Peter Dindinger – NMMI Sports Press
For decades, the New Mexico Military Institute has helped transform young men and women by accelerating their life whether it be through academics, the corps of cadets or athletics.
One prime example of that is senior Geraldlynn Notah.
Playing on the Lady Colt basketball team for three years, Notah is getting a chance to live her dream by signing with Benedictine University in Mesa, Ariz., to further her career with the NAIA school.
Notah was also receiving attention from Division II Adams State in Alamosa, Colo., Park University in Gilbert, Ariz., and Division II Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.
She picked Benedictine because of its competitiveness as it went 19-9 overall this past season and 7-7 in the California Pacific Conference.
Competition goes hand and hand with Notah. She has been playing AAU basketball since the fourth grade.
“Out of all of them, I considered Benedictine because it kind of resembled a lot of NMMI, and I know that it would push me further in education as it is a four-year private college,” Notah said. “So, being competitive is in my blood and I really like it.”
Before arriving at NMMI, Notah was an all-around athlete sporting a 4.0 GPA at Moriarty High School while competing in cross country, basketball, and softball.
After dealing with some adversity and taking a trip to Roswell, she instantly fell in love with the Institute and decided to apply.
“We made a lot of sacrifices, but it happened and I’m very thankful that I’m able to finish and graduate as a senior,” Notah said.
Graduating with the rank of sergeant as a team leader in delta troop, Notah was heavily involved on campus.
Aside from athletics, she served as president and vice president of the Native American club and she was part of the ropes course and honor board families.
A former member of National Honor Society and student worker in the infirmary, Notah made history when she got Jonathan Nez, the President of the Navajo Nation, to travel down to Roswell to partake in a ceremony for the raising of the Navajo flag inside Bates Dining Hall.
Notah is one of about roughly 15 Native American students at NMMI.
“It was such a great honor and privilege to be able to have the Navajo Nation president come out and be there to celebrate the first Native American flag hung in Bates,” she added.
Basketball took a backseat during Notah’s sophomore and junior seasons when she tore her ACL.
She was able to make a full recovery and play on the court her senior year.
That moment in her life inspired her to major in health science at Benedictine as she aspires to become a chiropractor.
“So that was a huge challenge and a big curve in my road. My mom did not want me playing basketball after tearing my ACL, but I played my senior year,” she said. “I did very well, and I did a lot for the team.
“I’m very happy I was a part of the team this year being able to play basketball again.”
Crediting Lady Colt head basketball coach Marsha Olesinski for helping improve her game, Notah is fortunate to have attended NMMI.
“I’ve gotten better at communication, time management, being disciplined and being able to be flexible and grateful,” Notah said. “All of those are going to help me carry on at the next level.
“If I didn’t attend NMMI, I’d probably wouldn’t be where I am at the time. I probably would’ve been in a different situation, but with all of that I’m very thankful and happy with all that I’ve learned.”