ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico women’s golf team participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation One Walk on Saturday morning at Isotopes Stadium. The Lobos were a part of 12-year-old Brenyn Dills’ “Unstoppable” Team and helped her by raising $1,260.00 towards finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
“The team decides every year what they want to do for community outreach and I happened to come across Brenyn’s effort and presented it to the team,” said head coach Jill Trujillo.” I asked them if they would want to join her team and raise some money for the JDRF and they were really enthusiastic about it!”
Brenyn Dils is the daughter of Alan Dils, a former head coach of the men’s tennis team. Dils is one of UNM’s strongest supporters with 29 years and counting as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach for 18 of those years.
“I think it probably hits home a little more and I’ve known Brenyn and her sister since they were little girls. It was quite a shock for her and her family a year ago when she was diagnosed and I just wanted to let her know that other athletes have Type 1 as well,” said Trujillo.
The team is known for their involvement with the greater UNM community over the years and they have been a part of various efforts to help and assist the some of the same fans that support them every year.
“We’ve done stuff for pancreatic cancer and other things as well,” said senior Eva Saulnier. “It’s nice to be able to help because we are so lucky to play for UNM and it’s a way to give back.”
Brenyn had not only the Lobos by her side on Saturday but she also had her own soccer team and their parents. After naming her team “Unstoppable” it was apparent that there is no stopping this young girl from pursuing her dreams.
“It feels really good to have this much support, it’s actually super empowering,” mentioned Brenyn.
Both Trujillo and associate head coach, Britney Choy mentioned that they enjoy participating in the Albuquerque community with their players because it gets them outside of school and outside of the golf course to raise awareness for causes bigger than themselves.
“We like getting involved in the community and letting them know that women’s golf is there for the local community to help raise money and do what we can to make a difference,” said Choy.
The Lobos are currently in their off season but while they’re working on perfecting their game heading into the Spring season, they’re also making a difference in their community.