ESPANOLA, NM - The Northern New Mexico College women's basketball program has signed Dominae Esparza to a National Letter of Intent for the 2012-2013 season. Esparza comes to Northern from Gallup High School in Gallup, NM.

"We are very excited to announce the signing of Dominae. She will be a tremendous addition to Northern women's basketball, bringing her experience from such a successful basketball career at Gallup High School. Dominae is an exceptional young lady and I'm confident she will make a great impact on our women's basketball program and on Northern's campus," commented head coach Christina Jost.

Esparza, a 5'2" guard, has helped Gallup to much of it's success the past two seasons. Her junior year, she was a key contributor in Gallup's 6-4A State Championship title. During her senior campaign, Dominae led Gallup as a co-captain to a 20-9 overall record and District 6-4A Championship. She garnered All-District Second Team, was ranked in the top 50 Female Basketball Players in NM named by NMPREPs.com, was selected as Bengal Player of the Week and elected to play in the New Mexico vs. Arizona All-Star game.

"Dominae comes from a successful Gallup program where Coach Turner has done a fantastic job of preparing his athletes to compete at a very high level. She has been instrumental in that success the past two seasons and knows what it takes to help bring a program to a championship caliber level. I'm very much looking forward to having the quality student-athlete that she is become associated with Northern women's basketball and have no doubts she will have a big impact right away," stated Jost.

Esparza not only exels on the basketball court, but also in the classroom, as well. She received an academic letter from Gallup High School after earning a 3.8 G.P.A and currently holds an overall G.P.A. of 3.5.

"Dominae is a very intelligent young lady and dedicates herself just as much in the classroom as she does on the court. She has an excellent work ethic and great focus, which has proven in the brilliance she has displayed both academically and athletically," commented Jost.

Esparza will enter Northern as a true freshman and is planning to pursue a career in Speech Pathology.