New Braunfels ISD has been recognized as a 2025-2026 Texas Way District of Distinction by the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) and the University Interscholastic League (UIL). The honor was announced during the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association Convention held at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock on June 3rd.

NBISD was one of just 38 school districts across Texas to earn the distinction this year out of approximately 1,200 school districts that participate in UIL. The recognition highlights the district’s commitment to promoting sportsmanship, positive fan behavior, and respect at all athletic events. In 2024-2025, NBISD was one of only 18 districts statewide to receive the honor.

As part of the Texas Way initiative, NBISD created and aired a special video before athletic contests featuring student-athletes from every Unicorn and Dragon sports program. The video was also posted on social media and encouraged fans to cheer on their teams with respect, integrity, and class while supporting a positive game-day environment for all participants.

“This recognition reflects the culture our students, coaches, families, and community have worked hard to create,” said NBISD Athletic Director Richard Mendoza. “We believe athletics provide opportunities to teach character, leadership, and respect. Being recognized as a Texas Way District of Distinction is an honor and a reminder of the positive example our student-athletes and community strive to set each time they represent NBISD.”

The Texas Way initiative is part of THSCA’s and the UIL’s broader mission to develop student-athletes not only as competitors, but also as leaders and role models both on and off the field. The collaborative program focuses on improving sportsmanship by encouraging respect for opponents, officials, coaches, and fans, while promoting self-control and embracing the spirit of competition. The initiative aims to reduce ejections and foster positive relationships among all participants in high school athletics. The initiative also includes community engagement through community service and character education curriculum.

This program has been in existence for two years and NBISD has earned the District of Distinction recognition each year.

“Thank you to our students, coaches and community for being a positive reflection of NBISD,” Mendoza said.

The other Texas Way Districts of Distinction for 2025-2026 include Alvin ISD, Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD, Boerne ISD, Brazosport ISD, Brownwood ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Comal ISD, Corpus Christi ISD, Crowley ISD, Cy-Fair ISD, Donna ISD, Eagle Pass ISD, Ector County ISD, Flour Bluff ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Harlingen CISD, Houston ISD, Huckabay ISD, Inspired Vision Academy, Irving ISD, Judson ISD, Killeen ISD, Life School, McKinney ISD, Mission CISD, New Braunfels ISD, North East ISD, Pasadena ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Point Isabel ISD, Prosper ISD, Richardson ISD, Sharyland ISD, South San Antonio ISD, Southwest ISD, Spring Branch ISD, United ISD, Waller ISD, and Wharton ISD.

Additionally, 21 other school districts across Texas were recognized as Honorable Mention Districts of Distinction.

For more information about the Texas Way initiative, visit the THSCA and UIL websites.