Lobo Softball Signs 10 to 2025 Class
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—In her third signing day at The University of New Mexico, Nicole Dickson and staff signed 10 players to the softball program on Wednesday.
A versatile group, the class features players that can play multiple positions and span from California to Arizona to New Mexico to Texas.
Joining the Lobos in the fall will be Caitlin Benningfield, Arianna Capek, Alyssa Hensgen, Melanie Macias, Tenzly Martin, MiaLani Ocampo, Allysen Pitcox, Estrella Rowe, Alexa Wilde and Briana Williams.
“I’m excited to add these student-athletes to our program,” noted Dickson. “For the 2025 class, we targeted pitching and athleticism.
We have added 3-4 high-level pitchers that will come in right away and contribute to the rotation. Each pitcher brings something different to our staff from velo, spin and movement profiles.
This is the most athletic class we have recruited to UNM. We have several 5-tool athletes that can run well, hit for power and have strong arms. Overall, as a class, they provide versatility to play multiple positions and the ability to impact our roster right way. In addition, they have played at the highest level with travel ball and come from winning organizations and teams. Congratulations to each individual athlete and their families and welcome to the Lobo Family!”
Caitlin Benningfield | P/OF | Round Rock, Texas
A Texas native from Cedar Ridge High School, Benningfield has had a successful high school career, most recently winning the 26-6A district playoffs, before moving on to win the bi-district and advancing to the third round of the playoffs. The year prior, her team finished second in the 26-6A district playoffs after finishing fourth in the district playoffs in 2022.
Individually, she was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, Co-Pitcher of the Year in 2023, All-Centex Team in 2024, to the All-District First Team in 2023 and Newcomer of the Year in 2022. In her latest high school softball season, she hit .516 while holding a .979 ERA in the circle.
Benningfield intends to major in elementary education at UNM.
Why UNM: “I love the atmosphere and chemistry the players and coaches have.”
Arianna Capek | P | Canyon Lake, Texas
While at Smithson Valley High School, Capek has been named the District MVP in 2024, First Team All-District as a sophomore after named Second Team All-District as a freshman and team defensive MVP the last three years. Additionally, she recorded her 400th career strikeout her junior season after pitching 137.1 innings with a 1.63 ERA and 186 strikeouts as a junior. Her team was both area and district champions in 2024 as well as regional semi-finalists in 2023.
Academically, she was a member of the National Honor Society and earned academic all-district three years
Capek intends to major in marketing at UNM.
On why UNM: “I chose UNM because of the family-oriented team culture. When I visited campus, I saw how well everyone got along and how passionate the coaches and players are. I knew that is something I wanted to be a part of!”
Alyssa Hensgen | P | Lakewood, California
A right-handed pitcher from California, Hensgen has pitched 77.1 innings with 72 strikeouts and a 2.44 ERA at Mayfair High School. She earned First Team All-Suburban League and academically, earned a spot on the High Honor Roll and the Scholar-Athlete Award after holding a 4.4 GPA.
Hensgen intends to major in architecture at UNM.
On why UNM: “I chose UNM because I loved the coaches and the environment and feel of the school.”
Melanie Macias | P/ INF | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Born and raised in Albuquerque, Macias attends Atrisco Heritage Academy, where she was selected to the Second Team All-District in 2022 as a pitcher, the Second Team All-District in 2023 as a utility player and to the 5A First Team All-Metro in 2023.
She also lettered in track and volleyball.
Macias intends to major in elementary education at UNM.
On why UNM: “I chose UNM because it allows me to play for my hometown and give back to my community. As well as playing for an amazing coaching staff who wants it just as bad as me.”
Tenzly Martin | C | Alvarado, Texas
From Alvarado and Venus High School, Martin was twice named catcher of the year, and won Co-Offensive Player of the Year and Utility Player of the Year, while her team was two-time bi-district champions.
Outside of softball, Martin competed in volleyball and track and was on the student council, served as a student athletic trainer, worked on the yearbook and was a member of FFA. She was twice named to the academic all-district team.
Martin intends to major in criminology at UNM.
On why UNM: “I chose UNM because it’s a good atmosphere that feels like home. The coaches and players are welcoming, supportive, and hardworking.”
MiaLani Ocampo | OF | Gilbert, Arizona
Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico and now living in Gilbert, Arizona, Ocampo returns to the Land of Enchantment.
During her time at Highland High School, the outfielder has been a part of a state championship in 2023 and two regional championships in 2023 and 2024. She was named to the All-Region First Team in 2023, All-Conference First Team in 2023, All-District First Team in 2023, All-District Second Team in 2022 and All-Region Honorable Mention in 2024.
Academically, Ocampo is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Spanish Honor Society, a member of the honor roll all four years and an Arizona Reciprocal Scholarship recipient.
Ocampo intends to major in psychology at UNM and will be the second member of her family to attend UNM, joining her uncle, Aaron Ocampo, who played football for the Lobos.
On why UNM: “UNM is the epitome of small town hospitality. I love the environment and hospitality of the New Mexico culture. I’m so excited to earn an education in a beautiful environment.”
Allysen Pitcox | C | Seal Beach, California
A catcher from Los Alamitos High School, Pitcox was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and her team won the Sunset League in 2024.
Academically, she was named to the honor roll each of the last three years.
Pitcox intends to major in business at UNM.
On why UNM: “I chose UNM because I wanted to go to a college where I would be able to have new beginnings and learn who I truly am. The people at UNM are all very welcoming and help you strive to be the greatest you can be.”
Estrella Rowe | INF | Friendswood, Texas
From Clear Brook High School in Texas, Rowe was selected to the Second Team All-District the past two years as a third baseman.
Academically, she took part in the PALS Leadership Class and the Principals Forum at her high school.
Rowe intends to major in kinesiology at UNM.
On why UNM: “I chose UNM because the atmosphere here is very welcoming and I really like the coaching staff.”
Alexa Wilde | P/OF | Phoenix, Arizona
During her time at Pinnacle High School to date, Wilde has made the 6A Quarterfinals in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons and advanced to the 6A Semifinals in 2023-24. In the most recent playoffs in 2024, she hit .471 with a 1.256 OPS and .550 on-base percentage.
Additionally, she won the 2024 USA Today Arizona Courage Award and the 2024 JJ Lipsman Award recipient, is a member of the National Honor Society with a 4.4 GPA, and a three-time First Team Arizona Preps All-Academic Team honoree.
Wilde intends to work towards a BSN degree in pediatric nursing at UNM.
On why UNM: “Choosing UNM was one of the best decisions I have made for myself. Coach Dickson, Coach Spearman, Coach Sophie and staff were a HUGE part of that decision. I appreciate their high expectations and coaching style and the value they place on me as both an athlete and person. Academically, UNM is a great fit for my intended major and career. I’m grateful and excited to be a Lobo!”
Briana Williams | OF | Denton, Texas
From Denton, Texas and John H. Guyer High School, Williams twice earned First Team All-District her sophomore and junior year and was named to the 6A Softball State Tournament All-Tournament Team.
In the past two years, her team made it to the 6A state finals in 2023 and was a 6A state semifinalist in 2024, and she tied the 6A state record for most hits in a state tournament game with four hits. She hit .373 with a .435 on-base percentage behind 31 hits and added 12 stolen bases in 2023, and improved in 2024 with a .441 batting average, .504 on-base percentage on 45 hits with 10 more stolen bases.
Further, she was named to the academic all-district team three times and lettered in basketball her freshman year.
Williams intends to major in marketing at UNM.
On why UNM: “I immediately loved the environment. The coaches and players brought great energy and I immediately felt welcomed.”