Albuquerque, New Mexico- The UNM Spirit program is in full swing for the 2026-27 season, and the Lobos have announced their official rosters for the cheer and dance teams.

“We’re incredibly excited about this year’s roster and the future of Lobo Spirit. There’s so much more to this roster outside of talent, we’re optimistic that this roster will embody the culture we want to continue building in this program,” UNM Lobo Spirit head coach Gabriella Rivera said.

The team includes plenty of returners, new faces, and local athletes. Here are the full teams:

*rookie, meaning first year with UNM Spirit.

UNM’s 2026-27 dance team:
-Aleigha Montoya (returner)
-Aili Johnson (returner)
-Aspen Martino (returner)
-Bailey Jaramillo (returner)
-Brooke Rodriguez (returner)
-Camryn Villalobos (returner)
-Elicia Peralta (rookie)
-Isabella Peralta (returner)
-Jaelynn Archuleta (returner)
-Jayanna Deary (rookie)
-Jaylen Gonzales (returner)
-Jenna Trujillo (rookie)
-Kaleia Hernandez (rookie)
-Laela Ruiz (returner)
-Makenna Gibson (returner)
-Malia Salinas (rookie)
-Mariella Saavedra (rookie)
-Mickaela Lozano (rookie)
-Mikayla Paiz (rookie)
-Rose Sombito (rookie)
-Ryley Quintana (rookie)
-Shayla Quintana (returner)

“This season feels special already. After a huge rebuilding year, we’re more motivated than ever to show out for Lobo fans and bring the energy every single game day. The talent, work ethic, and determination on this team is incredible, and the commitment from everyone in the program (athletes and coaches) has been so inspiring. The culture we’ve built together is also so important to us and plays a huge role in who we are as a team. There’s nothing like experiencing a Lobo game day, whether it’s on the field or at The Pit. Between the success of our athletes and the energy from our fans, the atmosphere is unreal. I can’t wait to see everything this season has in store for us!” senior UNM dancer Aleigha Montoya said.

UNM’s 2026-27 cheer team:
-Aaliyah Rios (rookie)
-Adelynn Stacey (rookie)
-Alex Ballard (rookie)
-Alyssa Contreras (returner)
-Ashley Hernandez (rookie)
-Audrey Duran (returner)
-Ayden Ghoreishi (returner)
-Bailey Santillanes (returner)
-Bellalia Killebrew (rookie)
-Brielle Nagyvary (returner)
-Carlos Ruiz (returner)
-Catalina Padilla (returner)
-Edgar Madera (rookie)
-Ella Balderrama (returner)
-Emily Stuard (rookie)
-Emma Garduno (rookie)
-Gianna Volpato (rookie)
-Isabella Griego (returner)
-Isabella Volpato (rookie)
-Jaelynn Gyger (returner)
-Janelle Gutierrez (rookie)
-Janessa Martinez (rookie)
-Kate McDonald (rookie)
-Kayley Macy (returner)
-Lilly Grice (returner)
-Mariah Martinez (returner)
-Marisa Witwer (rookie)

-Marisol Barajas (returner)
-Marissa Orona (rookie)
-Maximo Valdez (rookie)
-Maxwill Dunn (rookie)
-Maycie Robertson (returner)
-Mckenzie Brewer (returner)
-Miguel Borquez (rookie)
-Neveah Lucero (rookie)
-Noelle Sanchez (returner)
-Quentin Mass (returner)
-Sarah Denslow (returner)
-Soliece Padilla (returner)
-Tayli Escuibel (rookie)
-Terrance Gallegos (rookie)

“This will be my fourth season on the UNM Spirit Team; this team and this year feels much different from the past. Last year was a rebuilding year for the whole program. This year, however, the energy is different. There are new and improved expectations put into place, that is going to set this team up for success. We have an amazing coaching staff, some great returning athletes that are excited and ready to lead, and some awesome new talent. This is a very exciting year for this team and I can’t wait to see where this momentum and year takes us!” senior UNM cheerleader Isabella Griego said.

Local athletes on the UNM Spirit squads (from what I know)

-Five former Rio Grande Ravens are now sporting the Lobos Cherry and Silver: Isabella Griego (fourth year), Soliece Padilla (third year), Bailey Santillanes (second year), Edgar Madera (first year), and Aaliyah Rios (first year).

-A pair of Hope Christian student athletes are joining the Lobo dance team: Mariella Saavedra and Ryley Quintana. Hope Huskettes have a great history of making it to the next level. Current UNM dancers Bailey Jaramillo and Shayla Quintana are from Hope as well as former UNM dancer Isabella Vigil, who is with the Seattle Seahawks. On the cheer side, Alyssa Contreras is another Hope alumni who now sports the cherry and silver.

-La Cueva is repped well on the Lobos too: Mckenzie Brewer, Ayden Ghoreishi, Audrey Duran, Ella Balderrama , Maycie Robertson, and Bellalia Killebrew, are all Bears turned Lobos.

-The Volcano Vista pipeline to UNM has been well established over the years. Here are former Hawks on the squad: Isabella Volpato, Jenna Trujillo, Catalina Padilla, Sarah Denslow, and Jaelynn Gyger. Long-time Lobo cheerleader Micaela Gallegos also came from Volcano Vista.

The 2026 5A state champion Rio Rancho Rams have a trio of incoming male cheerleaders on the team including Maximo Valdez, Terrance Gallegos, and Alex Ballard.

-Some other NM local products: Kayley Macy (Eldorado HS), Mikayla Paiz (St. Pius X), Jaelyn Gonzales (Albuquerque HS), Aspen Martino (Carlsbad HS), Mariah Martinez (Albuquerque HS), and Aleigha Montoya (Atrisco Heritage Academy HS).

*If you see anyone missing with local roots or want to let me know of any info, please email me at zunigasauce@gmail.com and we will update it ASAP.

UNM Spirit Roundup

-Former UNM cheerleader Tommy Galaviz will cheer for USF this upcoming season. Galaviz was the 2026 Heart of a Lobo recipient for the UNM Spirit Program.

-Three former members of the UNM dance team made NFL squads’ cheer and dance teams: Paloma Lopez (L.A. Rams), Isabelle Vigil (Seattle Seahawks), and Malia Dumlao (Indianapolis Colts).

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