NeW SeASON, NEW FACES

As another season and school term approaches, the excitement of welcoming new student athletes to the UDA Academy at New Mexico State University heightens. This season we are pleased to welcome 25 first year students to the NMSU Academy. 

We are even more excited that our student athletes will have the chance to live on campus and experience what it's like to be a student in the beautiful city of Las Cruces.

Our mission is to change lives through education, and we believe that through New Mexico State's campus, academic programs faculty and outstanding facilities will allow our student athletes to not only live our mission, but exceed their goals.

As the new term approaches, our goal remains the same - to help student athletes find a program in which they can study, live and thrive. For incoming recruit Solomon Moss from Peoria, AZ we believe we have done just that, "what drew me to UDA at New Mexico State University was the fact that I get to train nine months out of the year and hope to improve my game with the team" stated Moss.

In addition to playing football year round, our student athletes will gain the skills they need to be successful off the pitch while studying at New Mexico State.
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Head Coach, Tahlon Drake reflects on what student athletes can expect at the UDA NMSU program, "The main difference between UDA and a regular university soccer program is the all year training. So when someone asks what will the student athlete be benefiting from the program, my response is simple - development."

Photo Credits: @uvinas_eye on Instagram

The UDA Academy at NMSU is heading into their second season in Las Cruces and the first on their brand new pitch! After a last season filled with uncertainty, Drake is confident this year will be successful. "sudden pandemic induced restrictions caused the team difficulties which we were able to overcome. Through all adversity the boys showed character! That said character is how we will define ourselves moving forward," he stated.

There is a lot to look forward to beginning this fall and welcoming a new set of parents and students to the UDA family is just one of them. Drake notes that he is excited to meet the incoming student athletes and keep building connections with those returning. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the new group of players coming in. What makes them tick, how are they motivated and what their goals and dreams outside of soccer are."
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Amidst the busyness of a new term, our liaison officer, Alexis Mendoza will be there for each student, equipped with the ability to help as everyone gets settled and prepare for a successful year both on and off the pitch. We are excited to see our student athletes thrive at the UDA NMSU academy!

Interested in learning more?

Learn more about how UDA prepares students to chase their dreams after graduation