RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Samantha Gonzalez didn't come to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) thinking about what kind of legacy she'd leave behind. 
 
She arrived on campus in the fall of 2020 with the goal of contributing to the cross country and track & field teams. Her work ethic, commitment to academics and athletics, and team-first attitude turned Gonzalez into a conference champion, a three-time all-conference performer, a team captain, and now, a 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. 
 
"After five years at UTRGV, I hope I left a lasting impact on the track & field/cross country program," Gonzalez said. "When I first joined the program, I wasn't a standout athlete. But through hard work, consistency and dedication, I was able to make tremendous improvements. I hope my journey inspires others to believe in themselves, put in the work, and reach their full potential." 
 
The NCAA Woman of the Year program was established in 1991 to honor the academic achievements, athletic excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female student-athletes from all three divisions. Student-athletes are first nominated by their schools, then the conference offices select their top choice(s), up to two women, to advance to the next round of national consideration. 
 
Gonzalez and Molly VandenBout, a softball student-athlete from Nicholls, were announced on Monday as the Southland Conference's (SLC) nominees for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. Gonzalez was surprised but proud to learn about her selection. 
 
"I feel deeply honored to be chosen not only by the UTRGV athletic department but by the Southland Conference as a nominee for this award," Gonzalez said. "This recognition is especially meaningful from UTRGV because the department has witnessed my growth over the past five years not just as a student-athlete, but as a person. I want to thank Molly Castner, Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator, for nominating me. Her unwavering support of the track & field and cross country teams has never gone unnoticed, and I'm incredibly grateful that she has always believed in me. I also see this nomination as a reflection of the incredible support I have received from my coaches, whose guidance, belief and dedication shaped me both on and off the track." 
 
Originally from Laredo, Texas, Gonzalez developed into a true leader and incredible representative of the university during her time at UTRGV. She has been a team captain, served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and was named the UTRGV Female Breakout Athlete of the Year following the 2021-22 athletic year. 
 
After earning her undergraduate degree in biology with a minor in psychology in Spring 2024, Gonzalez elected to stay at UTRGV for her final year of eligibility in cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field. The decision was a good one as Gonzalez saved her best for last and was one of the top performing Vaqueros in 2024-25. 
 
Gonzalez got her final year started with a stellar cross country season. She captured her first individual win at the West Side Classic, leading the women's team to its first victory in at least 20 years. She earned Southland All-Conference honors as she finished 10^th at the SLC Championships. 
 
Gonzalez won the SLC Outdoor Championship in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase in May, earning All-Conference First Team honors as she lowered her personal best in the event to 10:33.31. Throughout the outdoor season, Gonzalez totaled three event wins and claimed two program records. She leaves UTRGV with four total program records: the steeplechase, the outdoor 1,500-meter run (4:30.33), the indoor mile (4:54.35), and the indoor distance medley relay (11:55.33) – all collected in 2025. 
 
"I chose to stay at UTRGV for five years because I believed in the program just as much as it believed in me. I hope I was able to elevate the program, set new standards, and contribute to its continued success," Gonzalez said. 
 
Head track & field/cross country coach Shareese Hicks praised the growth and resilience she's seen in Gonzalez since taking over the program in July 2021. 
 
"In every way, Samantha Gonzalez is the true definition of Woman of the Year," Hicks said. "From our very first introduction her sophomore year, I knew she was beyond exceptional. She never complains, she doesn't make excuses, she just works. She has an outstanding family which instilled values in her that lit an everlasting fire. She is just as fierce in the classroom as she is as a competitor. 
 
"Sam has been a shining example of what you can accomplish with work ethic and a positive attitude," Hicks continued. "She has faced a monumental academic workload, overcome injury, and accepted competitive contention with poise and grace. To say that we are all very proud of her is an understatement." 
 
Gonzalez is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at UTRGV. She skillfully balanced a challenging courseload with a year-round training and competition throughout her career, consistently earning academic all-conference, CSC academic all-district, and AD honor roll accolades.
 
"I want my legacy to reflect the importance of academic excellence, showing that success in sports and in the classroom can go hand in hand," Gonzalez said. "I took pride in challenging myself academically, and I plan to use my education to serve South Texas and continue making a difference well beyond my time as a student-athlete. Most importantly, I hope to inspire younger athletes, especially those from my hometown of Laredo, to dream big, believe in themselves, and know that with dedication, anything is possible." 
 
Beyond her accomplishments in the classroom and in competition, Gonzalez contributed to UTRGV being one of the top athletic departments in community service efforts throughout her time in the Valley. From her efforts with SAAC to campus clean-ups to the various camps and clinics held by UTRGV track & field/cross country, Gonzalez made a difference for many across the RGV. She helped UTRGV rank in the top 10 nationally for community service hours three consecutive years, including a program-high sixth-place finish in 2023-24. That year, women's track & field student-athletes averaged 22 hours of community service. 
 
After countless miles, many awards and five years of memories made, Gonzalez's UTRGV career has reached its end. But her endearing, competitive spirit will carry on through the program because she cared enough about her team and her university to give all she had. 
 
"Those who know me understand how much pride I take in being a supporter, advocate and fan of UTRGV, and it is truly an honor to represent my university both on and off the track, and now in this special way as a Woman of the Year nominee," Gonzalez said. "I recognize the incredible accomplishments of so many women in the SLC and beyond, and I am humbled to be selected among such an inspiring group."
 
The top 30 honorees (10 from each division) and the NCAA Woman of the Year will be announced this fall. 

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