​This past weekend, our team hit the road for an exciting trip to Arizona, combining
competitive soccer, focused preparation, and valuable team bonding. The weekend was
packed with meaningful moments—both on and off the field—as our players grew together
as athletes and teammates.

The trip kicked off Friday afternoon with a team meal, followed by a team meeting to go
over game plans and set goals for the weekend. After fueling up and locking in mentally, the
team departed from the hotel for the first match of the trip. Kickoff was at 7:00 pm, and the
players came out strong, showing energy and determination against quality competition,
Phoenix Rising [2-1 WIN]. After a long day of travel and play, the group returned to the
hotel to rest—lights out by 11:00 pm to recharge for a busy Saturday ahead.

​The day started bright and early with breakfast from 7:30–8:00 am before heading to Casa
Grande for a 10:00 am training session. The focus was on fine-tuning tactics and
sharpening skills after Friday’s match.
Afterward, the team checked in, followed by lunch and a quiet study table session—a great
reminder that our players are committed to excellence both on the field and in the
classroom.
​
Evening activities included a team meeting, dinner, and then some well-earned downtime
before lights out at 10:00 pm.

​Sunday morning came early with breakfast between 6:00–7:00 am, then a 7:15 am departure
for the field. The team’s second kickoff was at 9:00 am, and the players showcased
everything they had been working on—intensity, teamwork, and resilience. The final score
was 0-2 against Barca Residency Academy in Casa Grande, AZ. After the match, the group
packed up, shared a final meal together, and returned to Las Cruces by 12:45 pm, tired but
proud of a weekend well spent.

To wrap up the weekend, we asked a few of our players to share their favorite memories,
takeaways, and what the trip meant to them. From pre-game jitters to post-game laughs,
here’s what they had to say: “Oh man, it was really good,” says Isaiah Wong. “We just had a lot of team events and just hanging out outside of the game. The accommodations were great, and I think the whole
team was just really focused throughout the whole weekend. That was probably the best
part, we just really really played together.”

Player Daniel Boyce says his favourite part of the experience was “the camaraderie of the
team and just the whole kind of vibe of it, we were all very together. We didn’t end how we
wanted to with the loss, but I think going in and getting a big three points before the USL
season finished was nice. Having Saturday to recover, see a cool campus, and hang out, it
was just like a trip with the boys with some soccer. It was great.”

When asked about how the overall soccer experience was, Player Caedan Grubelnik had to
say, “I think the soccer was really good, it was some of the best I’ve seen this year as a team,
working together. [You know] everyone was staying on top of each other but in a positive
way, and we all just worked together and grinded out two good performances.”

Beyond the scores and stats, this Arizona trip was about connection—between teammates,
coaches, and the game itself. The players demonstrated focus, discipline, and camaraderie
throughout the weekend, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the season.

You can also catch more information about our program on the NMSU Round Up, where
Sports Writer Addidyn Hartman tells the story and goals for our program. You can read all
about it here: NMSU The Round Up

Also, don’t forget to follow us on all social media!
Instagram: @udamsu
Twitter: @UDANMSU

by Nicole Alaniz-Estrada ​

​We would like to introduce our coaching staff as we end our preseason and begin the
regular season. Our coaching staff has been working tirelessly to get UDA NMSU into shape
for this season's games. Let's welcome back head coach and technical director Ody
Economides! Born in Baton Rouge, LA, and having lived in Cyprus and England, Ody has a
rich international background. He played for Northampton Town FC's youth and reserve
teams before becoming a student-athlete at Saint Leo University in Tampa, FL. With 14
years of coaching experience across the USA, UK, and Europe, Ody has held various
coaching and director roles at prestigious organizations, including New York Red Bulls,
Watford FC, Tactalyse, and Olympiakos Nicosia FC. His credentials include a UEFA B
License, an NSCAA Premier Diploma, and a Master's Diploma in Football Coaching and
Sporting Direction from the Real Madrid Graduate School.

