New Mexico United Visit Clare Morgan

NM United Visit

By Clare Morgan

(Clare Morgan is a third-year nursing student at Newman University in Wichita, KS, who recently served on a week-long service trip to Gallup, NM.)

On Thursday December 12th, students at Sacred Heart School received a visit from some special guests. New Mexico United, the state’s year-old professional soccer team, was welcomed by students sporting yellow and black beanies, with cheers and smiles from ear to ear. The team’s visit to the school was just one stop on their mission to connect with their state and share their spirit and resources with its residents.

After a surprisingly successful first season (the young team lost in the first round of playoffs, but made it to the quarter finals of the US Open), New Mexico United decided to take their success to the rest of the state and give back to the local communities they encountered there. They began a weeklong tour of New Mexico: covering 1,820 miles, reaching 12 cities, and 17 schools. With the help of their fans, other members of the team, and in an effort to give back to the communities they visited, United raised funds to be donated to local non-profit organizations. The focus of their tour was to promote an attitude of unity and camaraderie between the team and their state.

Although the majority of New Mexico United’s players are not local, many of them are excited to call New Mexico home. The road trip has helped these players experience the hospitality and energy of their fans across the state. Being based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United does not want to be associated only with the Albuquerque municipality and surrounding suburbs. Their journey sought to reach out to further communities and support the people and fans who support them.

The team’s stop at Sacred Heart School coincided with the school’s announcement of a new school-wide soccer program, which will begin fall

of 2020. Two of the players involved in the tour, both of whom were able to visit Sacred Heart Catholic School when they came to Gallup, are Cody Mizell and Albuquerque native Devon Sandevall. Mizel, Sandevall, and other representatives of New Mexico United spent time talking and playing with students, snapping pictures, and encouraging students to participate in sports and lead an active lifestyle. The presence and inspiring words of these professional players doubtlessly served to support student’s commitment to the various athletic opportunities that are growing at their school.

On every stop, players and fans alike could be seen smiling, conversing, and enjoying their time together. The attitude of excitement and generosity that the team brought to their travels was matched in full by the hospitality and friendliness of New Mexico citizens. Regardless of wins, losses, or anything in between, New Mexico United is surely proud to call New Mexico “home.”

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