My experience at UDA@NMSU has had its ups and downs. As a member of the first year program there were times that it was hard. However, as time goes on and the program develops, it has had many ups. From UPSL quarterfinals to being a training player with the El Paso Locomotives, I have developed exponentially as a player since I first arrived in Las Cruces. 

The focus on development and setting players up for success is top tier. Tahlon and Blake do whatever they can to help the players however is possible. Without Tahlon and the program I wouldn’t be in a place to be training with a USL Championship team and looking to sign my first professional contract in the coming months. 

The experiences I have had in Las Cruces have created memories and lessons that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. I’m beyond grateful for this program and can’t wait to see what my last semester will hold for me.

JD Meyers (GK, Herriman Utah)

I’m really enjoying my time at UDA@NMSU. Being able to play football year-round has been incredible for my development. I’m very proud to be part of such a special group here at NMSU, the players and staff have really made this team feel like a family for me. 

Will Hanson (MF, Las Cruces New Mexico)

Over the past two years that I have been a part of the UDA@NMSU program, I have morphed into a new man and player. The experiences that I had and shared with not only my teammates, but coaches and peers, was top class. 

Compared to the previous colleges that I attended, it was different than that of the first, but like that of the second. My first college was NAIA so there were strict rules and protocols that needed to be followed. This did not allow for much freedom in the sense of games, travel, preseason, offseason, and training times. We were very restricted to doing things only when a select time frame came upon all programs. 

My second school was in Leeds, England and did not have the same guidelines as those Universities in the US. We could play and train as we liked and even travel when we saw fit. This experience and opportunity opened my eyes to how I believe things should be. Playing against pro teams, traveling for international tournaments, and training all year round were game changing for me. 

This led me to UDA@NMSU where I could get a similar experience at a more affordable cost and a lot closer to home. UDA afforded me the opportunity to get an accredited degree while playing 10 months out of the year. To be able to do something that not a lot of programs in the US can do is extremely unique. 

Even though my time and career at UDA@NMSU has come to an end, I was able to lead and inspire a new wave of young student/athletes that have capabilities far beyond what they can imagine.

Nate Stewart (MID/DEF, San Antonio Texas)

UDA@NMSU has been a great choice from the beginning for me, as it teaches us to be more responsible as student-athletes. 

It has grown so fast, that the passion and commitment that each one puts into the team is remarkable, in addition to the experiences and friendships that are unforgettable. 

UDA is a source for progress in the classroom and on the pitch..

Alan Vargas (MID/Winger, Chihuahua Mexico)

I’ve been playing soccer since the age of 3 all the way through to the collegiate level. I’m a sophomore transfer from a DII college. I have only been a part of the UDA@NMSU program for two months but in the short time since joining them, I’ve been able to experience some of the highest level soccer of my career thus far, including playing in the UPSL national tournament and making it to the Elite 8. 

What really sets the UDA program apart for me is the high intensity and competitive training environment. Coupled with a great coaching staff, UDA provides a very professional and thriving culture. 

When compared to the college level I previously played at, UDA is just as comparable if not higher. Additionally, what really sets the program apart, for me, is the 10 month season. UDA provides considerably more games and opportunities than traditional college schedules to get on the pitch which really has allowed me to develop and improve all facets of my game. 

Joining UDA was the right decision for me and my future in the sport. 

Lucas Burch (MID/F, Alamogordo New Mexico)