We would also like to introduce Assistant Technical Director Joseph “Joe” Benninger! A St.
Louis native with deep roots in the city’s soccer culture, Joseph Benninger brings a wealth
of coaching experience spanning youth, collegiate, and semi-professional levels. He has
coached with top youth programs like St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC, led East Central College
to multiple championships and in 2022 was named Coach of the Year. He also worked in
USL League Two and the Midwest Premier League with Ehtar FC. Ehtar’s inaugural season
in the MWPL resulted in a conference championship. At UDA NMSU, Joseph serves as
Assistant Technical Director, Second Team Head Coach, and Head of Recruitment, helping
student-athletes develop on and off the field in a unique 10-month university-level
academy environment.
​
Last but certainly not least, Head Goalkeeper Coach Juan Jose Perez! Juan was born and
raised in Mexico, where his love for soccer grew. This will be his first year with UDA, and
we are delighted to welcome him. Previously, he was a goalkeeper coach for Centennial
High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Centennial High School is the NM State Division
5A District Champion 2022-2024, and State Champions 2024. Around the field, you can
always catch Coach Juan saying, “Don’t you ever give up!”
We are excited to bring together this exceptional coaching staff. We look forward to what
the season holds!

As the 2025 season approaches, UDA has been hard at work during preseason, preparing to build on last year’s successes and tackle new challenges ahead.

The team kicked off preseason focusing heavily on fitness, tactical drills, and team cohesion. Head Coach Ody emphasized endurance, ball control, and defensive organization, ensuring the squad is physically and mentally prepared for the season's demands.

​The team played 3 preseason games, finishing with a record of 2-1.

This season, UDA welcomes a talented group of newcomers eager to make an impact. Hailing from various high schools and backgrounds, these newcomers bring fresh energy and potential to the team. As they integrate with the returning squad, their presence adds depth and competition, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

​Daniel Arellano (Chapin HS - El Paso)

• 2nd team all district
• Academic all district
• Engineering Completion Certificate for Magnet Program

Israel Arellano (El Paso HS)

• Named in the 2nd team, all district

Haziel (DaVinci HS - El Paso) 

• Hall of Fame Athlete of the Year in El Paso
• State champ in soccer/baseball and football (all-state on all three teams)

Dylan Tiscareno (Bel Air - El Paso) 

• District Champs

Abraham (Socorro HS - El Paso) 

• 1st Team All District

Ihab Mesbah (Clovis HS - Clovis, TX)

• Honors all 4 years
• Top goalscorer and assists junior year, breaking the school record, next year broke own record again with double the assists, being the top goalscorer and assists.
• Junior year, I finished top 10 goal scorers, senior year I finished 2nd in state goal scorers, and 3rd in total points earned.
• First team all-district junior and senior year.
• First team all-state senior year.
• Invited to the New Mexico star game, where he was also the MOTM.
• Triple jump state champion for track, senior year, as it was my first year doing it.
• State jumper in long jump as long as a state qualifier for the 4x2 and 4x4.

Andrew Fouts (Coronado HS freshmen, sophomore, and senior year. Saguaro HS junior year - Scottsdale, AZ) 

• Freshman year MVP and top goal scorer for JV
• Sophomore year, 1st team all-region and top goalscorer on Varsity
• Junior year 2nd team all region
• Senior year 1st team, all region, and top goalscorer and top assists

​Returning to the squad this season are several key players who have been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and success. These returners bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and consistency that will be crucial as UDA looks to make a strong push this season. Having already adapted to the rigors of college competition, they serve as mentors for the newcomers and set the standard in training and match situations. Their continued dedication on and off the field will foster team chemistry and drive the program forward.

Julio Coca

• 4 years with UDA
• Junior in college
• Majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Captain since Freshman year

Jesus Villela

• 3 years with UDA
• Majoring in Business
• Has kept a 4.0 throughout college

Caden Grubelnik

• 2 years with UDA
• Sophomore in college
• Majoring in Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law
• Kept a 4.0 last semester

Nov 1 — UDA NMSU at Next Level Soccer
Don’t miss the chance to support the team at HIghley High School in Arizona. The squad will be looking to build momentum with a key matchup against Next Level Soccer.. Match time: 7:00 PM.

