Breaking the ice: UNM students launch state’s first collegiate women’s hockey program

As Team USA skates for a gold medal this Thursday in women's ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics, history of a different kind is unfolding closer to home at The University of New Mexico.

The UNM Women's Ice Hockey Club has completed its first season as the state's first ACHA Division I collegiate women's hockey program. Founded in 2024 by students Kiki Langenwalter and Mia Hollister, the team is building a competitive program while growing the game of women's hockey across New Mexico.

"Being the first women's club hockey team in the entire state of New Mexico just means so much to me and the girls," Langenwalter said.

A junior marketing major at the Anderson School of Management, Langenwalter plays defense and serves as club president. Hollister is vice president, and Kylie Phillips serves as treasurer. The team operates as a student-run organization through UNM Recreational Services.

"I wanted to play hockey in college," Langenwalter said. "But there was no option here in New Mexico, and I wanted to stay here and go to school. So, I decided to start a team."

Even the head coach is a Lobo. Jarrod Ronquillo, a Ph.D. candidate in engineering who works full time at Sandia National Laboratories, joined the effort early on.

"When I heard that Kiki was making a team, I knew I had to get involved," Ronquillo said.

Likewise, assistant coach Edgar Solis is also part of UNM hockey history, having played on the inaugural men's team in 1997.

For many players, the program represents opportunity that didn't previously exist in the state.

"Growing up here playing girls hockey, there was nothing," Langenwalter said. "Kylie and I played boys hockey until we were 16. Then you age out, and there's one girls team in the state. We didn't really travel anywhere. It was really important to build this for the girls coming up underneath us."

Phillips said she never imagined college hockey would be possible without leaving New Mexico.

"I never thought I'd be able to play college hockey," she said. "Having that opportunity for myself and the next generation is super cool and special."

The Lobos compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) at the Division I club level. This season marked a probationary year as they faced established programs including Arizona State, the University of Utah, the University of Denver, Colorado Boulder and Colorado State.

Despite being in their first year of competition, the team earned praise for its culture and character.

"We've gotten compliments from every coach about the character of our players," Ronquillo said. "Kiki and Kylie have done a terrific job building a local pipeline. Lobo Hockey prides itself on being one of the few Division I sports with New Mexicans on the roster."

The team practices and plays at the McDermott Athletic Center in Rio Rancho, sharing the rink with the UNM men's hockey club.

"It's definitely a hometown rink," Langenwalter said. "It works for us, and we're happy to be there."

With 13 players this season, above the league minimum of 10, the team officially established its presence. Now, attention turns to expansion.

This spring, the program will host a recruitment camp where prospective players can meet coaches and team members, tour the UNM campus and learn more about joining the Lobos. Information about the camp and the program is available on their website.

"We really wanted to give these girls an option - don't stop playing hockey, come play for us," Langenwalter said.

The team is also working to build sponsorships and community partnerships while increasing visibility through social media and outreach.

"Our goal is to make an impact in the community," Ronquillo said. "We want youth players to say, 'When I grow up, I want to be a Lobo.'"

Freshman goalie Bella Luke said the sport's family atmosphere is what keeps players committed.

"The hockey community is so tightly knit," Luke said. "I've played almost every sport, but hockey is the only one I stuck with because of the family."

That bond was especially evident when Langenwalter recently broke her leg and began playing sled hockey during recovery. Her teammates showed up to support her.

"I cried," she said. "I love these girls so much."

With apparel launches, sponsorship outreach and season ticket plans underway, the Lobos are already preparing for year two.

"We're going to bounce back from this season," Ronquillo said. "Next year we're going to prove why we deserve to be here."

As the state's first collegiate women's hockey program, the UNM Women's Ice Hockey Club is doing more than competing. It is building a pathway ensuring that the next generation of girls in New Mexico won't have to leave home to chase their hockey dreams. And in the process, proving that hockey belongs in the desert.

Follow the team on Instagram and get in touch with them at [email protected]