Over 100 Local Athletes Receive Fall Honors in Sandoval County

Rio Rancho, Dec. 22, 2025, Local high schools closed out the fall season with a broad list of individual honors that recognized athletes across soccer, volleyball, cross country, football and other fall sports. The compilation, current as of Dec. 22, 2025, names more than 100 student athletes from Rio Rancho High, Cleveland High and Bernalillo High who earned district and state level accolades.

Top recognitions included Parker Dunn of Rio Rancho, who was named District 1 5A Player of the Year and earned First Team All State, First Team All District and NMHSCA All Star honors. Teammates Kenneth Graves, Lucas Gutierrez and Tanner Groves also made First Team All State and First Team All District, while Micah Brichford was named Second Team All State. On the girls side, Cleveland’s Aliyah C’deBaca received First Team All District and Second Team All State honors, and Rio Rancho’s Sophia Smith, Kieara Trujillo Garcia and Tegan Chaves were among those named First Team All State.

Beyond soccer, the list includes First Team All State and All District selections in volleyball, cross country, and football. Several athletes were recognized as district players of the year and earned NMHSCA All Star designations. The compilation also notes individual state champions among the honorees, underscoring the depth of talent across Sandoval County programs.

For families and the wider community, these honors carry immediate and practical weight. Recognition can aid athletes in the college recruitment process, bolster school athletic programs, and help attract community support and funding. At the same time the list highlights ongoing equity questions about access to facilities, coaching and resources that affect whether promising athletes can translate local recognition into longer term opportunities.

Coaches, school leaders and local supporters say sustained investment matters to keep momentum for athletes across all schools. The honors list serves as both celebration and reminder that community backing can shape futures. The list is current as of Dec. 22, 2025 and includes over 100 athletes in total across the three local high schools. Readers are invited to contact the Observer with any omissions.