Nov 5 — UDA NMSU at Irish FC Green
The team heads on the road to face off against Irish FC Green in El PAso Texas. Follow the action and cheer on our players as they battle for victory. Match time: 7:00 PM.

Nov 15-16 — November College ID Camp
Join us for our first College ID Camp at NMSU — an excellent opportunity to connect with players and show your talents in front of UDA NMSU coaches and coaches from around the country.

Dec 6 — Conference Tournament Begins
As the regular season wraps up, the team will compete in the [Conference Name] Tournament starting this date. Stay tuned for updates as we aim to bring home the championship.

UDA is not affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), nor does it identify exactly as a club. It’s considered more of a hybrid, where athletes get to compete at an advanced professional level without the restrictions of a typical program.

Being able to play at such a high level has proven to be beneficial for UDANMSU. They’ve gotten opportunities to compete against a range of age groups, like playing teams of more upper high school to college-age leagues, to United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) teams ranging from age 25-35. Having these experiences of playing against a vast range of clubs around the country has led them to some particularly unique achievements. ​

A unique brand of soccer is taking shape at New Mexico State University.

UDA Soccer is blending the rigor of professional training with the pursuit of higher education, with all of its players attending either NMSU or its community college branch, Doña Ana Community College. It's the only program of its kind in the United States and aims to develop players in a professional environment while working on a degree. UDA Soccer is affiliated with NMSU and wears university logos on its uniforms, but operates like a professional academy.
UDA Soccer has competed in the U.S. Open Cup, the oldest ongoing soccer competition in America, and was recently accepted into the USL Academy League's 2025 season after playing in the United Premier Soccer League.

Ahead of a preseason road game against United Soccer League's El Paso Locomotives on Feb. 8 and the start of their regular season in March, UDA Soccer wants to show Las Cruces what they're about.

"It's a testament to the talent that we have here, but it's also a testament to how hard it is to get these kids opportunities and get them exposed," said Jeff Thompson, UDA Soccer's program director. "We can provide that vehicle and give them a fulfilling experience for the four years that they're here, and ultimately, get them to that next level."

UDA started in 2018 with men's and women's teams of American collegiate players at the University of Chester and the University of Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom. When Thompson, a long-time Las Cruces resident, wanted to start a men's team in America, he worked to bring it to NMSU.

Like its British counterparts, UDA Soccer offers an alternative to traditional collegiate soccer. Instead of playing in only the spring or fall, it trains and plays year-round. Some players come from its three youth teams at the under-15, -17 and -19 levels, while others arrive from other professional or college teams or join out of high school.
UDA attempts to emulate a European-style environment, one Thompson says is more optimal for college players.

"Our goal is to put them in a professional environment and have players say, 'This is what it should be like at the next level,'" Thompson said. "So when they do make that transition, they know a little bit more of what to expect than what might get at a traditional college program."

Experienced coaches mold the program. Assistant coach and youth academy director Alex Reyes has over 30 years of experience, while head coach and technical director Ody Economides has 14 years of experience in roles with the New York Red Bulls and English side Watford.

Economides says UDA's model attracted him.

"Once I heard about UDA, I looked into it and saw how it was unique," Economides said. "It's the only one of its kind in the US. It's a year-round competition, which I think is paramount to the development of young players, and we participate in the UPSL... We get the best of both worlds. We can operate as a college program and we can recruit as if we were the men's team for New Mexico State, but we're not restricted to the NCAA."

​Fourteen of UDA Soccer's 39 players are New Mexico natives, but their reach extends nationwide with players from eight other states. International players from Canada and Mexico are also on the team.
Participation costs $12,500 a year, but UDA Soccer offers scholarships up to $3,000 and helps players earn academic ones from NMSU. Players believe it's well worth it.
"I do know that in my time here, I'm going to develop into a high-level player," said Julio Coco, a sophomore defender/midfielder from Las Cruces. "Whatever opportunities open up after my time here, I want to take advantage of (them), because I love soccer... I know there will be some."

UDA has had success. It won a first-round Open Cup game against Park City Red Wolves SC in 2023 and finished second in the 2024 UPSL West Texas-New Mexico division to clinch a Texas Region playoff spot. It also opened a new field on NMSU's campus in 2022.
It's helped players earn professional opportunities, such as when JD Meyers signed with the Chattanooga Red Wolves in USL League One in 2022. Current players want to do the same.

