ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— University of New Mexico head softball coach Nicole Orgeron and her staff have signed six players to the 2027 class Wednesday. Featuring two pitchers, two infielders, an outfielder and a catcher, the six Lobos span from Arizona, Kansas, Texas and California.
Signing to play for the Lobos are Isabella Cadena, Aubrey Chavez, Parker Mayes, Alana McCarthy, KK Smith and Mackenzie Templeton.
“We are excited to add this group of signees to our program,” commented Orgeron. “I expect this group to make an immediate impact to our roster. We really focused on athleticism and speed offensively with this class, and pitching wise, added depth to our staff.”
Isabella Cadena | OF | Chandler, Arizona
From Basha High School in Arizona, Cadena won an AIA 6A state championship in 2023 and was named to the 6A All-Region and 6A All-Conference team her junior season.
A two-sport athlete, Cadena also lettered in track and field. At the club level, the Lobo signee played for Arizona Rising and Arizona Storm, where her team won the 18U 2026 Top Gun Events Maverick Championship in 2026 and had a top 5 finish at the P5 Patriot Games in the 16U Division in summer 2025.
On why UNM, Cadena noted, “I chose UNM because from the beginning, the coaching staff made it feel like home. Over the last year, they’ve made me feel genuinely wanted, supported and loved, and that has meant more to me than anything. I believe in what this coaching staff is building and where this program is headed, and I’m excited to be part of it and compete for championships.
I fell in love with the campus, the facilities and Albuquerque, and I love that it’s close enough to home for my family to be part of this next chapter while still giving me the opportunity to grow on my own. Every time I visit, I leave even more confident that I made the right decision when I committed. I truly couldn’t have found a better fit. I can’t wait to wear Cherry and Silver, represent New Mexico and compete for a Mountain West Championship under Coach Orgeron’s leadership.”
Cadena intends to major in psychology.
Aubrey Chavez | P | Queen Creek, Arizona
A right-handed pitcher, Chavez was born in Grants, New Mexico and currently attends Queen Creek High School in Arizona.
Chavez will be the second member of her immediate family to attend UNM as her mother, Shaunalee Chavez, graduated from UNM.
During her high school career, Chavez’s team was a state runner-up three times and academically, she was named to the honor roll three times.
At the club level, the pitcher played for AZ Rising Appel and AZ Storm Mathis, where her team was a PGF runner-up.
On why UNM, Chavez stated, “I chose UNM because it immediately felt like home. The people there are incredible and the relationship I have with the coaches is so great. Also, I will be able to play in front of my grandparents.”
Chavez intends to major in communications or business.
Parker Mayes | C | Orange, California
A catcher from California, Mayes attends El Modena High School, where her team was the CIF D1 Southern Section Runner-Up in 2025 and she was named the league MVP.
In addition to playing softball, Mayes also lettered in flag football.
At the club level, Mayes has played for SoCal Athletics, ZT Blaze, Watson Wolfpack, Impact Gold and won the Patriot Games in 2026.
Intending to major in psychology, Mayes chose UNM because,” it had a really unique feeling of home and everything felt like it had really fallen into place.”
Alana McCarthy | INF | Wamego, Kansas
A middle infielder from Kansas, McCarthy comes to UNM after winning the 2024 state championship and the state runner-up in 2026 at Wamego High School.
In addition to softball, the Lobo signee has lettered in basketball and cheer, and was named first team all-state, KSHSAA first team and NCKL all-league. McCarthy set the single-season home run and RBI record at her high school with 13 and 50, respectively, and holds the career record for home runs for her high school.
Academically, McCarthy made honor roll all four years, is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars, earning a 4.0 all four years.
On why UNM, McCarthy noted, “I chose UNM because it immediately felt like home with the coaches, environment, and players. They believed in me when no one else did.”
McCarthy intends to major in biological sciences.
KK Smith | INF | Cypress, Texas
A middle infielder from Cypress, Texas, Smith attends Cypress Christian School, where she earned first team all-district three times (2024, 2025, 2026), first team all-state in 2024 and 2026, second team all-state in 2025 and was named to the state all-tournament team in 2024 and 2026.
Academically, she is a member of the National Honor Society.
As to why UNM, McCarthy commented, “I love the coaches and the environment of the school.”
Mackenzie Templeton | P | Nacogdoches, Texas
A right-handed pitcher from Texas, Templeton attends Central Heights ISD, where she plays both softball and basketball and runs track.
Her basketball team was the state champion runner-up in 2026 and in the circle, Templeton was named pitcher of the year, earned honorable mention and first team all-district during her high school career. In addition, she was named a USA All-American as well as a USSSA Select 30.
At the club level, Templeton has played for Hotshots and Bombers with her team tournament champions at the OKC: Welcome to the Show and placed in the top 10 at PGF.
On why UNM, she stated, “I chose UNM for the family feel of the team. I watched these girls support each other and knew I wanted to be a part of this special bond.”
Templeton intends to major in kinesiology.