Peter Dindinger – NMMI Sports Press
Entering New Mexico Military Institute as a new recruit poses a lot of challenges for young freshmen, whether it's adjusting to the demanding military lifestyle or trying to stay organized.
Jalen Baca, a junior college freshman, is taking on the new challenge with a bright smile and positive attitude.
A 2019 Roswell High grad and former three-sport standout, Baca is starting to adjust to life as a Recruit- At-Training.
The fast-paced regiment of getting up in formation at the crack of dawn to completing the 21-day ceremony with Delta Troop has already made a significant change in Baca's life.
Her troop won most motivational during the ceremony that marks the first three weeks of a cadet's time on campus.
"We're all going through the same stuff and I just think it brings us closer together," she said. "It's been tough but it's really helped me get more organized.
"If you are not doing what you're supposed to do, you know you're going to get in trouble. We're getting used to it now. It's not that bad."
Baca was a four-year letterman on the volleyball squad at Roswell High under her mother, Heather, who is the head coach.
The Coyotes went 57-38 in that span, winning back-to-back District 4-5A tournament titles in 2018 and 2019.
Roswell High made its deepest run in the playoffs during Jalen's freshman year when it finished 17-7 after losing in the Class 5A semifinals to state champion St. Pius.
Jalen was also a four-year letterman for the Coyote basketball team as she starred as a point guard. Roswell High made the state tourney twice during her career.
The team made a big run in 2017 when they landed in the semifinals as the top seed.
Jalen also competed in track and field. She traveled to the state meet as a junior in 2018 with the Roswell High relay teams, finishing fourth in the 1,600 sprint medley.
She also made a trip as a sophomore with the sprint medley team in 2017.
"I thought I did what we wanted to. We wanted to get further at state and stuff, but with moving up in classification it was very difficult. Overall I think I did pretty well," she said of her accomplishments at Roswell High.
Currently, Jalen is fighting for a spot as either a defensive specialist or libero.
It was Jalen's competitive edge and strong leadership skills that caught the attention of NMMI head coach Shelby Forchtner.
"I feel like she's a kid that has a lot of checkmarks in her box, in terms of things that she can help us with," Forchtner said about Jalen. "She's got some good leadership qualities.
"She's always got a smile on her face, too. She really does have an infectious energy about her. She comes from a great family and you can see it in her personality."
The jump from high school to junior college volleyball can be a big climb considering the faster speed of the game.
Baca isn't the only Roswell native on the Bronco roster this coming season. Sisters Vittoria and Sophia Price both attended Goddard High School.
Jalen is a former teammate of Sophia's at Berrendo Middle School.
So far, Baca has enjoyed the time spent with her new teammates.
"It's been really good. It's a nice break from the corps stuff getting to hang out with our team. They're just really supportive of everything. I really like them," she said.
Baca plans on becoming a dietician and earning her associates in biology.
She didn't plan on staying home to attend college but when the opportunity arose to attend NMMI and play volleyball, she jumped on it.
"It's really a cool experience here and I want to become a better leader," she said.