Coach Luis has seen a lot of ups and downs this season with his girls’ basketball team. This is his second year coaching the team, but he’s been around since 2017. His leadership has helped the team grow, especially after a rough season last year. Luis feels proud of his players for pushing through tough times and working hard to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
“There is tremendous passion, and with that comes effort,” Luis said.
One of the team’s strengths this year is their heart and passion. He believes that’s what led the team to the playoffs, and it’s what’s making them successful. The girls give it their all, even when things don’t go perfectly. The hard work is paying off, and the coach couldn’t have been more excited about them. The playoffs will take place at Southwest Legacy High School, and Luis is excited about the opportunity.
Emily Medrano, the team captain, has also seen a lot of growth this season. She’s proud of her team for always hustling and making it to the playoffs. As captain, Medrano took the responsibility of keeping her teammates motivated, especially during tough stretches of the season. She learned a lot about leadership and what it takes to be a good captain.
“Being captain this year has taught me how to have a voice and lead my team better,” Medrano said.
Her favorite memory as captain was when the team spent time together during a tournament in Edinburg. For Medrano, those moments with her teammates meant the most.
Esmeralda Uribe, another player on the team, also had a memorable season. She stayed focused, especially after tough losses. “We gave our all, We strived to win that game, but in the end, it just didn’t go how we planned.” Uribe said.
She’s learned the importance of not slacking off, even during the off-season, and staying strong as a team. One of her favorite moments was when the team went to the Austin women’s college basketball game together. “It was such a fun experience,” she said.
Looking ahead to next season, Medrano and Uribe both agree that team chemistry will be key. Medano believes the team should work on their shooting percentage, while Uribe emphasizes starting the game strong and finishing strong. For both players, the key takeaway from this season is to have fun and keep working hard to improve.
Through all the challenges, Luis and his players are excited about the progress they’ve made. They’re ready to keep growing and taking on whatever comes next.