From Centennial High School to Division I golf

By Isabel Laulhé 

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – After helping New Mexico State UIniversity finish third at the Conference USA Championship during her junior season with the Aggie women’s golf team, Las Cruces native Alexandria Armendariz looks back to where it all started: high school golf. 

High school golf played a big role in her development, building her competitiveness and sense of teamwork. Her maturity and composure on the golf course helped her win two individual state championships for Centennial High School under Coach Gregory Garcia, who she describes as her “second dad.”

However, coming from a small state like New Mexico, where golfers are often overlooked, meant Armendariz had to take the initiative to travel out of state — mostly to Texas and Arizona — to gain both experience and exposure. 

“It was hard getting recruited,” she said. “I had to be the one to reach out because nobody ever did.” 

For Coach Garcia, this is the biggest challenge as well. 

“They’ll play in high school tournaments because they’re with their teammates and their friends,” he said. “But when the offseason comes – going out of state and competing by yourself – that’s where you grow.” 

During her high school career, Armendariz earned several individual wins and finished in the top three at district and state tournaments. 

According to Garcia, the strongest part of Armendariz’s game during those years was her mental approach – her ability to focus on the next shot and stay level regardless of the result, something most high school golfers do not have.

Reaching the college level comes with challenges, especially for athletes from smaller states. 

However, NMSU women’s golf coach Danny Bowen saw her play at a tournament and got in touch with her. After speaking with other universities, including Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University, Armendariz committed to NMSU to stay close to her family. 

Although Armendariz is still seeking her first college win, she is an example of how stepping out of her comfort zone and competing out of state helped her overcome a challenge many high school golfers in Las Cruces face.