WALESKA, Ga.— The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) unveiled its 2024-25 Colonel John Sullivan Female Student-Athlete of Character honoree Wednesday morning, and for the fourth consecutive year, a Montreat College Cavalier was selected as the award recipient. According to the league office, Dylan Garcia captured the latest AAC Colonel John Sullivan Female Student-Athlete of Character recognition.
 
"Dylan Garcia was the glue that held our team together," said Rylan Hincher, the head cross country coach at Montreat College. "Her leadership went far beyond performance, though she was certainly a high-level competitor. Dylan had a rare ability to elevate those around her, bringing her teammates with her every step of the way. Her selflessness, strength and consistency made her the heart of our team and a true example of character in action."
 
In athletic competition, Garcia pieced together one of the most decorated years in school history. Battling through various injuries and hurdles during her first three years at Montreat, Garcia thrived during her senior campaign. Starting with cross country in the fall, Garcia picked up Second Team All-AAC honors before notching a 17^th-place finish at nationals and an NAIA All-American award.
 
Continuing her dominance, Garcia racked up three individual titles, as well as the team title, at the AAC Indoor Track & Field Championships. For her performances, Garcia was named Co-Track Athlete of the Year. She then followed up her conference showing with a trio of NAIA All-American nods at the indoor national meet.
 
Capping off a special year on the track, Garcia totaled three all-conference showings, one AAC championship and an All-American effort during her outdoor slate.
 
In addition to her many athletic accolades and school records, Garcia also tallied numerous academic honors like Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete status and AAC All-Academic Team recognition.
 
Very involved with her campus community, Garcia spent much of her free time serving others. A Think 2 Impact (T2I) Student Fellow, Garcia also served for two years as the Design Club President, three years as the SGA Public Relations Officer and one year as a Wandering Philosopher. She also acted as a Teacher Assistant for Creative Suite and Creative Development, as well as a Junior Leader for Baptist missions during Hurricane Helene.
 
For the official 2024-25 AAC Colonel John Sullivan Female Student-Athlete of Character release, click here.
 
As the AAC Colonel John Sullivan Female Student-Athlete of Character, Garcia will now serve as one of the conference's nominees for the Dr. Leroy Walker Character Award. The national winner will be announced later this fall.