UDA Soccer wants to be a larger part of the NMSU community. They hope more NMSU students attend matches, and want to make NMSU a place where young soccer players come to pursue their dreams.
UDA Soccer believes it can make an impact, and wants to represent NMSU while doing it.
"There's no other program like it in the US," Economides said. "But we feel, in the culture that we create, that we are part of the NMSU community. It's on our gear. We're on campus. All our players are students of New Mexico State. We are in every way part of the university."

The UDA NMSU Youth Development Academy is seeking passionate and licensed coaches to join our team for the upcoming Spring season!

Position Overview
We are expanding our Youth Development Program and are looking for experienced coaching staff to work with players in our 06/07 and 08/09 age groups. This seasonal role runs from December through the end of June, offering an exciting opportunity to shape and inspire young athletes.

Qualifications

• Valid coaching license
• Experience working with youth athletes
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• A passion for player development and teamwork

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging training sessions
• Mentor and develop youth players, fostering their technical, tactical, and personal growth
• Collaborate with fellow coaching staff to implement the program's philosophy
• Provide a positive and safe learning environment

How to Apply
Submit your resume, qualifications, and a brief statement of interest via email to:

Alex Reyes
UDA NMSU Youth Development Director

•  Email: [email protected]
•  Subject Line: UDA NMSU YDA Coach

Applications are being accepted now! Join us in making a meaningful impact on the next generation of players.

We look forward to hearing from you! #JoinUDA

With 14 years of coaching experience across the USA, UK, and Europe, Ody has held various coaching and director roles at prestigious organizations, including New York Red Bulls, Watford FC, Tactalyse, and Olympiakos Nicosia FC. His credentials include a UEFA B License, an NSCAA Premier Diploma, and a Master's Diploma in Football Coaching and Sporting Direction from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He is set to complete his UEFA A License by the end of 2024.

We're thrilled to have Ody as part of our UDA community and can't wait to cheer on the team the rest of this season. ​

Jay Vega, a UDA NMSU student-athlete will be furthering his education in a PhD Program, working towards a degree in School Psychology while continuing to represent UDA NMSU on the field.

At UDA, our commitment to student success goes beyond the pitch. To help our students develop personal and professional growth during their university experience and beyond, we developed the Dream Maker Program alongside the UDA SUCCESS Foundation. 

The Dream Maker Program is dedicated to fostering the personal and professional growth of our student-athletes, helping them collaborate with their universities’ career and employability resources so they can grow their employability opportunities post graduation. 

Developed and led by Dr. Scott Johnson, in alignment with the visionary goals set by UDA founder Dr. Brian Haley, this program aims to equip UDA students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

Heading the Dream Maker Program is Dr. Scott Johnson. Holding a Ph.D. in management and marketing from Arizona State University, an MBA in international business from the University of San Francisco, and a BS in business administration-marketing from California State University, Fresno, Dr. Johnson brings a diverse range of knowledge to the program.

Having taught at the University of Greenwich in the UK, Dr. Johnson has a deep understanding of the European academic landscape. His experience in designing professional development and leadership courses, building external partnerships, and conducting assessment centers and team-building activities for students has equipped him with invaluable insights into employability.

Dr. Johnson's extensive background as a marketing executive and his three-decade-long tenure as a professor, program director, and business school Dean have allowed him to advise hundreds of students on career preparation and oversee their internships. By leveraging each student's unique experiences and strengths, Dr. Johnson fosters their career readiness competencies through supportive feedback and networking opportunities.

Our Dream Maker Program demonstrates our commitment to the comprehensive development of our student-athletes. Through close collaboration with universities, personalized mentorship, and access to industry insights, the program equips UDA students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. 

Under the guidance of Dr. Scott Johnson, the Dream Maker Program has become a cornerstone of UDA's commitment to empowering its students both during their university journey and beyond.

For more information about the Dream Maker Program, please reach out to Dr. Scott Johnson at [email protected].