ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄

ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ has named Olivia β€œLiv” Garza as the new head coach of the Lady Chaps softball program following the promotion of former head coach Angelica β€œAngel” Castro to Assistant Athletic Director for ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Athletics.

Garza assumes leadership of a program that has become one of the NJCAA's most consistent contenders. Over the past two seasons, the Lady Chaps have posted back-to-back 40-win campaigns, earned consecutive second-place finishes in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC), and collected numerous individual athletic and academic honors, including All-American, All-Region, All-Conference, and All-Academic recognition.

β€œLiv has been an integral part of our program's recent success, and we are excited to elevate her into this leadership role,” said ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Athletic Director Forrest Allen. β€œHer energy, work ethic, and commitment to our student-athletes make her the right person to lead Lady Chaps Softball into its next chapter.”

A native of Pearsall, Texas, Garza brings a strong background as both a collegiate student-athlete and coach. She played at Laredo Community College and the University of Houston-Victoria before earning her Bachelor of Education degree from UHV. Prior to joining ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄, she served on the coaching staff at Coastal Bend College.

β€œI am incredibly honored to lead this program,” Garza said. β€œWe have built something special over the past two seasons, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that momentum. My focus is to develop our student-athletes, compete at a championship level, and represent ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ with pride.”

Garza succeeds Castro, who transitions into an administrative leadership role after guiding the Lady Chaps through one of the most successful eras in program history.

Originally hired in 2020 as just the third head coach in the 22-year history of Midland College Softball, Castro compiled a 231-86-1 record over six seasons and established a championship culture that consistently positioned the Lady Chaps among the top programs in the WJCAC. 

Castro's extensive experience as a student-athlete, coach, and program leader positions her for the transition into athletic administration. Over more than a decade in collegiate athletics, she has gained firsthand experience in recruiting, compliance, budgeting, scheduling, academic support, facility management, and student-athlete development. Her broad understanding of athletic operations makes her a valuable addition to Midland College Athletics' leadership team. 

β€œAngel's impact extends far beyond wins and losses,” said Allen. β€œShe has consistently demonstrated the organizational skills, professionalism, and commitment to excellence that make strong athletic departments successful. As Assistant Athletic Director, she'll have the opportunity to support all of our programs while helping advance the long-term goals of ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Athletics." 

As Assistant Athletic Director, Castro will support the overall mission of Midland College Athletics, with a focus on departmental operations, student-athlete development, and program leadership.

β€œLady Chaps Softball will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Castro, β€œbut I'm excited for the opportunity to contribute to ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Athletics in a broader capacity. This new role allows me to support our coaches, student-athletes, and programs across the department while continuing to help create opportunities for success.”

Garza said she is grateful for Castro's mentorship and the foundation she established for the program.

β€œWorking alongside Coach Castro has given me a firsthand look at what it takes to build a successful program,” said Garza. β€œShe has challenged me to grow as a coach and leader, and I'm grateful for the trust she has placed in me. I'm excited to build on the culture and expectations that have made Lady Chaps Softball successful.”

With strong leadership continuity and sustained program momentum, the Lady Chaps are well-positioned to build on their recent success and continue competing among the NJCAA's top programs.

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