Her Story
About Debbie
Deborah Garcia is the Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she provides strategic leadership across all aspects of the athletics department. With more than 25 years of service to the university, she partners with the Director of Athletics to guide departmental initiatives while serving as the sport administrator for volleyball, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's golf. She also oversees student-athlete welfare and development, including sports medicine, strength and conditioning, academics, compliance, financial aid, scholarships, leadership development, career services, and life after sports, ensuring student-athletes are supported both on and off the field.
A proud University of Texas at Arlington alumna and former member of the cross country and track and field teams, Deborah has dedicated her career to advancing collegiate athletics through thoughtful leadership and service. She is a graduate of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Academy and has contributed extensively to the collegiate athletics community through leadership roles with the NCAA Volleyball Committee, conference strategic planning and governance committees, and university initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, student success, and organizational development. Throughout her career, she has also played an instrumental role in hiring coaches, administrators, and staff who have strengthened UTA's athletics programs.
Deborah is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A), the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), HACU Leadership Academy, and WE Coach. She is passionate about developing future leaders, fostering a culture of excellence, and creating opportunities for student-athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and personally. As both an alumna and administrator, Deborah remains deeply committed to the continued success and growth of the University of Texas at Arlington and its athletics community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Debbie
01What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, determination, goal-driven, always open to new ideas, leading by example, being kind and respectful to others, making a difference every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Take every opportunity you can, and run with it, always be eager to learn new things, continue education. The more you know, the more you grow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think it's important to have grace with yourself. It's one thing to challenge yourself and have very high expectations and invest in your profession and goals, but equally important is to be willing to stop and pat yourself on the back once in a while. Some days it's just treading water and staying with it, coming back the next day. I try to give that grace to people around me too.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Continue to support our school with my leadership experience in sports medicine, strength & conditioning, academics, compliance, and life skills.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Bringing positivity to others, time-management, emotional awareness, figuring out what drives you-your passion.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.