ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Head Lobo softball coach Dr. Paula Congleton is excited to announce her first signees since being announced head coach. She has inked three for the 2018 roster and all three will contribute immensely to the Lobo softball program. Below is information on all three student-athletes.
Monica Salas
Former Santa Barbara City College star, Monica Salas will join the Lobos for the 2018 season and was the first signee for head coach Congleton. She played outfield and catcher in her freshman year for the Vaqueros in 2016. She hit .434 with 38 RBIs. In 2017, she hit .362 on the 22-16 squad with six homers, 36 RBIs and a .621 slugging percentage.
Salas batted .402 for her career with seven homers and 74 RBIs. She was a first-team All-WSC North selection in 2016 and a second-team choice in 2017.
“I am very excited to have Monica join our squad,” said Congleton. “She is a versatile player with great work ethic academically and athletically. We recruited Monica because we know she has the ability to have an immediate impact on our success.”
Salas is excited about her opportunity and after hearing Coach Congleton’s vision for the program. “I am pumped to be a part of that vision and excited to be a Lobo”.
Aleyah Wilbon
Mt. SAC left fielder, Aleyah Wilbon will continue her career at UNM under the direction of Coach Congleton. The former standout from Summit High School in Fontana, California, hit .436 with 25 RBI and 21 stolen bases for the Mt. SAC Mounties this season in their second place finish in the California State Championships.
Wilbon was named as one of Southern California All-Conference and All-State outfielders while also receiving accolades as a scholar-athlete. Alyeah dominated on both sides of the game which provides Coach Congleton with an immediate impact player.
“The campus and coaching staff at UNM helped me make my decision,” Wilbon said. “I am looking forward to my time in Albuquerque. The community has been friendly and very welcoming. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and to get on the field to begin practice.”
Samantha Oliver
Oliver, a four-year letter winner at Arroyo Grande High School, played volleyball and softball. She led the team with a .526 batting average and broke the record for most runs scored as a leadoff hitter. Oliver is also a standout in the classroom maintaining a 4.2 GPA while always giving back to the community.
Coach Congleton is pleased to have Samantha as a part of her Lobo squad. “Sam is a great student not only in the classroom but on the field. We are looking forward to seeing her excel here at UNM.”
“I am grateful to Coach Congleton and Coach Heil for believing in my ability,” said Oliver. “My decision to play for UNM was a comfortable decision as I know UNM is the right school for me. Go Lobos!!”