25 Years in the Making with Nicole McCarty

As the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team celebrates its 25th anniversary this season, we are going to catch up with some UNM women’s soccer alums throughout the year – those student-athletes who helped pave the way to make this the program it is today.

Next up is Nicole McCarty – who played for the Lobos from 2001-05. The defender was a three-time Mountain West All-Academic Team pick (2001, 2004 and 2005).  She also was named Second Team All-Mountain West in 2001, and she was on the 2005 Mountain West All-Tournament team after helping UNM to the championship match.
 
Where are you living and what are you up to?
I live in a sunny little California suburban town called Ladera Ranch with my two boys, one almost three years old and one just five months, and my hubby. I have amazing work-life balance being a mama and a public relations manager.

How did attending UNM and being part of the soccer program set you up for success?
UNM Soccer helped me overcome obstacles, show-up and grow-up! And, one of the best life lessons is true friendship!
 
Do you have a favorite memory (on or off the field) from your playing days?
There are so many memories! A few of my favorites are beating Kentucky and BYU on their home fields (the 1-0 win over Kentucky came when the Wildcats were ranked No. 12 in the country in 2001, and there were a pair of wins over BYU, but the 1-0 win over BYU when the Cougars were ranked No. 6 was in 2005), our defense handshake, touring the country and a few red cards for forgetting I’m no longer a goalkeeper.

The ever-important question to anyone who has spent time in New Mexico: Red or Green?
Green all the way!