Las Vegas, New Mexico - New Mexico Highlands University cross country coach
Bob DeVries announced his recruiting class for the upcoming season today. DeVries welcomes six student-athletes from New Mexico in a class that consists of five women and four men for the 2025 campaign.
Women's Cross Country
Taylor Begay | Freshman | Shiprock, NM | Shiprock HS
Another college-bound distance athlete from Shiprock HS, Begay was a state qualifier in cross country where she was top twenty in the 4A race. Recently she was the second overall female finisher at the tough Narbona Pass 10K.
Coach DeVries:
"Coach Alice Kinlichee has a long record of producing quality college runners."
Misha-Jade Samuels | Freshman | Spanish Town, Jamaica | St. Jago HS
A powerhouse performer from St. Jago HS, Samuels has outstanding performances in both middle distances (800 - 2:14/1500 - 4:40) and jumps (TJ/HJ).
Coach DeVries:
"Cross Country might be a little new for Misha-Jade, but she has proven to be a true athlete and I'm looking forward to working with her in cross country."
Aaliyah Maria | Freshman | Farmington, NM | Farmington HS
An outstanding 300M hurdler and cross-country runner at Farmington HS, Maria will be asked to add depth to the HU cross country program while building strength for the college 400M hurdle distance.
Coach DeVries:
"Aaliyah has a great attitude towards her training and becoming even stronger at the collegiate distances."
Hailey Renteria | Freshman | Española, NM | Española Valley High School
All State performer in both cross country and track for the Sundevils under coach Loren Martinez. Placed 11th in the 2024 state cross country championships.
Coach DeVries:
"Hailey is another tough 'norteña' runner - we've had great success with runners from Pojoaque, Chimayo, Espanola."
Brenda Kibor | Sophomore | Nairobi, Kenya | Texas Tech
A transfer from DI Texas Tech, a 4:29 (1500)/9:34 (3000) performer.
Coach DeVries:
"The RMAC is incredibly tough in the distance races, but Brenda has times that make her a real threat to score big points at the conference championships."
Men's Cross Country
Mackdonald Kiprop | Freshman | Nairobi, Kenya
Has run sub - 31:00 (10K) and sub - 15:00 (5K) at high elevation in Kenya.
Coach DeVries:
"Mackdonald should make an immediate impact, he has the credentials to chase all-RMAC and national qualifying performances."
Jude Martinez | Freshman | Peñasco, NM | Peñasco HS
All State in both cross country and track and the anchor on a state championship 4 x800 relay team for the Penasco Panthers, coached by Ben Sanchez.
Coach DeVries:
"Some of the toughest runners I've ever coached have come from Penasco. Jude has always raced tough, and I expect the same from him when he starts racing in purple."
Xavier Martinez | Freshman | Rio Rancho, NM | Rio Rancho HS
A member of the 2024 Rio Rancho 5A state championship team, placing 11th. Ran a stellar 9:23 for 3200M and was the Albuquerque Metro Champ at 1600M in 2025.
Coach DeVries:
"Xavier is the second-fastest 2-miler we've ever recruited. He comes from a program that produces outstanding college runners and loves the longer distances."
Alonso Torres | Freshman | Albuquerque, NM | Rio Grande HS
One of the best distance runners to ever compete for Rio Grande High School under the guidance of coach Daniel Hurren.
Coach DeVries:
"Alonso made a huge jump in performances from his junior year, I can't wait to see what he can do in our program."
New Mexico Highlands is scheduled to open the 2025 season on August 30th in Las Cruces at New Mexico State's Lori Fitzgerald Open.
