Valencia's Carisma Lovato will be running in a University of New Mexico
uniform next fall. Photo by Rod Stanopiewicz.
On April 21, Valencia senior Carisma Lovato signed her National Letter of Intent to run cross-country and track and field for the University of New Mexico Lobos.
Lovato was a force for the Jaguars on the Cross Country Course, culminating in a superb senior campaign. Lovato battled New Mexico's best the entire 2014 Cross Country season, culminating in an individual championship in Class 5A with a 18:40.60 clocking.
On the track, Lovato takes advantage of both Indoor and Outdoor seasons. Lovato holds Indoor Personal Bests of: 2:29.40 for 800m, 5:30.90 for 1600m, 5:20.11 for the Mile, 12:06.64 for 3200m. As for Outdoor, Lovato has shown range with Person Bests of: 27.54 for 200m, 53.22 for the 300m Hurdles, 1:00.94 for 400m, 2:17.12 for 800m, 5:07.33 for 1600m, 5:11.36 for the Mile, 7:33.09 for 2,000m Steeplechase, and 11:24.53 for 3200m.
What clinched the decision for the school you signed with? Ultimately it came down to how I felt after my official visit. I really enjoyed the atmosphere all together. The coaches definitely have the same mind set I have as to what it is going to take to be good at the collegiate level and I feel I am going to really enjoy working with them. Overall, living and training in New Mexico is going to be great and I believe UNM is going to offer a lot of opportunities for me.
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is more so the 1600, however, I believe the 800m takes a lot of guts and belief in your self and I do enjoy that challenge even though it can be really hard at times!
Which competitive season do you prefer, the fall or the spring? I honestly prefer the fall season much more. I love the long runs throughout Cross and I really enjoy the team bonding because every single member on the team is going through almost the same challenges as you and I think that just brings a team so much more closer together. Also, I really enjoy racing on different courses throughout the season because it helps you realize what your strengths and weaknesses are by having to endure many different obstacles such as hills and sand.
What is your favorite high school athletic memory? Hmm, I definitely have tons of memories, however the one that is very special to me was when I won State this past Cross Country season. It was such a rewarding moment that seemed so surreal.
Lovato recorded the fastest time of the day at the 2014 New Mexico State Cross Country Championships. Photo by Holly Patterson.