next president. 

The president serves as the university’s chief executive officer and reports directly to the WNMU Board of Regents. The new president will lead the university through a pivotal period of renewal and growth, ensuring its sustainability and mission in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

New Mexico House Passes Universal Child Care Bill, Sends SB 241 Back to Senate

Juan Oliveros
-
0
New Mexico House Passes Universal Child Care Bill, Sends SB 241 Back to Senate

The New Mexico House of Representatives passed a bill late Tuesday creating a universal child care program expected to serve around 60,000 children, moving the state closer to being the first in the US to offer free child care statewide.

Senate Bill 241, also known as the Childcare Assistance Program Act, passed on a 37-19 party-line vote. It previously cleared the New Mexico Senate, 25-15.

With the House making some amendments to the bill, it will return to the Senate for concurrence. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said on Wednesday she is confident the bill will “reach her desk before lawmakers adjourn at noon Thursday.”

What is SB 241?

SB 241 seeks to establish a universal child care program requiring copays only for higher-income families, with an exception for high inflation, unexpected enrollment growth, or declining oil revenues.

The bill authorizes the state to tap up to $700 million over five years from the $11 billion Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund to fund the program. It also sets wage requirements for participating child care providers and mandates referrals to support services for children at risk of developmental delays or disabilities.

Supporters say the bill could bring long-term stability to families and providers.

“It creates predictability for families, providers, and the state, enabling long-term planning, enhanced child care quality, and improving the development of participating children,” said Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), who sponsored the bill in the House.

The lawmaker shared on her Facebook page a post by NM House Democrats announcing the bill’s passage.

Funding concerns

Republican lawmakers questioned whether the trust fund can support the program in the long term.

“My concerns with this really are the amount and the sustainability of the fund,” said Rep. Brian Baca, a Republican from Los Lunas.

In a Source NM report, the Republican lawmaker raised the issue, saying, “if we are going to be able to sustain this.”

The approved measure advances Lujan Grisham’s promise last year to make New Mexico the first state to offer free universal child care. Funding sustainability, however, has been a key issue throughout the 2026 legislative session.

The bill will head to the governor’s desk if the Senate signs off on the amendments made by the House.

UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club Opens Opportunities for Female Hockey Players

Grace Tackman
-
0
UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club Opens Opportunities for Female Hockey Players

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 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.”

1...678...35Page 7 of 35