New Mexico WBB player leaves over gun violence concerns

A general view of the game ball. Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

New Mexico WBB player leaves team over gun violence concerns

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/23/22

A freshman on the New Mexico women's basketball team has left the program this week due to concerns over gun violence on the UNM campus involving a member of the men's basketball team.

The Albuquerque Journal reported that Brooke Berry posted to her Instagram that she was leaving UNM due to multiple instances of gun violence that have occurred.

"Due to the [two] shootings that have occurred at my apartment complex, as well as the on-campus shooting, I am saddened to say that I will be leaving the University of New Mexico," she wrote. "My family and I feel this is the best decision for me and my safety. I will be entering the transfer portal and weighing my options within the next couple of weeks."

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A post shared by Brooke Berry (@brooke_berry03)

Berry's announcement comes on the heels of an on-campus shooting ahead of a rival game between UNM and New Mexico State that left a 19-year-old dead. The game was ultimately canceled after the shooting.

From KTSM at 6: Latest developments from the shooting involving 4 UNM students & NM State basketball player Mike Peake. Battle of I-25 rivalry has been cancelled for 2022-23 + alleged involvement of UTEP athletes in Oct. 15 fight at football game.

MORE: https://t.co/zxcNDtw7VL pic.twitter.com/ZQfSOKcFcw
— Colin Deaver (@ColinDeaverTV) November 23, 2022

Berry's mother, Amy, detailed to the Albuquerque Journal that her daughter already had concerns about her safety because of the two events that happened at her apartment complex.

"Brooke called when a shooting was happening, and she was hiding in the bathtub," Berry's mother said. "I was thinking, 'This is crazy.'"

Berry will reportedly finish her UNM classwork online as she enters the transfer portal.

At this time, the UNM women's team is still scheduled to play NMSU in December.

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