Lobo Soccer Adds Five on National Signing Day

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The Lobo soccer program signed five to the 2025 class on Wednesday, adding two midfielders and three forwards. Joining UNM in the fall will be forwards Ainsley Capps, Claire Roybal and Laila Magaña Carter and midfielders Celina Frenz and Mia Barela.

In addition, three of the signees are from New Mexico, with one from California and one from Colorado.

Claire Roybal | F | Yucaipa, California
A multi-sport athlete from Yucaipa High School in California, Roybal was named All-CBL First Team in soccer in 2023 and 2024 as well as All-CBL Second Team in track in 2022, with her team winning the track CBL championship in 2022 and 2024. She also played basketball, where her team won the CBL in 2024. Her junior year she scored 12 goals with five assists after posting nine goals and three assists as a freshman.

Roybal also brings international experience, having played for the Mexican National Team U17, finishing third at CONACAF and fifth at the Mondial Montigu.

At the club level, the forward was a ECNL national finalist in 2022 and 2024, and finished third at ECNL nationals in 2023 with Legends FC ECNL.

Roybal intends to major in public administration at UNM.

On why UNM, Roybal noted, “the culture and environment is unlike anywhere else. There is so much support and love on and off the field and I felt truly wanted and welcomed. It felt like home.”

Laila Magaña Carter | F | Santa Fe, New Mexico
Born and raised in Santa Fe, Magaña Carter currently attends Santa Fe High School, where she earned first team all-state as a freshman, sophomore and junior and first team all-district. Academically, she earned first team all-academic all four years.

Magaña Carter was also called up to a national team, playing for the El Salvador’s National Team and was selected for the National Girls Academy showcase.

As to why UNM, she stated, “I chose UNM due to its amazing team environment and coaching staff. Additionally, I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent my home state.”

Magaña Carter plans to major in architecture at UNM.

Ainsley Capps | F | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Another New Mexico native, Capps attends Bosque School, where she lettered in soccer, basketball and track. During her high school career, she was a two-time state runner-up in 2022 and 2023, named district player of the year in 2023, first team all-state in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and first team all-district in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Capps set the record for all-time points and assists at her high school and scored over 100 goals in her career.

On why she chose UNM, she noted, “I chose UNM for the competitive environment on the field and the amazing team culture off of the field. I can’t wait to be a part of this program.”

Capps intends to major in architecture at UNM.

Mia Barela | MF | Las Cruces, New Mexico
While at Las Cruces High School, Barela was a 5A state finalist in 2024 and won the district championship in 2022, 2023 and 2024. She was a three-time captain on the varsity team, selected to the first team all-district team in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and the district player of the year in 2023 and 2024. She was named an all-state player by the United Soccer Coaches in 2022 as well.

During her high school career, she scored 106 goals with 52 assists.

Barela plans to major in psychology at UNM.

On why UNM, Barela mentioned it was “because it is clear that the coaches truly care for their players and push them to be well-rounded individuals. It’s inspiring and has made me want to become a better version of myself both on and off the field.”

Celina Frenz | MF | Littleton, Colorado
During her time at Colorado Academy, Frenz won the 3A Girls Soccer State Championship in 2024 and was named first team all-state three times. In her career, she scored 63 goals and was credited with 35 assists.

At the club level, she played for Real Colorado National, earning ECNL Northwest All-Conference Second Team in 2023, as well as ECNL All-Conference First Team in 2022.

Frenz intends to be a pre-med major at UNM.

On why she chose to attend UNM, she noted, “I chose UNM for its outstanding soccer program and for the sense of community that exists not only within the school, but also the town. After meeting the team and experiencing their hospitality, I knew UNM was the place where I wanted to continue my academic and athletic career.”