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At some point, most of the custom kits — the ones with their individual last names — will get framed. Others will make their way onto hangers in select closets. One or two might be put in a drawer.
Those plans, however, can wait. The New Mexico United jerseys have to get at least some use.
“I’m wearing mine to the next United game,” Charlie Groves said Friday.
United hosts Orange County SC on Saturday.
There weren’t any disagreements. After all, each of the seven kits given out were earned — one for each of United’s developmental academy players for graduating high school. Each one was presented during a ceremony Friday at the club’s facility by one of the first-team players.
Groves received his from midfielder Marlon Vargas.
Winston Starr was gifted his from midfielder Gedion Zalelem.
Ivan Moore was awarded his from forward — and former academy teammate — Cristian Nava, “an OG.”
Connor Hanks got his from midfielder Cam Wilkerson.
Cristiano Flores was partnered with goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena.
Dani Guerrero was presented his by midfielder Zico Bailey.
Taren Wente’s moment came with goalkeeper Kris Shakes.
The pairs shared a hug or dap up and posed for photos in front of family as well as the first-teamers.
New Mexico United’s academy graduates receive their honorary first-team kits.
Each academy member was given theirs by a first-teamer. pic.twitter.com/gf10uumQmM
— David Glovach (@DavidGlovach) June 12, 2026
“I think it’s special to get that jersey,” Moore said.
That’s something United has always strived to do since starting its developmental academy in 2021. The academy players don’t sit idle. There’s quite a bit of on-the-job training. Oftentimes, that means plenty of learning experiences.
Wente, defender Kyle Hofmann and forward Grady Gilchrist attend and participate in every first-team practice session. The others will usually make an appearance on Thursdays to showcase different defensive looks for match-day prep. It’s a job first-team manager Dennis Sanchez said is “not super sexy or fun,” but an important one nonetheless.
“I think we all feel pretty comfortable around these guys,” Starr said. “They’re all good friends. It feels like a family, and every time we come into first-team training it’s very welcoming. We’ve all got really good relationships with the first-team staff and the players.”
“... These are guys you look up to and train with.”
There will still be a few more of those sessions before most go off to their new college programs. And that’s something the academy players appreciate and have appreciated, just like those custom kits, the ones with their own names on the back.
“Getting to be around first-team players, it’s just an honor,” Groves said. “… You get to see what type of level is the highest level.”
David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at [email protected] or via X @DavidGlovach.
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Those plans, however, can wait. The New Mexico United jerseys have to get at least some use.
“I’m wearing mine to the next United game,” Charlie Groves said Friday.
United hosts Orange County SC on Saturday.
There weren’t any disagreements. After all, each of the seven kits given out were earned — one for each of United’s developmental academy players for graduating high school. Each one was presented during a ceremony Friday at the club’s facility by one of the first-team players.
Groves received his from midfielder Marlon Vargas.
Winston Starr was gifted his from midfielder Gedion Zalelem.
Ivan Moore was awarded his from forward — and former academy teammate — Cristian Nava, “an OG.”
Connor Hanks got his from midfielder Cam Wilkerson.
Cristiano Flores was partnered with goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena.
Dani Guerrero was presented his by midfielder Zico Bailey.
Taren Wente’s moment came with goalkeeper Kris Shakes.
The pairs shared a hug or dap up and posed for photos in front of family as well as the first-teamers.
New Mexico United’s academy graduates receive their honorary first-team kits.
Each academy member was given theirs by a first-teamer. pic.twitter.com/gf10uumQmM
— David Glovach (@DavidGlovach) June 12, 2026
“I think it’s special to get that jersey,” Moore said.
That’s something United has always strived to do since starting its developmental academy in 2021. The academy players don’t sit idle. There’s quite a bit of on-the-job training. Oftentimes, that means plenty of learning experiences.
Wente, defender Kyle Hofmann and forward Grady Gilchrist attend and participate in every first-team practice session. The others will usually make an appearance on Thursdays to showcase different defensive looks for match-day prep. It’s a job first-team manager Dennis Sanchez said is “not super sexy or fun,” but an important one nonetheless.
“I think we all feel pretty comfortable around these guys,” Starr said. “They’re all good friends. It feels like a family, and every time we come into first-team training it’s very welcoming. We’ve all got really good relationships with the first-team staff and the players.”
“... These are guys you look up to and train with.”
There will still be a few more of those sessions before most go off to their new college programs. And that’s something the academy players appreciate and have appreciated, just like those custom kits, the ones with their own names on the back.
“Getting to be around first-team players, it’s just an honor,” Groves said. “… You get to see what type of level is the highest level.”
David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at [email protected] or via X @DavidGlovach.
More New Mexico United reading
*
NMU's Keller debuts new cornrows and his teammates, coaches weigh in
Despite mostly strong reviews, the United defender is still undecided if new look will be long-term hairdo
*
Match day: Orange County SC at New Mexico United
NMU looks to keep unbeaten streak against California club intact
*
Taren Wente opted to bet on himself and it paid off with an ACC program
NMU developmental academy goalkeeper set to play his college soccer at Pitt
*
'You want a hot take?' NM United has plenty of thoughts on soccer's biggest event
Players and coaches pick favorites, underdogs, best moments and tournaments heading into World Cup opener
*
Noël finds himself the popular player to seek out after NM United rout
Midfielder scores 1st goal of season in USL Cup win over Phoenix Rising FC
*
Match day: Phoenix Rising FC at New Mexico United
UNM gets rivalry matchup as USL Cup play resumes
*
Hurst believed a 'pretty real talk' was needed after NM United's last match against Phoenix
Club sees plenty of benefits from honest conversation entering rematch
*
NM United sees road draw as 'valuable point'
Coming off longest trip of season, NMU leaves Hartford with some positives
*
Match day: New Mexico United at Hartford Athletic
NMU is capping off three games against top Eastern Conference opponents
*
NM United's road warriors find ways to stay sharp
Ahead of a 2,100-mile trip, players rely on video games and a relaxed routine to unwind and prepare for the match
Continue reading...
