Throughout its history, New Mexico has continued to enchant athletics by raising the best and brightest to compete both nationally and internationally. They bring to the table unique experiences gained from their upbringing in the diverse state.
Sixteen athletes with ties to New Mexico competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their success exemplifies the state's athletic tradition carried on from generation to generation.
Though it would be impossible to showcase all of the incredible Hispanic New Mexican athletes, here are some whose impacts can still be felt today.
Devon Sandoval
In 2018, Devon Sandoval became the first player to sport the black and yellow jersey when he signed onto soccer team New Mexico United. Sandoval was an athlete of many firsts, scoring United’s first goal, playoff goal and Open Cup goal, according to the United website.
An Albuquerque native and Lobo athlete, Sandoval was voted the United Soccer League Championship Player of the Month in September 2019, according to the USL.
Sandoval retired from professional soccer in 2017. His career embodies "somos unidos" — “we are united” — through the team he helped create, which continues to inspire New Mexicans and dominate the field.
Nancy Lopez
Professional golfer Nancy Lopez tee’d off her career by winning the 1969 New Mexico Women’s Amateur during her adolescence. She would ultimately win 48 Ladies Professional Golf Association tours and three major championships, according to the LPGA.
Though born in California, Lopez grew up in Roswell. During her time in New Mexico, Lopez won the New Mexico Women’s Amateur three times before winning the United States Girls Junior in 1972 and 1974, according to the LPGA.
Lopez broke tradition when she became the first woman to receive the Francis Ouimet Award for her lifelong contributions to golf, according to the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Nancy Lopez’s impact continues to empower New Mexicans today and can be felt in Roswell, where Nancy Lopez Elementary School resides.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Johnny Tapia
Professional boxer Johnny Tapia — also known as Mi Vida Loca, or “My Crazy Life” — fought with New Mexican strength and spirit by becoming a champion in three different weight classes: flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight.
Tapia posted an impressive 59-5-2 record during his career, with 30 of those wins coming by way of knockout. Tapia had an aggressive fighting style in the ring, which would culminate in a celebratory post-win backflip, according to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Tapia died in 2012, but his impact and legacy still lives on and inspires new and upcoming boxers in the Hispanic and New Mexican community.
Trent Dimas
Albuquerque native and gymnast Trent Dimas made a splash early in his career. Dimas became a member of the U.S. junior national team age 13 and a U.S. senior national team member at age 15, according to the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1992, Dimas brought home an Olympic gold medal at the summer games in Barcelona. He earned the U.S.' only gold medal on the high bar, according to USA Gymnastics.
Dimas broke records, becoming the first Hispanic American to win a gold medal on the high bar, according to the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.
Danny Villanueva
Born in Tucumcari, Danny Villanueva played football for New Mexico State University. Villanueva set NMSU’s record for longest field goal, according to its website.
Villanueva took his talents to the NFL, with stints for both the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys. Villanueva was one of the earliest NFL players of Mexican descent, according to the Dallas Cowboys.
After retiring from athletics, Villanueva continued to be successful in his ventures. He became the general manager of the Los Angeles Galaxy, and later a multi-millionaire, according to the National Park Service.
Along the way, Villanueva also continued to support NMSU students, establishing the Danny Villanueva Scholarship Endowment, according to the Las Cruces Bulletin. Villanueva died in 2015, and like others, his impact on New Mexico and Hispanic culture is everlasting.
Nate Bernard is the news editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @natebernard14
