UNM Adds Peterson to 2019 Roster

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—  The University of New Mexico softball program has signed MacKenzie Peterson to a National Letter of Intent to further her academic and athletic career, as announced by head coach Paula Congleton on Tuesday.

Having started her college career at Phoenix Community College, the outfielder will transfer to UNM at the end of the semester and be immediately eligible to compete for the Lobos.

A native of Gilbert, Ariz., Peterson graduated from Gilbert High School in 2018, where she lettered all four years and was named player of the year in 2017 and offensive player of the year in 2018. She earned all-district three times (2016, 2017, 2018), all-region twice (2017, 2018) and all-state in 2017.

The newest Lobo is familiar with Albuquerque and UNM, as she will be the second member of her family to attend UNM.

Her brother, D.J., played baseball at UNM from 2011-13 and was UNM’s first-ever three-time All-American before being drafted 12^th overall in the MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners to become UNM’s highest draft pick ever. He now plays professionally in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Her other brother, Dustin, also plays professional baseball in the Detroit Tigers organization.

While UNM has been Peterson’s dream school ever since her brother started attending in 2011, she doesn’t just hope to follow in her brother’s footsteps but make a legacy of her own.

Peterson intends to major in physical education at UNM and will wear No. 7 for the Cherry and Silver. 

The 2019 softball season gets underway on Friday, Feb. 8 at the NMSU Tournament against UTEP.