Open Announce

Lobos Add Bramson, Gonzalez to 2021 Class

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The University of New Mexico softball program has added two Californians to the 2021 signing class, as announced by Lobo head coach Paula Congleton.

Congleton and staff have received NLIs (National Letter of Intent) from Emma Bramson (Valencia, Calif.) and Aysiah Gonzalez (La Puente, Calif.), both with potential to play several positions and fit several roles for the Lobos.

From Valencia High School, Bramson has started all four years on varsity, earning several honors throughout her high school career.

As a freshman, she earned Daily News Girls Athlete of the Week and earned All-SCV First Team as a freshman and as a sophomore.  In addition, she was named all-area by the LA Daily News as a sophomore.

Bramson brings athleticism and versatility to the Lobos, having played volleyball for three years at the varsity level, and has the ability to play multiple positions on the field.

“As a coaching staff, we are thrilled that Emma has found her home at UNM,” Paula Congleton said. “As an infielder, she brings her talent and winning attitude to our program. Emma will help us in our continued efforts in transforming our program into one of the nation’s best.”

Statistically, she hit .367 as a freshman with two home runs and 23 RBI and was named the team MVP as a sophomore after hitting .376 with five home runs and 26 RBI. Bramson posted the top batting average for the Vikings and led the team in home runs to earn the first team nod as a sophomore.

As a team, the Vikings won the Foothill League Championship in 2018 after winning 28-consecutive league games, and is one of the most successful programs in the Foothill League, routinely making the CIF playoffs.

At the club level, Bramson has played for one of the top programs in Southern California, the So Cal Choppers.

Bramson chose UNM because, “I really liked Coach Congleton and the atmosphere of the campus. I love the camaraderie of the team and the uniforms are pretty sick!”

Gonzalez attended Bishop Amat Memorial High School, where she played three years of varsity and racked up accolades.

“Aysiah brings versatility to the Lobos as she can catch, play the infield and outfield,” states Congleton. “We are looking forward to Aysiah’s impact in the classroom, softball program and community. She is a terrific young lady who brings a lot of passion and potential to our program.”

As a freshman, Gonzalez was named the most offensive hitter and in her first season of varsity competition as a sophomore played in nine games with two hits. Her team won the Del Rey League as a sophomore. Of those two hits, one was a double and had one RBI. Starting at third her junior year, her hit total increased to six hits in five games played for a batting average of .462 with one double and two RBI.

At the club level, the Lobo signee played for the California Bombers 18-under Cordero team.

Outside of softball, Gonzalez and her family donates a Christmas tree to a family in need each year and Gonzalez goes back to her elementary school to give back.

Intending to major in criminal justice, Gonzalez chose UNM because, “of the culture and diversity. I wanted to go somewhere where I knew I was going to fit in perfectly. Seeing the coaching staff, the dedication and the competition, it just made me want to strive to work harder.

“Also, I wanted to go somewhere that would benefit my career in the future. Being the first in my family to attend college, I’m starting a new generation here at UNM.”

Bramson and Gonzalez bring the total number of student-athletes signed in the 2021 class to six, joining Ashley Archuleta, Lauren Garcia, McKenna Kostyszyn and Loren Walker.