NM Mojo Performance Team

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

New Mexico Mojo is Stone Age Climbing Gym’s youth climbing team.

The team was founded in 2001 by Lance Hadfield at the request of a young Cody Roth, who would go on to become a professional climber. From the beginning, Lance established the team with a simple promise: “Build climbers for life.” Over the years, that philosophy has helped shape a program that has produced numerous National Champions, USA Climbing team members, and professional athletes.

Today, the team is led by Aaron Stromberg and consistently ranks among the top youth climbing teams in the country across bouldering, sport, and speed climbing. Aaron is supported by a dedicated coaching staff who believe climbing is about more than competition. It is an opportunity to build confidence, develop good habits, push beyond your comfort zone, and learn to work together.

While competition remains an important part of the program, New Mexico Mojo is no longer limited to the competitive arena. The program is designed for athletes who want to pursue climbing to their fullest potential—whether that means climbing indoors, developing skills outdoors, or competing on the USA Climbing national stage.

SEASONS & SCHEDULE

NM Mojo operates across three seasons throughout the year:

Fall:August–December
Spring: January–May
Summer: June–July

Athletes can choose to practice either two or three days per week. Regular practices are held on weekdays from 4:30–7:00 p.m. for older and middle groups, and from 5:00–7:00 p.m. for younger athletes.

Older and middle-group athletes also have the option to attend an additional Skills Day on Tuesdays, focused on developing advanced coordination and speed climbing skills.

PRACTICE GROUPS

Athletes are divided into practice groups based on age and ability. There are three age groups—Older, Middle, and Young—and each age group is divided into two ability levels. This structure allows coaches to tailor training to each athlete’s experience, development, and goals.

ADMISSION

There are three ways to become part of NM Mojo. Admission is based on available spaces, which are filled each season through one of the pathways below.

Path #1: Tryout for NM Mojo

Tryouts are held each fall and spring and consist of group climbing sessions and workout stations. While climbing ability is an important part of the evaluation, coaches are also looking for athletes who demonstrate good character, sportsmanship, coachability, and a strong work ethic.

Path #2: Coach Recommendation

Athletes who have participated in a Stone Age youth program may be recommended for NM Mojo by a coach. To be considered, athletes should demonstrate good character, coachability, and a commitment to improving their climbing. Following a recommendation, a NM Mojo coach will schedule an individual training evaluation to assess the athlete and determine whether the program is a good fit.

Path #3: Self-Petition Application

Athletes who believe they are ready for the NM Mojo performance program may submit a self-petition application. After reviewing the application, a NM Mojo coach will schedule an individual training evaluation to assess the athlete and determine whether the program is the right fit.  Please reach out to coach Aaron at aaron@stoneageclimbinggym.com or our youth programs coordinator, coach Quinn at youthprograms@stoneageclimbinggym.com 

POLICIES, REQUIREMENTS, AND PRIVILEGES

• Expectations and requirements of participation
• Absolutely no bullying
• Follow the Stone Age rules both inside and outside of practice
• Be an ambassador of the program
• Climb outside of practice
• Attend 90% of practices
• Be involved in the community
• Set and pursue personal climbing goals
• Demonstrate the ability to receive and apply coaching advice
• Have their own equipment and bring it to every practice (shoes, harness, chalk bag, tennis shoes, water bottle, snack)