Garland High School volleyball player Chloe Garcia was recently named one of the 2025-26 Positive Athletes of the Year for North Texas by Positive Athlete, a national organization that celebrates high-character student-athletes and coaches.

Garcia, a junior, was selected from more than 1,000 nominations submitted by coaches, principals, athletic directors, teachers, and parents across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The nominations represented 307 public and private high schools and recognized students in 37 sports.

The award honors athletes who demonstrate leadership, character, and a commitment to others both in competition and in their communities. Nominees are evaluated based on Positive Athlete’s core values, represented by the acronym O.P.E.R.A.T.E.: optimistic, puts team first, encouraging, respectful, admits imperfection, true heart for others, and embraces service.

Garcia’s recognition reflects the leadership and sportsmanship that continue to make Garland ISD student-athletes stand out across North Texas.

Sports industry veteran Scott Pederson founded Positive Athlete to promote positivity in youth sports nationwide. In addition to athletic achievement, nominees must consistently demonstrate character and leadership in their schools and communities.

Garcia and the other North Texas honorees will be recognized during the 2026 North Texas Positive Athlete Award Experience later this summer, where scholarship recipients will also be announced.

Congratulations, Chloe!

About Positive Athlete

Positive Athlete is a national organization that promotes positivity among young athletes through awards, scholarships, and special opportunities. Since 2013, the organization has awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships nationwide.