Lobo Softball Welcomes Four to 2021 Signing Class
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The University of New Mexico head softball coach Paula Congleton and her staff have signed four to the 2021 class on Wednesday.
Recruiting the states of New Mexico, Texas and Idaho, Congleton has received NLIs from Ashley Archuleta (Rio Rancho, N.M.), Lauren Garcia (El Paso, Texas), McKenna Kostyszyn (Frisco, Texas) and Loran Walker (Meridian, Idaho).
“Our 2021 class will be another talented group both on the field and in the classroom,” Congleton stated. “Our recruiting coordinator, Tyler Heil, worked extremely hard in finding these outstanding players.
“We have added speed and depth in the infield and in the circle as each player is very versatile. They will also have an immediate impact offensively in their ability to steal bases, hit for power and consistently drive gap shots.”
From V. Sue Cleveland High School, Archuleta keeps the pipeline from Rio Rancho going for the Lobos. The shortstop made the varsity team as a freshman and went on to earn second team all-district four-straight years and academic all-district all four years.
“Ashley is a perfect fit for our Lobo softball program,” Congleton stated. “As one of the top recruits out of New Mexico, I am extremely excited to have Ashley join our family. There is a ton of pride with Ashley representing her home state. I am looking forward to having Ashley’s versatility on the infield and I love her feisty mentality and her competitive nature of doing whatever it takes to win. She’s been a fun player to watch, and excited for her to represent the Lobos.”
The lefty-hitter played club ball for the Tx (Texas) Bombers, which won gold at nationals- Carp in the 18 under division and was on the 2019 USA nationals 16 under runner-up team. In 2019, her team was the IDT 18 under runner-up and were the Top Gun champions.
Academically, she has made honor roll, is a National Honor Society member and was elected student body president in eighth grade.
Intending to major in biology, Archuleta chose UNM because, “it’s my hometown and I want to represent where I come from.” Her ties to UNM extend beyond her local roots as her mother, Tammi, graduated from the College of Nursing at UNM.
Able to play either of the corner positions, Garcia had a successful four years at Montwood High School. As a freshman, Garcia was named 6A first team all-district and academic all-district. Her sophomore season, she was named the 6A Offensive MVP, all-city offensive MVP and 6A all-state first team at third base. In addition, her team won the 6A district championship and the 6A bi-district championship in 2019.
“Lauren is a standout Texas Glory infielder recently ranked as the 66th-best player in the 2021 class,” said the Lobo head coach. “I am looking forward to watching Lauren learn from our veterans and leave her own mark on the program. Receiving several accolades last year with her offensive production, Lauren is going to bring power to our lineup and have an immediate contribution. I am excited about Lauren’s future and what she will bring to our Lobo family.”
Statistically, Garcia has been consistent at the plate throughout her high school career. The infielder hit .535 as a freshman with 53 hits, 55 RBI, 13 doubles, four triples and 19 home runs in 34 games played. As a sophomore, her batting average increased to .596 with 62 hits, 51 RBI, 13 doubles, two triples and 20 home runs in 38 games played. In her shortened junior season, Garcia was hitting .512 with 21 hits, 32 RBI, four doubles, one triple and eight home runs.
She achieved the highest batting average on the varsity team both in 2017 and 2018.
At the club level, Garcia has played for the 16U Texas Glory Junior, the 16U Texas Glory Naudin and the 18U Texas Glory Shelton. In 2019, her team was the Top Gun Invitational 16 under Maverick champion, and in 2020 her team was the Texas Fastpitch League 16 under Division runner-up and the 18 under American Freedom Invite co-champions.
As Coach Congleton mentioned, Garcia is nationally ranked in the Extra Innings Softball’s 2021 Extra Elite 100 at 66th.
Garcia chose UNM because “I wanted to play for a program who believed in me and wanted me to be part of their family. I immediately felt at home as soon as I stepped on campus and met the wonderful coaching staff. I am very excited to represent UNM and contribute to a winning tradition.”
A right-hand pitcher from Frisco Independence High School, Kostyszyn earned all-district all four years and earned all-area in 2019.
On Kostyszyn’s role, Congleton states, “McKenna will be joining the Lobos as a pitcher and utility player. She comes from an outstanding Bombers organization known for its competitive mentality. McKenna has the ability to walk in and make an immediate contribution on the mound. She is a dynamic softball player and a leader with an electric personality that excites everyone around her.”
As a freshman, she pitched 44.1 innings with an ERA of 2.68 on 11 appearances. Of the 225 batters faced, Kostyszyn struck out 20 and allowed just 17 earned runs on 63 hits. At the plate, Kostyszyn hit .227 as a freshman with 10 hits, six RBI, two doubles and a triple in 18 games played.
Academically, Kostyszyn excelled as a National Honor Society member and a FISD academic all-district recipient.
Kostyszyn stated she chose UNM because, “UNM was all I could ask for and more. Between the beautiful campus and family-like atmosphere, I knew it was the perfect place for me.” At UNM, the incoming Lobo intends to major in business.
Able to play shortstop, catcher or utility, Walker joins the Lobos from Rocky Mountain High School, where she made varsity as a freshman and earned all-district in 2017.
On Walker, Congleton mentions, “Loran is a very athletic infielder with tremendous instincts for the game. Her athleticism and power will make a huge impact on our program. When I saw Loran play, I knew we had to get her to UNM. She’s a gamechanger that we are happy to have in our program.”
Her freshman year, the versatile Lobo hit .559 with 38 hits, six doubles, one triple and nine home runs, tallying 29 RBI in 25 games played. Reaching base 20 times via a walk, once on base, Walker was 9-for-10 in stolen bases. As a sophomore, she hit .473 with 26 hits, four doubles, one triple and seven home runs, with 23 RBI in 21 games. In her first two years, Walker only struck out five times.
At the club level, Walker has played for the ID Sliders, ID Crossfire and Explosion, with the Sliders winning the state championship five-straight years.
Intending to major in East Asian Studies, Walker chose UNM because, “the campus is beautiful and the culture is amazing.”
