The Academy fielded three teams at the regional mock trial competition in February, and all three have qualified for state in March. Due to the online format this year, 25 New Mexico teams faced off at the qualifier, but only 16 advanced to state.
In 2020, the Academy Black team won the northern region competition and entered state as the top seed. Four of six 2020 team members had already competed at the national level, finishing sixth in the country in 2019. But due to COVID, they were unable to build on that success.
The six returning members of that team are again top seeded at the state competition. “They dove into this year’s case with impressive commitment despite not once working in the same room as their teammates,” says Coach Joaquin Sanchez ’95. “They took on the challenges of the Zoom environment with enthusiasm and an open mind.”
At the regional competition last month, they defeated four of the top eight finishers, and Daniel Shapiro ’21 was recognized as an Outstanding Witness by the judges.
Academy Black
Rosa Bieber-Stanley ’21
Megan Blackwell ’21
Roman Martinez ’21
Reeya Patel ’22
Daniel Shapiro ’21
Noah Vigil ’21
Coach Joaquin Sanchez ’95
The Academy Red team advanced to the state competition with a 2-2 record at regionals, drawing three out of four matchups against teams that finished in the top eight. “The rounds felt close,” says Coach Teresa Zanetti, “and I’m very proud of their efforts.” Marly Fisher ’23 was recognized as an Outstanding Attorney.
Academy Red
Marly Fisher ’23
Michael Keinzle ’23
Nick Mohoric ’22
Malena Ryckman ’23
Lakshay Sood ’23
Jamal Witter ’24
Coach Teresa Zanetti
The Academy White team — made up of rookie participants — also advanced to state with a 2-2 record at regionals, including a split-ballot loss to a tough program. “The team learned a lot, and they are excited to get another chance to compete,” says Coach Sonia Roth.
Academy White
Lilia Braun ’24
Sara Chehy ’25
Lauren Lesher ’23
Maanav Patel ’23
Blake Seligson ’25
Tiffany Tausch ’24
Coach Sonia Roth
