Building a Young but Ambitious Program at Texas Southmost College

Texas Southmost College launched its cross country program with ambitious goals and limited preparation time. Despite being hired late and facing the challenge of building a roster without a traditional recruiting cycle, head coach Basilio Mendoza guided both the men’s and women’s teams to national recognition during the program’s inaugural season.

According to Mendoza, the results exceeded expectations. “Last year we ended up winning the Region 14 championship and finishing 15th in the country on the men’s side,” he said. “On the women’s side, we finished 35th in the country in just two and a half months of work after being hired late with no recruiting process in a brand new cross country program”.

Those achievements laid a strong foundation for future recruiting classes and positioned Texas Southmost College as an emerging contender within NJCAA cross country competition.

Why Miley Leal Fits the TSC Cross Country Vision

Leal’s commitment reflects the recruiting philosophy that has quickly become a hallmark of TSC Cross Country. Rather than focusing solely on raw athletic talent, the program prioritizes growth potential, work ethic, and attitude.

“She’s a very driven young lady,” Mendoza said. “She’s not the most naturally talented runner, but hard work beats talent that doesn’t work hard”.

Mendoza noted that Leal’s development over the past year stood out. “She improved from last year; I’ve been tracking her progress,” he explained. “She went from near the back of the pack to placing fourth in the district”.

That progression illustrates the type of upward trajectory Texas Southmost College values when evaluating prospective student-athletes. For TSC Athletics, improvement and resilience often signal an athlete’s ability to adapt to the demands of collegiate competition.

Impact Beyond the Course

Leal’s signing also highlights the broader mission of Texas Southmost College to provide opportunities for student-athletes to pursue higher education while competing at a high level. As a community-focused institution, TSC emphasizes access, development, and academic success alongside athletic achievement.

For Leal, joining TSC Cross Country represents an opportunity to continue improving as a runner while benefiting from the academic and support resources available at Texas Southmost College. For the college, her commitment reinforces the belief that dedication and steady improvement can lead to success at the national level.

Looking Ahead for Texas Southmost College Cross Country

As the first women’s cross country signee for the 2026 class, Miley Leal sets the tone for future recruiting efforts at Texas Southmost College. Her signing reflects the program’s values and its confidence in identifying athletes who can grow within the TSC system.

With continued leadership from Coach Mendoza and a clear recruiting philosophy, TSC Cross Country is positioned to build on its early success within NJCAA Region 14 and beyond. The program’s emphasis on work ethic, enthusiasm, and team chemistry suggests that Texas Southmost College will remain a competitive and respected presence in NJCAA athletics.

In adding Leal to its roster, Texas Southmost College not only strengthens its cross country program but also reaffirms its commitment to developing student-athletes who embody perseverance and pride in representing TSC.