What accolades has Cacia Antonio received during her college basketball career? How did Antonio contribute to her team’s success at New Mexico Junior College? What qualities make Cacia Antonio a valuable addition to the University of New Mexico’s women’s basketball team? How does Coach Mike Bradbury view Antonio’s impact on the team? What are the current roster dynamics for the Lobos following Antonio’s signing?
May 5—Cacia Antonio has already played a starring role as a college basketball player in New Mexico. She’s ready to try it at the next level.
Antonio, who was named national WBCA Two-Year College Player of the Year last season, has signed to play with the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team. A 5-foot-11 guard from Luanda, Angola, Antonio spent the past two seasons at New Mexico Junior College and earned NJCAA D1 All-American honors after each campaign.
As a sophomore, Antonio started at point guard and led the Thunderbirds to a 30-4 record, helping them advance to the NJCAA D1 Tournament quarterfinals. Antonio averaged 13.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.9 steals in 31.4 minutes per game.
Antonio visited UNM’s campus during the fall semester and attended a women’s soccer game with last season’s women’s basketball team. She was heavily recruited throughout the nation.
"We felt like she was the best junior college player in the country," UNM coach Mike Bradbury said, "and we weren’t the only ones who thought so. Super excited to add Cacia to our team."
Antonio is the second NMJC player to sign with the Lobos, joining 6-4 post Emma Najjuma, who was a freshman for the T-Birds last season. While Najjuma brings needed size and athleticism to UNM’s roster, Antonio is more polished. She spent several seasons competing for Angola’s national teams and is a potential difference-maker for the Lobos, Bradbury said.
"She’s really athletic, handles the ball really well and is a great defender," he said. "Cacia can hit 3’s but she really stands out getting to the basket and breaking down a defense."
Antonio posted 15 double-doubles during her NMJC tenure, seven of them last season. She scored 20 points or more 15 times for the T-Birds and was named NJCAA D1 All-American Honorable Mention as a freshman and All-American Second Team as a sophomore.
Antonio was named WBCA National Player of the Year in March.
"It is an incredible honor," Antonio said on an Instagram post after learning of the honor. "I would like to thank my teammates, my coach, our fans and my family for all their support. I appreciate it."
Antonio’s signing brings UNM’s roster to 12 players for 2025-26. She is the third junior college player, joining Najjuma and forward Jessie Joaquim. The Lobos also have six returning players and three incoming freshmen. Bradbury hopes to sign two more players, preferably guards, in the coming weeks.
TEXAS BOUND: Point guard Reza Po became the first 2024-25 UNM player to officially sign elsewhere after entering the NCAA transfer portal. Po will play at East Texas A&M next season after averaging 2.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18 games for the Lobos last season.
At East Texas A&M, Po will play for coach Val King, Bradbury’s longtime assistant at UNM. Ex-Lobos Jaedyn De La Cerda and Madi Washington are members of King’s coaching staff.
Four other former-UNM players, Lydie Mwamba, Lara Langermann, Lilli Hakkarainen and Paris Lauro, entered the portal and have yet to sign elsewhere.
Junior College Star Signs with UNM Women’s Basketball: A New Era for the Lobos
The University of New Mexico (UNM) women’s basketball team is setting the stage for a promising new chapter with the recent commitment of a standout junior college player. The Lobos have always held a strong reputation for nurturing talent and competing at a high level in NCAA Division I basketball. With this new addition, they aim to elevate their game even further.
The Impact of Junior College Basketball
Junior college (JUCO) basketball has long been a critical pathway for aspiring athletes looking to hone their skills and make a mark on the collegiate level. Many junior colleges provide a haven for players who may have been overlooked in high school or are looking to improve their game before matriculating to a four-year institution. With the rise of junior college basketball’s visibility in the NCAA, many teams, including UNM, have begun to tap into this resource to find exceptional talent.
The commitment of a junior college star signifies more than just a recruit; it demonstrates a strategic move by UNM to build a competitive roster. Often, JUCO players enter programs with a level of maturity and experience that can greatly benefit their new teams. They are often driven, having faced unique challenges on their journey, and they bring a work ethic that can inspire their teammates.
Meet the New Lobo
The latest addition to the Lobos is a highly coveted junior college player, whose stats speak volumes about her capabilities. With a blend of skill, athleticism, and game intelligence, she has made a name for herself as a leader on the court. During her time at the junior college level, she shone brightly, averaging impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and assists.
Coaches frequently bring these players in not just for their individual talents but also for their ability to enhance the team’s synergy. A successful junior college player is often one who can adapt quickly to changing situations, making them valuable assets in a rapidly evolving NCAA landscape. This new recruit is expected to bring just that to the Lobos.
Relationship with Coaching Staff
The relationship between current head coach and the new signee is one of key importance. The coaching staff at UNM has a rich history of nurturing young talent and guiding them from potential to elite status. This commitment signifies a mutual understanding and a shared vision for what the Lobos can achieve in the upcoming season.
In interviews, the player has expressed excitement about joining the Lobos and emphasized how the coaching staff’s approach to player development resonates with her personal and professional aspirations. She is eager to contribute to the team’s strategy, and her skills on both ends of the court could help bridge the gap between offense and defense for UNM.
A New Dynamic in the Roster
The rosters of college teams are in constant flux, and each new signee brings a unique dynamic. The arrival of this junior college star means a shift in team chemistry, where existing players will need to adjust to new playing styles and leadership roles. This transition could prove beneficial, reinvigorating the squad and prompting returning players to elevate their own performances.
Moreover, integrating a proven junior college player can lead to enhanced competition among teammates. With more talent on the roster, players will necessarily push each other to improve, creating an atmosphere conducive to growth and success. Coaches often notice that when competition within a team increases, so do overall performance levels.
Building Towards the Future
This signing aligns with a broader vision for the UNM women’s basketball program. The Lobos are not just looking to win games; they aspire to establish themselves as a consistently competitive force in Mountain West Conference play and beyond. The strategic acquisition of talented junior college players is part of a plan to build a deeper, more experienced roster capable of contending for championships.
As the Lobos gear up for the upcoming season, the coaching staff will undoubtedly focus on integrating their new player into the system while fostering the growth of existing team members. The combination of new talent and seasoned players creates an atmosphere that is charged with potential.
Fan and Community Engagement
The commitment of a dynamic player to the Lobos also provides an opportunity for fan and community engagement. UNM has always enjoyed robust support, and this new signing is bound to energize the fan base. Community events, welcome celebrations, and social media engagement will only help amplify the excitement surrounding the team.
UNM can leverage this moment to create a narrative of resilience, commitment, and high achievement—qualities that resonate with fans and prospective recruits alike. When fans see their team actively improving with new talent, it reinvigorates their support and increases attendance at games.
Conclusion
The signing of a junior college star marks a pivotal moment for the UNM women’s basketball program. As they prepare to welcome this new talent, the Lobos are not just adding a player; they are investing in their future. The combination of experience, maturity, and skill that a junior college standout brings can be transformative, setting the stage for success in the coming seasons. As the Lobos take the court, they do so with renewed hope, determination, and the promise of exciting basketball ahead.
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