La Joya ISD 24-25 Volleyball Preview
After years of being overlooked, the La Joya ISD girls’ athletic programs are in the spotlight. Multiple female sports teams won district championships in their respective sports last year, and some female athletes received state and national acclaim for their performances. This year, no one is looking past them. One thing is certain: La Joya ISD girls won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year. Everyone is watching now.
La Joya Palmview
Coach: Margo Iglesias-Cantu
23-24 Record: (26-16, 13-1)
23-24 Season Result: 30-5A District Champions, Bi-District Finalists
Notable Returners: 23-24 Newcomer of the Year Miley Zieske (10), 23-24 Co-Newcomer of the
Year, 30-5A Libero of the Year Jessica Arevalo (10), Kylie Cantu (11), Kahlia Trevino (10), Evoria Garcia (10), Yannelli Casteneda (12), Arizona Gaona (11)
The Palmview Lady Lobos athletic programs dominated multiple sports competitions last year. The Lady Lobos won district championships in three different sports for the first time in their program’s history.
The Lady Lobos Volleyball team established itself in the vanguard of that championship drive as they unseated the Mission Veterans Lady Patriots, the historical and prohibitive 30-5A favorites. Under the leadership of last year’s 30-5A Volleyball Coach of the Year, Margo Iglesias-Cantu, the Lady Lobos have fashioned themselves into a formidable volleyball program feared across the valley. Iglesias-Cantu, who also doubles as the first assistant on the boys’ basketball team, started that journey from scratch, leading the Lady Lobos to their first playoff berth in school history in 2020. It all began with a commitment to hard work and a collective attitude change.
“Ever since I came to Palmview, I wanted to change the program. I wanted [to change] the demeanor and the way the girls acted when they came into a gym. It wasn’t just about athletics; it was also mental. They had to get that mental aspect going, that fierceness, that competitiveness inside them,” Iglesias-Cantu said when describing how she began transforming the Lady Lobos volleyball program.
The Lady Lobos may enter this season with limited senior leadership and a target on their backs. Still, they’re confident their offseason preparation has them ready to repeat and advance further in the postseason.
“We go into practice really early. We do our running and our lifting. During practice, we’re focused, our energy is good, and we communicate as a team. We’re working really hard to get past round one,” junior returner Arizona Gaona said.
“Our coach is right, yes, we’re on top, but people are coming for us. They want to beat us. We need to work harder, play harder, and be smarter as a team. Nobody is going to take our top spot because we’re working harder than ever. Our coach sends us everything they say and tells us, “Y’all should be mad about this,” and so, it makes my blood boil,” Gaona said when asked about the inevitable battle against the Lady Patriots.
“Once we walk into that gym, we’re locked in. We’re ready to play whoever is in front of the net. We’re ready to go. Don’t play with us,” junior outside hitter Kylie Cantu said when asked about this year’s competition.
This year the Lady Lobos have picked up right where they left off last year, by dominating the Edinburg North Lady Cougars in a three set sweep in the first game of the 24-25 season. They will begin their district title defense against the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies on September 3rd.
“The girls we have now are united, and we are ready to take on everyone. We’re people, and we make mistakes, so if we lose a game, it does impact us, but it motivates us for the following game. So all we ask from our fans is to be there, motivate us, be there for us, and give us the energy we need,” senior leader and team Captain Yannelli Castaneda said.
La Joya High:
Coach: Rene Zamora
23-24 Record:(1-26,0-6)
Notable Returners: Melanie Juarez (12), Lenny Garcia (12), Brianna Reyna (10), Deserie Alcala (10)
La Joya High administration has changed longtime coach Rene Zamora with leading the Lady Coyotes one week before the start of the season, replacing former head coach Maggie Garcia.
“They threw me in the fire, but I ‘m running with it. I love coaching. I’m very competitive. I hate losing, and the girls hate losing. So, we’re gonna try to change that mentality. I’m familiar with the girls, and I see them at school. They were actually pretty excited because we have a good relationship at school. So, I think it’s gonna work out,” Coach Zamora said when asked about his last-minute assignment change.
