Sharyland ISD 24-25 Volleyball Preview
The RGV has a rich volleyball tradition. One district’s traditionally brutal history outshines them all. Two teams from Mission, Texas, have exceeded the rest, rising from the flames of its tortuous environment. The Sharyland Lady Rattlers and Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks have been peerless in District 31-5A, combining to win the last three district championships. Each team returns a healthy group of role players, newcomers, and stars this year. While everyone looks to dethrone them, they only look to each other. Playoff heartbreak, coaching changes, and injuries have dealt each team a tough hand. But if history has shown us anything, it’s shown us that doubting or picking against either team is foolish. They’re both inevitable, like death and taxes. Can anyone stop their reign of dominance?
Here’s a brief preview of both teams:
Sharyland High
Coach: Lydia Deleon
23-24 Record: (44-2, 18-0)
23-24 Season Result: District 31-5A District Champions, Bi-District Champions, Area Champions, Regional Quarterfinalists
Notable Returners: Kenisha Martinez (12), Kassandra De La Garza (12), Pamela Pena (11)
Men lie, women lie, but numbers never lie. Three numbers defined the Lady Rattlers volleyball team’s historic 23-24 season: 43, 2, and 1. The Lady Rattlers won Forty-three consecutive matches, repeated as district champions, and went undefeated in district play, bringing their two-year district record to 35-1—pure dominance.
But those numbers only tell half the story. They’re devoid of context. You wouldn’t know just by looking at those numbers that the Lady Rattlers put them up in one of the toughest volleyball districts in Texas. District 31-5A is home to ten teams with histories of success and traditions of volleyball excellence. Each of the top 6 teams posted won 20 games and at least 10 games in district play.
The Lady Rattlers were head and shoulders above them all. During their 43-match win streak, they only dropped nine sets. Senior returners Kenisha Martinez and Kassandra De La Garza proved to be the most ferocious volleyball-playing duo in South Texas. Martinez tallied over 900 combined kills and digs, while De La Garza compiled over 1200 combined assists, kills, and digs. The duo was simply unimpeachable. That apparent flawlessness rubbed off onto their teammates. The Lady Rattlers looked unbeatable for an entire season until they didn’t.
A demoralizing Regional Quarterfinal loss to the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs ended their dream season.
“It [the loss] taught us to be ready for anything. We thought we’d at least win a set, but we didn’t, so we shouldn’t overthink other opponents. This year, they’re good, too. Everyone is good. You can’t underestimate anyone,” De La Garza said.
I think the switch flipped on us. Like all the teams down here are trying to beat us. The goal is obviously, being back to back district champs, but everyone wants to beat us… We just realized that everyone wants it as badly as we do, and we just have to step it up and be tougher during those matches,” Martinez said.
After longtime head coach Raul Castillo left for the McAllen Memorial vacancy, the Lady Rattlers are seeking a three-peat under the leadership of first-year head coach Lydia De Leon. Her off-season work with the team has paid off.
“Our off-season went well. We participated in summer leagues and tournaments. The off-season was critical for building up individual skills and team chemistry. I took the time in the summer to get to know my players and gave them an opportunity to get to know me,” De Leon said.
De Leon knew the recipe worked, so she didn’t change much. Instead, she leaned into the championship pedigree that’s become synonymous with Lady Rattler Volleyball, even working with former Coach Castillo to ensure a smooth transition.
I knew taking over the Sharyland Volleyball job would be both challenging and rewarding. I was blessed with an amazing mentor [Previous coach Raul Castillo] who taught me a lot of his systems that I have been able to keep implementing, ” De Leon said when asked about taking over the Lady Rattler program.
The Lady Rattlers are 9-2 after defending their title at McAllen ISD’s PoundFest volleyball tournament last weekend. On Tuesday, they escaped with a five-set win over Laredo United South. They will look to continue their momentum heading into this weekend’s Sinton Tournament.
Sharyland Pioneer
Coach: Laura Cavazos
23-24 Record: (38-7, 15-3)
23-24 Season Result: District 31-5A 2nd place, Bi-District Champions, Area Champions, Regional Quarterfinalists
Notable Returners: Florencia Curiel (12), Sofia Chapa (12), Aleena Zuinga (11)
The Lady Diamondbacks’ 23-24 season ended with a playoff loss to Corpus power Flour Bluff, as it did in the four seasons prior. That might be why they started this season with seven consecutive games against northern competition. To their credit, the Lady Diamondbacks went 6-1 against those teams, reigniting the hope that this could be the year they reclaim the district crown for the first time since 21-22. After securing third place at the Corpus SpikeFest Tournament, the Lady Diamondbacks seem to have tamed the Corpus boogeymen.
“We have a dynamic and young team. (3 seniors- 10 underclassmen) We are athletic, strong, and competitive. I was impressed with our persistence and ability to fight back. Although it’s early in the season, that’s an important trait to carry with us the rest of our season, “Head Coach Laura Cavazos said when asked about her teams’ hot start.
Few Valley teams performed as well as the Lady Diamondbacks did one year ago. Only Sharyland High surpassed their regular season success. Still, the Lady Diamondbacks only suffered three district losses before their Regional Quarterfinal birth. The loss to Flour Bluff wasn’t the outcome they expected, but their resilience and hunger to right that wrong fueled them this offseason.
“We came up a little short, but it was really good. We came together as a team, and we worked hard all summer to come back stronger,” Senior libero Florencia Curiel said.
“I think it really helped us. It kind of mentally prepared us for next season, wanting to get further into the playoffs and be able to beat Flour Bluff. We always happen to go against Flour Bluff in the third or second round. But I feel like this season, if we work harder—I mean, we’ve worked hard all summer—So, I think we’ll be good,” Junior setter Aleena Zuniga said when asked about how last year’s finale affected the teams’ focus this offseason.
Although their offseason preparation went well, the Lady Diamondbacks lost their top two setters to ACL injuries. That may have demoralized a lesser team, but not these girls. Junior Hailey Botello willingly stepped up to fill the void left by her fallen teammates.
“If we play every game as a team and on the court, we give our one hundred percent–like, I’m more of an effort person. Effort creates energy. So, if all of us are diving for balls, I’d consider that a successful season,” Botello said when asked to consider what would make this season a successful one.
The road back won’t be easy, but the Lady Diamondbacks never wanted it to be. Their goals are simple. Survive and thrive inside District 31-5A and advance in the playoffs. It might be easier said than done, but they aren’t running from the competition. They’re jumping in it.
“31-5A is the toughest volleyball district in the valley. There wasn’t much change with the new realignment, and we know that every district competition will be a tough one. As a team, we have to work harder and want it more than our opponents. I am excited about this group. We have been challenged already and they have responded in a positive way. We have girls stepping up in new positions, and they are doing a great job,” Coach Cavazos said when asked about the upcoming district slate and her team’s strong start.
The Lady Diamondbacks travel out of town this weekend but will return next week for their first district home game of the year against the Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats.