With the flag belt tied around her waist, confidence and dedication carry wide receiver Presley Garcia (11) all the way to the end zone. As a wide receiver for the varsity flag football team, reaching the end zone is just the start of Garcia’s achievements — she can now call herself the school’s October female Athlete of the Month.

“When I heard that I got Athlete of the Month, I was very proud,” Garcia said.

Along with Garcia, her coach and teammates felt that her leadership and skill very much earned this award.

“Presley is a silent leader,” varsity flag football coach, Ryland Wickman said. “She leads by example. This is Presley’s first year playing with us, and she has been nothing but a blessing for our team.”

A motivated leader is vital for the success of a flag football team. After transferring to the school and taking her place on the team, Garcia seemed to really step up to that role. Her leadership was not only recognized by her coaches, but also her teammates.

“[Presley] brings a fiery energy to the team culture and is such a hard worker,” middle linebacker, Lauren Mills said. “She honestly motivates the rest of us to work as hard as we can on the field.”

With such leadership, pride is bound to make an appearance. Wickman, having observed Garcia throughout the season, shares his thoughts.

“Presley is one the most coachable and humble athletes I have had the pleasure to coach,” Wickman said.

For Garcia, her personal pride was shown with her natural skill.

“In flag football, I’m most proud of my touchdowns and two point conversion plays,” Garcia said.

As a teammate and friend, Mills shares why she feels Garcia deserved the award.

“Presley deserved girls Athlete of the Month because of her natural talent for the sport,” Mills said. “She has made an amazing contribution to our team and overall success.”

Garcia reciprocates that feeling with a love for her team.

“I love the connection I have with my teammates and coaches,” Garcia said. “This connection determines how we play in a game, which is why it remains so important to me.”

With her love for the sport and her well-earned recognition, Athlete of the Month is not the only award Garcia has received as of late.

“Presley is one of our Captains,” Wickman said. “She has the best hands on our team and can play anywhere. She was our MVP of the season.”

These awards are symbols of Garcia’s athletic success, but they aren’t the only ones. Mills and Wickman share what they love about Garcia.

“I love how focused and precise she is,” Mills said. “She runs each route exactly how it’s meant to be, setting herself and the rest of the team up for success.”

As a junior on the team, her teammates and coaches are thrilled to see her grow and bring her expertise into next season. 

“I’m excited to watch her just keep getting better and better,” Wickman said.

While she is recognized for her natural skill, talent must meet hard work to reach success — and Garcia knows that very well.

“I started playing flag football in kindergarten because of my dad who was in the NFL,” Garcia said. “Since then, it has been a passion and drive for my goals.”

Garcia’s athletic talent doesn’t stop  on the football field

“I’m involved in basketball and track and field, and am hoping to play lacrosse this year,” Garcia said. “I train for these, and coach my siblings as well.”

With an athletic talent that spans across multiple sports, and leadership recognized by both coaches and peers, Garcia can now deservedly call herself the school’s female Athlete of the Month.

“We wouldn’t be where we are without her,” Mills said.