VOLGA — The University of New Mexico checked every box for Isabelle Bloker. 

The Sioux Valley High School senior distance runner committed to the Lobos’ cross-country and track and field programs, announcing her college intentions Sept. 12 on social media. Bloker recently went on her visit to the university that’s more than 16 hours and 1,000 miles away from home. 

But despite the distance, the Division I program had everything she was looking for in a college. 

“It kind of just checked every box for me,” Bloker said. “I really like the coaches there and the girls and just kind of like the national championship mentality. I just really want to get better and just see how far it can take me. The elevation is really a big factor, too. I will be able to improve a lot and training will be hard, but it will be so worth it.”

Bloker picked New Mexico over Nebraska, Toledo, Colorado and South Dakota. She visited Nebraska and Toledo, while she had visits setup with Colorado and USD. 

But her visit to Albuquerque solidified her decision, and she committed to New Mexico on the spot. 

“I just wanted to commit on the spot,” Bloker said. “It was just kind of everything I wanted. So I am not going to make them wait.”

In addition to the elevation, Bloker said she’s “a hot temperature kind of girl,” and that also played into her decision. 

“In the winters we don’t really get snow out there,” Bloker said. “It will be a pretty nice temperature. So training will be really nice all year long.” 

She’s also joining a blazing-hot cross-country program. The New Mexico men’s and women’s cross-country teams were both voted No. 1 in the Mountain West preseason coaches poll. 

The Lobo women are currently ranked No. 21 in the country, and won national championships in 2015 and ‘17. 

“They have a really good, historic program,” Bloker said. “They are looking pretty good this year, and I am really excited about the future.”

Bloker is also relieved to get her college decision out of the way, largely because of the travel for her visits. 

“The travel takes a lot out of you, a lot more than what you realize,” said Bloker, who will major in either criminology or sports media in college. “These last few weeks have been rough physically for me, but I am hoping I can get back to it.”

Bloker underwent a wisdom teeth procedure this summer, halting her training progress and said “It was really rough on my body. But I am hoping to get back into the groove of it right now. I know the type of runner that I can be. I think by the time I need to be ready, I should be ready.”

Bloker has her sights set on recapturing the Class A girls cross-country title this season. She placed third last season, one year after winning it as a sophomore in 2022. 

Last season, she also won Class A titles in the 1,600-meter run (4:57.63) and the 3,200-meter run (10:37.28) during the track and field season.  

This weekend, Bloker will compete at the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis.