New Mexico bolsters signing class, adding So Cal ECNL standout and pair of transfers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Filling out its roster with three more new players, the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team welcomed the newest members of its squad for the upcoming Fall 2023 season.

Transfers Brae Cole from Washington State, Margaux Clarke from Washington, and freshman Nicole Anderson were all announced by Lobo head coach Heather Dyche. “When you have the opportunity to add quality people who are also high-level players to our family, we are always excited to make that happen,” said Dyche, who will begin her ninth season in charge of the Lobo program. “We know that all three of these players are going to add to our roster both on and off the field.”

The trio joins a recruiting class of five freshmen who were announced on Nov. 9, giving the Lobos eight new faces for the 2023 season.

Nicole Anderson
Forward
San Diego, California – Del Norte High School
Club Team: Slammers HB Koge ECNL

The twin sister of fall recruit Allie Anderson, Nicole Anderson brings a burst of firepower to the Lobo offense. The true freshman competed alongside her sister at Del Norte High School and for Slammers HB Koge ECNL, and was a four-year varsity player during her prep career.

Anderson helped her team to the 2021 Division I championship title, and she was an NCC first-team all-league selection. Anderson was named the player of the Year in 2022-23, and received scholar athlete recognition. During her sophomore prep season in 2020, she helped her club team to the ECNL national championship title.

Coach Dyche on Anderson: “We are really excited to have Nicole join her sister Allie and our Lobo family. She is a dynamic forward who can score goals in a multitude of ways.”

Anderson on choosing UNM: “I chose UNM to stick with family and to create a new one with the amazing people there.”

Margaux Clarke
Forward
Orinda, California – Miramonte High School
Previous School: University of Washington

The Lobos added a savvy collegiate veteran in Clarke, who saw the field for three seasons at the University of Washington. During her time with the Huskies, Clarke played in 33 matches and totaled four points with a goal and a pair of assists. She was a three-time Pac 12 academic honor roll selection, made the UW Dean’s List in 12 quarters, and helped the Huskies reach the Sweet 16 during the 2021 season.

During her prep career at Lamorinda Soccer Club in California, Clarke helped her squad to the NorCal Premier League title three times and to the 2016 Surf Cup championship. She was a top-10 goal scorer in both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns as well.

Coach Dyche on Clarke: “Adding an experienced player like Margaux to our front line is exciting. She is an excellent back-to-goal player, is tactically very smart, and is a person who will contribute to our culture off the field.”

Clarke on choosing UNM: “I chose UNM because I wanted to get the most out of my last two seasons of NCAA eligibility. I wanted to complete a master’s degree in environmental science and play for a high-quality team.”

Brae Cole
Defender/Midfielder
Louisville, Colorado – Monarch High School
Previous School: Washington State

Another player with Pac 12 experience, Cole comes to the Lobos after spending two seasons at Washington State. Cole made her collegiate debut as a freshman during the 2021 season, before redshirting during the 2022 campaign. Cole got an early introduction to the Lobo program, competing with the team during the 2022 spring season.

Cole competed for FC Boulder and Real Colorado, and helped her team reach the ECNL national tournament in both 2017 and 2021. A graduate of Monarch High School in Louisville, Colo., Cole was a first-team all-region selection and made honorable mention all-state during her prep career. She was a Front Range League first team selection, and racked up eight goals and 13 assists in her three seasons with the varsity squad.

Coach Dyche on Cole: “Brae joined us this spring and we are really happy to have her. She is a composed player who has a powerful left foot. We are excited to see her back in the fall and on the field with our crew.”

Cole on choosing UNM: “The team culture is amazing, and there is so much emphasis on supporting each other while still competing. It is very welcoming, and there is good energy all the time.”

The Lobos won their third consecutive Mountain West Conference title during the 2022 fall season, going 7-3-9 overall and 5-1-5 in league play to tie for first. New Mexico is expected to announce its 2023 slate of games in the coming weeks.