Las Cruces Public Schools is proud to celebrate Jeneca Montoya, assistant coach for the Mayfield High School Girls Basketball team, for being named New Mexico’s Most Positive Female Coach for the 2025-2026 school year by the Positive Athlete Organization.
Montoya is one of two coaches to receive this honor this year. The Positive Athlete organization recognizes school-athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers who demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and commitment to serving others.
For those who know Coach Montoya, the award came as no surprise.
A beloved mentor, role model, and source of encouragement for countless student-athletes, Montoya has built a reputation for putting others first and inspiring her players to believe in themselves. Alongside Mayfield Head Coach George Maya, her father, she has helped shape the culture of perseverance, confidence, and teamwork within the Lady Trojans basketball program.
This recognition carries special meaning following one of the most challenging years of Montoya’s life.
In July 2025, she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Throughout her treatment journey, which included six rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and 20 rounds of radiation, Montoya continued to inspire those around her with her determination and positive spirit.
In return, her players, the Mayfield family and the Las Cruces community rallied around her. The Lady Trojans organized fundraising efforts to support their coach, and other teams and schools across the region soon joined the effort, demonstrating the impact Montoya has had on so many lives.
Today, Montoya has completed her active treatment and continues receiving immunotherapy injections every three weeks. She currently has no evidence of cancer and has returned to the sidelines midway through the basketball season, a milestone celebrated by her family, team, and community.
The Positive Athlete Organization honors individuals who exemplify what it means to "O.P.E.R.A.T.E.”
Optimistic
Puts team first
Encouraging
Respectful
Admits Imperfections
True Heart for Others
Embraces Service
Nominations are submitted by coaches, athletic trainers, principals, teachers, counselors, and parents from schools across the state. Founded by sports industry veteran Scott Pederson, Positive Athlete promotes character, leadership, and positivity in youth sports.
The organization selected the following New Mexico state award recipients for 2025-2026:
Ayleen Moreno, Los Lunas High School (Los Lunas, NM)
Cohen Ahner, Valencia High School (Los Lunas, NM)
Hannah Bell, Gateway Christian High School (Roswell, NM)
Maverick Hawkins, Texico High School (Texico, NM)
Niko Salazar, Capital High School (Santa Fe, NM)
Robbie Yazzie, Newcomb High School (Newcomb, NM)
Shilynn Morgan, Kirtland Central High School (Kirtland, NM)
Jeneca Montoya, Mayfield High School (Las Cruces, NM) Female Coach
Nate Morris, Santa Fe High School (Santa Fe, NM) Male Coach
Peter Dillon, Alam Capital High School (Santa Fe, NM) Athletic Trainer
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