Cristian Nava is already in rare company. 

New Mexico United recently signed the 17-year-old as the first native of the state to make the trek from United Academy player to the team's professional ranks, according to a team release. 

“To see what Cristian has put into the first team training sessions, and then watching him go and play with the Academy and be the best player on the field against any opponent he played against, was a great indicator for us to say, ‘This kid has a chance, right now at a young age, to sign a professional contract,’” New Mexico United Head Coach and Technical Director Troy Lesesne said in the release. “Cristian has earned this incredible honor, and we are so proud to reward his hard work.”

A student at Albuquerque High, where he led his team to a state championship, Nava joined United Academy in January, becoming just the third player to sign an academy contract. His New Mexico United debut came July 10 against Colorado Springs in the second half.

Nava is signed with United through the 2023 season.