Laura Cavazos named First Female Assistant Athletic Director
Last week, Sharyland ISD announced that Coach Laura Cavazos has been appointed as Assistant Athletic Director, marking a significant milestone in the district’s history. This appointment not only highlights the growing presence of women in leadership roles within athletics but also reflects the achievements of an individual who has dedicated her career to the development and success of student-athletes.
Cavazos, who has served as the head volleyball coach and Assistant Athletic Coordinator at Pioneer High School, undoubtedly has left a mark on the program during her tenure as a Diamondback. Cavazos has amassed over 300 career wins while leading her team to a district championship in 2021 and numerous playoff appearances and wins before and after. Her accolades do not stop there. Cavazos has been recognized three times as the District Coach of the Year, showcasing her ability to inspire and elevate her teams year after year.
On the court, Cavazos played collegiate volleyball at the Division I level, where she not only showcased her skills but also earned a Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship as a student-athlete for Prairie View A&M and Panola College. Off the court, she earned a master’s degree in athletic administration, a Bachelor’s in English, and a minor in Communications. These credentials have equipped her with an understanding of both the athletic and academic needs of student-athletes.
Cavazos expressed her gratitude upon receiving the news of her appointment. Progress Times had the opportunity to speak to her and get her initial reaction, “It had been a goal of mine to grow in the aspect of administration and the athletic world so when I got the call and they told me that I was going to be the person a part of the district in a higher rank, I was so honored. I was very humbled, very lucky, and very grateful for the opportunity to be able to be on the forefront and try to help the district in any way that I can.”
Cavazos is determined to build on the existing foundation that has been laid by leaders before her. “I’m going to be there to support Coach [Ron] Adame. I’ve worked under Coach Richard Thompson as well, and they have really set the tone with such an incredible athletic department. We already have a great foundation. They put a lot of great systems in place, and I would love to refine those systems and see where I can help in any way possible to make them even better.”
Cavazos continued by telling us, “I would love to help with elevating female sports and junior high sports. We have a lot of things that we want to accomplish in the next couple of years.”
Her goals include enhancing community participation, ensuring that facilities are up to date, providing support for coaches, and ultimately creating a successful environment for student-athletes.
Progress Times asked Cavazos about her favorite part of her journey throughout her coaching career leading up to this moment, “Working with the kids and the relationships that I’ve built with them, it’s had a huge impact on my life. It’s been very rewarding to get those phone calls saying, ‘Coach, you made a difference in my life.’” This highlights how important mentorship and sports are for helping young people change and grow.
When asked about what advice she would offer to anyone wanting to be in this position, Cavazos said, “Work really hard. Building relationships is very important. Take the time to build those relationships, take the time to get to know people, and be a leader. Work for them, work hard for them, and show people that you really care.” She went on to say, “Set your goals high and set your expectations high and work hard every day to accomplish them every single day.”
Cavazos’s appointment as Assistant Athletic Director is not just a personal achievement, but a symbol of the significant step forward for Sharyland ISD and women in sports leadership.
As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, Coach Laura Cavazos stands as a role model for aspiring students, athletes, and coaches. Cavazos has proven that dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for what she loves to do is a recipe for success. Her leadership, mentorship, and dedication will not only pay dividends to Pioneer High School, but to the Sharyland ISD athletic program as a whole as she creates a lasting impact that will benefit the future of the school district.
Progress Times congratulates and wishes Laura Cavazos the best as she begins her historical next step as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sharyland ISD.