The Greater Texas Ford Dealers honored Montwood High School senior Mia Hairston as the Greater Texas Ford Female Athlete of the Month for September, recognizing her exceptional achievements both on the field and in the classroom. Hairston was presented with a trophy on Nov. 6 during a ceremony at Montwood High School, celebrating her dedication and hard work.
Hairston is a four-year letter winner in both cross country and track. She achieved one of the fastest 5K times this season and was ranked fourth in El Paso. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Hairston is ranked in the top 10% of her class and is expected to earn an associate degree from El Paso Community College in December, before graduating from Montwood High School’s Rams Early College in 2026.
“It's just good to be recognized, especially for athletics. I take pride in my athleticism. So, it's just an amazing honor, and I'm really excited,” Mia Hairston said.
Hairston is now eligible for the prestigious 6A Female Athlete of the Year award, which will be announced in June 2025.
To be named the Texas Ford Dealers Athlete of the Month, a female high school athlete in a Texas public or eligible private school must be nominated by a coach, school administrator, or community member. Winners, like Mia Hairston, are selected for their outstanding athletic achievements, academic excellence and strong character.
Orlando Hairston, head cross country and track coach, is Mia Hairston’s father. He said this recognition not only highlights Mia Hairston’s talent but also shines a spotlight on the outstanding athletics program and athletes at Montwood High School.
“It’s so special it being my daughter, but just the recognition for Montwood, our cross-country program and our basketball program as a whole is just something good that our kids are working hard every day to represent the community, to represent the campus, to represent Socorro ISD. So, it was a good blessing, a good award to receive just to know that our work is getting noticed out there in the state of Texas,” Orlando Hairston said.
Mia Hairston said that she’s thankful to have her dad by her side as her coach, even if they don’t always see eye to eye.
“I love him to death, and he's really impacted my athletic career in an amazing way. And I wouldn't be here without him,” Mia Hairston said.
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The Greater Texas Ford Dealers honored Montwood High School senior event photos