Cowboys, Cowgirls honored with virtual release of NMHU Athletic Awards

LAS VEGAS, N.M. --- The New Mexico Highlands Athletic Department was set to honor their student-athletes in person May 2 at the Athletic Awards Banquet, but wildfires in the area canceled the event. However, the department still honored its student-athletes and successes by handing out the awards virtually.

2021-22 New Mexico Highlands Athletic Awards
Male Athlete of the Year: Allen Michel, Wrestling
Michel had a standout season in 2021-22 - culminating in earning All-American status at the NCAA Championships after taking eighth place at 174 pounds while also being named the Elite 90 Award winner, an honor given to the wrestler competing at the championships with the highest cumulative GPA. Michel was also named the RMAC Wrestling Academic Athlete of the Year and all All-RMAC First Team honors. Michel owns a 4.0 GPA while double majoring in English and Political Science and is the first New Mexico student-athlete to earn the award. Michel advanced to the national championships after taking second place at super regionals.

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Female Athlete of the Year: Kaitlyn Scott, Track and Field
Scott in 2021-22 has set the NMHU hammer and weight throw records, named All-Region for the indoor season, took second place in the weight throw at the indoor RMAC Championships and in the hammer at the outdoor RMAC Championships and is set to compete at the NCAA Championships later this month.

An athlete that has excelled on and off the field! She's always maintained good academic standing, served as example for teammates, and showed dedication and determination to her sport and education. Congratulations to Katy Scott for being named Athlete Of the Year! #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/2JgAi6pwP8

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 15, 2022

Male Veteran of the Year: Desmond Carpenter, Men's Basketball

Veteran of the year goes to a senior athlete who showed leadership
and knowledge of his program. Desmond was a coach on the court, and was respected among his teammates and
coaches. Congratulations to Desmond! @nmhu_basketball #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/ckdqnlxNMx

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 12, 2022

Female Veteran of the Year: Beatrice Armijo, Track and Field

Veteran of the year goes to a senior athlete who showed the leadership
and knowledge of their program. Beatrice was a coach on the track, and was respected among her teammates and
coaches. Congratulations Beatrice! @nmhutrack #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/ILbCcSyLob

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 12, 2022

Male Rookie of the Year: Lubby Marrujo, Baseball

A freshman athlete that made a significant impact to the team's success through signs of leadership, field performance and a positive attitude to add to team chemistry. Congratulations to Lubby Marrujo for being named Rookie of the year! #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/eppPt8jTd2

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 13, 2022

Female Rookie of the Year: Heaven Medina, Softball

A freshman athlete that made a significant impact to the team's success through signs of leadership, field performance and a positive attitude to add to team chemistry. Congratulations to Heaven Medina for being named Rookie of the year! #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/qQ52i1SWu7

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 13, 2022

Male Newcomer of the Year: CJ Sims, Football

Newcomer of the year goes to the athlete that has excelled on and off
the field in their first year as at NMHU. Congratulations to CJ Sims! @nmhufootball pic.twitter.com/9mNJxIibXP

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 12, 2022

Female Newcomer of the Year: Terayah Stukes, Volleyball

Newcomer of the year goes to the athlete that has excelled on and off
the court in their first year as at NMHU. Congratulations to Terayah Stukes! @NMHUVolleyball pic.twitter.com/u9OXRtJjDb

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 13, 2022

Most Inspirational, Male: Collins Kurui, Cross Country

Most Inspirational award goes to a Student-Athlete
that truly embodies the challenge of being a Student-Athlete at
NMHU. Collins is a strong ambassador for NMHU and an inspiration to his teammates, peers, and
coaches. He builds up teammates and leads with enthusiasm and
positivy. pic.twitter.com/7vkM0jy5qH

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 11, 2022

Most Inspirational, Female: Soleil Gandara, Volleyball

Most Inspirational award goes to Soleil Gandara. Soleil is a strong ambassador for NMHU and an inspiration to her teammates, peers, and
coaches. She builds up teammates and leads with enthusiasm and
positivy. Congratulations Soleil! #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/IRjuarBNAg

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 11, 2022

Most Clutch Performance: Malik Brown, Football

The athlete everyone trusted with the game on the line. Malik came through for his team when needed. Congratulations to Malik for most Clutch Performance! #LetsRide @NMHUFootball pic.twitter.com/fsAb3bilSb

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 14, 2022

Male Scholar Athlete: Andrew Amore, Cross Country

The athlete who maintained a high GPA, and set an example on and off the court. Congratulations to Andrew Amore for being this year's Scholar Athlete! #LetsRide @nmhutrack pic.twitter.com/pW9u6grXM3

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 15, 2022

Female Scholar Athlete: Jordyn Lewis, Women's Basketball

The athlete who maintained a high GPA, and set an example on and off the court. Congratulations to Jordyn Lewis for being this year's Scholar Athlete! #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/eXjoXJudZk

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 14, 2022

Female Team of the Year: Volleyball

The team that remained unified through adversity, showed dedication to their sport and teammates, and stayed focused on their education while excelling in their court performance. Congratulations to NMHU Volleyball on being named the Female Team of the Year! #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/OktezGbd0W

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 10, 2022

Male Team of the year: Men's Basketball

The team that remained unified through adversity, showed dedication to their sport and teammates, and stayed focused on their education while excelling in their court performance. Congratulations to @nmhu_basketball on being named the Male Team of the Year! #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/89UNHo2EQ3

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 10, 2022

Comeback of the Year: Football

The team that turned their record around from their previous season to this year's season! Congratulations @NMHUFootball! #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/pPpQIpVgGq

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 10, 2022

Service Award: Women's Soccer

Congratulations to the team that served their community and campus with dedication to represent NMHU's commitment to give back. Congratulations to Women's Soccer for earning this year's Service Award! @NmhuSoccer #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/any01sdR8O

— NMHU Athletics (@NMHU_Athletics) May 11, 2022