Last season, the Lady Coyotes struggled in District 31-6A, a six-team league dominated by the PSJA High Lady Bears and Edinburg North Lady Cougars. Those factors and inexperience across their roster may dim their prospects for success. Still, Zamora’s connection to the girls, coupled with their inexperience, bode well for the team as they progress through the season and their shortened district schedule. After last year’s struggles, they will surely be energetic and hungry for success, especially with a new coach leading the way.
Hope surrounds the Lady Coyotes, who went winless in district play one year ago. With leadership from their returning seniors, like setter Melanie Juarez, their roster is slowly gelling together as the season ramps up. Newcomers like Faith Garcia and Jemimma Mena will be players to watch, as will returning lettermen like Desrie Alcala and middle blocker Brianna Reyna.
“I believe there’s hope. This season is gonna go great for us. There are a lot of good players on our team, and we have potential. I really do believe in these girls, and I love their positivity so much,” Juarez said when asked about how this season will be different from last season.
“Being good teammates helps us move better and play as a team. We came back with very few players, but we can do it. We can motivate ourselves. We just want to prove everyone wrong and let them know we are capable,” Reyna said when asked about the offseason and the year’s expectations.
The Lady Coyotes started their 24-25 campaign with a resounding three-set sweep Tuesday night over the Donna North Lady Chiefs. The Lady Coyotes dominated, winning 34-32, 25-16, and 25-19. The Lady Coyotes will face the Brownsville Pace Lady Vikings today ahead of their first district matchup with the Weslaco High Lady Panthers on September 28th.
La Joya Juarez Lincoln
Coach: Nelly Garza
23-24 Record: (2-21, 0-14)
Notable Returners: Katelyn Garza (12), Diana Castillo (12), Estefani Garcia (10), Kimberly Reyna (11)
The Lady Huskies’ eager return to the court could not have come soon enough. Last season, they struggled to find their way thanks to a grueling district schedule, roster inexperience, and no home base. The Lady Huskies failed to win a set in district play, but there’s optimism that things will improve. After all, how much consistency can you expect from a team that played its entire season without a home gym?
“We had no gym from Nov. to the end of Sept. That negatively impacted the team greatly. We were able to use some of the MS gyms and Boys & Girls Club, but access was challenging and limited, Coach Garza said when asked about her team’s struggles last season.
Despite last season’s shortcomings, the Lady Huskies flashed glimpses of brilliance that shot hope and optimism into the Husky faithful. Senior and returning libero Katelyn Garza’s dynamic play and magnetic energy kept the Lady Huskies in most of their matches, but their lack of depth and leadership, aside from Garza, proved to be devastating. Without Garza on the court, they looked erratic and uninspired. They’re confident that the trend will end this season. True to herself, Garza thinks it starts with her.
“This year, I’m going to have to be more vocal. I usually bring the spirit, but I’m going to have to add more leadership qualities and speak up. I’m just excited to play with my friends and team,” Garza said when asked what she expects this season.
Diana Castillo will also provide much-needed leadership to a team in desperate need. Her experience and willingness to lead will be crucial for the young Lady Huskies.
“I’m the only other senior on the team. I have leadership experience, and I’m going to push myself and my girls harder,” Castillo said when asked what her leadership role was.
“I have an exceptional crop of freshmen. To have five on a varsity team is extremely rare. In my 32 years of coaching experience, to have even one is rare. But to have five says a lot about the extra time and work these players have put in to be able to step into these roles. We look forward to working with them this season and the following three seasons as they grow and develop,” Garza said.
Under Garza, the Lady Huskies will surely improve, but what the improvement will look like remains to be seen.
“We are looking to be a lot more competitive, increase our win-loss record, especially in district play, and see the team rise to the potential we see in them,” Garza said. “We are looking forward to upsetting some teams and having a great season.”
The Lady Huskies began their season at home against Edinburg Economedes, losing in three sets. Despite their loss, their freshmen exceeded expectations, instilling confidence in the young Lady Huskies. Their first district game will be on the road against their crosstown rival, La Joya Palmview, on September 3rd.