ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Coach Congleton and the University of New Mexico softball program have added incoming freshman Maggie Buckholz to the 2019 roster, the program announced Monday. Buckholz comes to UNM from Salem, Oregon and is a four-time All-American and multi-time player of the year.
“I am really excited about Maggie joining this recruiting class,” Coach Congleton said. “She brings power, speed and athleticism to our program. She has played in excellent travel ball programs with great coaches.
“Maggie is not only an outstanding athlete, she is an outstanding student. We are looking forward to seeing her take a leadership role and contributing to our team in the coming years!”
Buckholz is a four-time Max Preps Softball All-American Shortstop/Infielder and was named Statesman Journal Mid Valley Sports Awards Softball Athlete of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Her list of accolades is extensive as she has also earned OSAA First-Team All-State Infielder and First Team All-League Shortstop honors while being named Mid-Willamette Conference Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2017.
In addition to competing for Silverton High School, she helped lead her club squad to four ASA Oregon State Championships in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017. Over her most recent three club seasons, Buckholz saw action in 210 games posting a .550 batting average, 30 home runs, 252 RBI and 70 stolen bases.
She holds multiple records at her high school including the single-season records for games played (29), batting average (.734), home runs (10), RBI (64), hits (64), singles (45), doubles (17), stolen bases (29), slugging percentage (1.430) and runs scored (40). She also holds the career records in games played (79), batting average (.681), hits (175), RBI (116), runs (114) and stolen bases (66).
“I wanted to attend a school that offered outstanding opportunities both in athletics and academics. The softball program at UNM has a lot of upcoming potential and I believe that together we can achieve greatness,” Buckholz said.
“After I graduate, I would like to become a pediatric nurse and UNM offers one of the best nursing programs in the country. Along with the opportunities, the campus itself is beautiful and the people make me feel at home. I am truly excited to be a part of the Lobo family! Go LOBOS!”