DALLAS – Following the conclusion of a historic season in which the Aggies earned their first regular season conference title, NM State earned a bevy of postseason awards, Conference USA announced on Tuesday. In total, seven NM State student-athletes were named All-Conference members, including CUSA Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year Loma McNeeese, and CUSA Defensive Player of the Year Xitlaly Hernandez. In addition, Head Coach Rob Baarts was named CUSA Coach of the Year in the Aggies' first year as conference members.
 
After leading his team to a 6-0-2 record in its first season as members of Conference USA, NM State Head Coach Rob Baarts was named the CUSA Coach of the Year. Already the winningest coach in program history, Baarts now becomes the Crimson & White's first Coach of the Year honoree.

"It's nice to have the hard work of our young ladies pay off," said Head Coach Rob Baarts. "With the success of our team I would have liked to see more of our young ladies be recognized. However we are super appreciative of our new conference and being a part of such an elite group. I am super proud of our ladies and look forward to even more success in the future! As far as winning Coach of the Year." Baarts continued, "I happily accept in honor of my entire staff! It should be renamed 'Staff of the Year'!"
 
Tabbed the CUSA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year back in August, senior forward Loma McNeese proved herself with another outstanding season – tallying a team-best six goals while adding four assists, ending the season with a team-high 16 points. Five goals and three assists came during conference action, including the program's first brace since Oct. 2021 in a 2-0 road victory over Jax State. In addition to being named the CUSA Player of the Year, McNeese also picked up Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-CUSA honors.
 
"This season has been very important to the girls and I," said McNeese. "It has been the hardest season mentally on us and coming out undefeated fills my heart with joy. These individual awards are just icing on the cake. Without these girls and our amazing coaching staff, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did this season. I am so grateful to be a part of this team - we are truly one of a kind."
 
Returning to the NM State program for a fifth season, Xitlaly Hernandez made the most of her final season in the Crimson & White, doing whatever put the team in the best position to win. Making the switch to centerback in the middle of the season, Hernandez has commanded the Aggie backline, leading the squad to a GAA of 0.75 since the start of conference play. For her efforts, the Phoenix, Ariz. native was named CUSA Defensive Player of the Year. She joins Loma McNeese as First Team All-CUSA selections.
 
Joining the Aggies as a transfer from Phoenix College, junior defender Ariana Leamons made an immediate impact, playing 1,292 minutes – the third most on the team. Protecting the left side of the field from her outside back position, Leamons also scored her first DI goal in a 4-3 win over LA Tech and posted a pair of assists. For her efforts, she was named Second Team All-CUSA.
 
Battling back from an injury early in the season, midfielder Brooke Schultz answered when the Aggies called; tallying game-winning goals against Middle Tennessee and RV Liberty, while adding in a pair of assists. No slouch on the defensive end of the field, Schultz helped NM State allow just six goals during CUSA play – second fewest in the conference. With her outstanding play, the junior from Kenmore, Wash. secured a Second Team All-CUSA nod.
 
One of the most trusted members of the NM State squad, junior Mya Hammack has been a leader and a force on the field. Playing all but five minutes during the 2023 season, her defense along the backline helped NM State record seven shutouts (tied for second most in a single season in program history) and earn their first regular season championship.
 
Earning the starting role following a redshirt season behind NM State great Makenna Gottschalk, Valerie Guha improved throughout the year to become one of the top goalkeepers in the conference. Since the start of conference action, Guha has tallied five shutouts – the most in CUSA. Guha also came through when it mattered most for the Aggies, tallying a career-day with nine saves while facing 18 shots to secure a 1-0 victory over Western Kentucky, and the regular season CUSA crown. On the season, the Friedberg, Germany native recorded a 1.36 GAA (0.80 CUSA), while tallying 38 saves on 188 shots faced. For her efforts, she was named to the All-Freshman Team.
 
Joining the team after playing for club team Fusion FC in BC, Canada, true freshman Shila Rasoul quickly became a staple in the Aggie rotation – playing in every game this season, starting for the first time in the regular season finale against WKU. Rasoul played a pivotal role in the Crimson & White victory, firing a left footed cross to Meredith Scott for the game winning goal. In addition, Rasoul has also scored two goals on the season – knocking in the difference making goal in a home win over LA Tech, and a go-ahead goal in a 3-2 victory of Middle Tennessee. Finishing second on the team in shots (23) and tied for second in shots on goal (11), she became the second Aggie selection to the All-Freshman Team.
 
Earning the number one overall seed in the CUSA Tournament, NM State awaits the winner of Wednesday's matchup between #4 seed FIU and #5 seed Sam Houston. The Aggies will play in the first game of semifinal action on Friday, Nov. 3 at 3:30 p.m. (MT). Fans can stream every game of the CUSA Tournament on ESPN+, or follow along thanks to statbroadcast.
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