GOING STRONG: THE CONTINUED RISE OF VALLEY SPORTS
To our readers,
One year ago, I had the opportunity to step into the role of sports editor at RGVSports.com after spending five years as a staff writer covering the athletes and teams that make the RGV one of the most passionate sports communities in Texas.
This past year was another reminder of just how special sports are in the 956. We watched Sharyland High baseball make history with a run to the UIL Class 5A DII state championship game, becoming the first Rio Grande Valley team to reach a state baseball title game since 2007. We watched PSJA High softball battle its way to the UIL state semifinals, putting together one of the greatest postseason runs in program history. And we watched McAllen High boys basketball complete the first undefeated regular season by an RGV team, finishing 36-0 before advancing to the regional semifinals.
Those moments captured headlines, but they were only part of the story.
From football fields and basketball courts to baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, tracks, swimming pools and beyond, our staff had the privilege of
covering thousands of student-athletes this year. Every season across the Valley, athletes created memories that brought communities together. Whether it was a district championship celebration, a playoff run or a state tournament appearance, the pride that exists throughout the Rio Grande Valley was on full display.
The All-Valley Sports Awards are a celebration of that pride.
Each year, these awards recognize the athletes, coaches and programs that helped define the high school sports landscape across the Rio Grande Valley. They honor the accomplishments that filled headlines, generated excitement and inspired communities throughout the school year.
But these awards are about more than statistics, championships and trophies. They represent the early mornings, late nights and countless hours spent training when nobody was watching. They reflect the sacrifices made by athletes, coaches and families in pursuit of something greater than themselves. They recognize the commitment it takes to wear your school’s colors with pride and compete at the highest level.
As someone who grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, these stories have always meant something special to me. I grew up watching local athletes become hometown heroes and learning what sports mean to the communities that support them. Today, it’s an honor to help tell those stories and celebrate the people who continue that tradition.
To the athletes, thank you for the effort, dedication and passion you brought to your sport this year. Your accomplishments have given our communities countless memories and inspired the next generation of Valley athletes.
To the coaches and families, thank you for the guidance, support and sacrifices that often happen behind the scenes. Your impact reaches far beyond the final score.
And to our readers, thank you for continuing to support local sports. Thank you for showing up, following along and caring so
deeply about the athletes who represent your communities.
The Rio Grande Valley has never lacked talent. More importantly, it has never lacked heart.
As we celebrate this year’s All-Valley Sports Awards honorees, take a moment to appreciate not only what they accomplished, but what they represent: the pride, resilience and spirit that make the 956 such a special place.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists. Your stories have helped define another memorable year in Valley sports.
ALL VALLEY SPORTS AWARDS KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jason Starkey attended Marshall University. In his time with the Thundering Herd they won 50 of 54 games from 1996 to 1999, winning a conference championship each season. When Starkey started along the offensive line, Marshall went 27-2. After winning the Hunt Award as the best lineman in West Virginia following his senior season at Cabell-Midland High School, Starkey became Marshall’s full-time starting center for the 1998 and 1999 seasons, helping the ’99 team to a 13-0
record and No. 10 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. Starkey was named second-team All-Mid-American Conference in 1998 and to the first team in 1999. He went on to sign as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in 2000 and remained with the team for four seasons. Starkey served as a head coach for Brownsville Lopez from 2013-2017 and led the Lobos to back-to-back playoff appearances with a 9-2 and 8-3 records. Started 13 games and played in 32 games in the NFL.
Ivan Palacios is Sports Editor of The Monitor, Valley Morning Star, Brownsville Herald and RGVSports.com Contact Ivan at ivan@themonitor.com
Jason Starkey
Jason Starkey is a Professional Speaker who has spoken to:
• Students in States all over this country
• Our Military and Special Forces\ Units
• College Athletic Programs
• Engaged in Prison Ministry in Southern Texas
• Mentor Professional Athletes on Transitioning to “Life after the Game”
•Teaches in Faith-Based Communities & Churches
• Faithfully Serves in the Addiction and Alcoholic Recovery Communities
• Jason Starkey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor focus on Sociology
• Jason Starkey is a former Division 1 Athlete (Marshall University)
• Jason is a former Professional Athlete (Arizona Cardinals)
• Jason is a former accomplished High School Coach and Athletic Coordinator in Texas
• Jason is currently the President of a residential construction company that Develops the South Padre Island Golf Course
• He is married to Lark Starkey and has two kids Reid (18) and Kendall (15)
2026
Award of Excellence Tom Landry
AIM Media Texas is very proud to have received permission from the Landry family to present the Tom Landry Award of Excellence to a student athlete who represents the values for which Coach Landry is still known today. The recipient of this highly prestigious award has been chosen based on academic excellence, sports accomplishments, character and community service.
On behalf of UTRGV we are honored to present the Tom Landry Award of Excellence. In the midst of adversity, there are those who rise above and inspire us all. We gather to recognize one such individual who has not only triumphed over difficulties but also excelled in their athletic and academic endeavors.
Sponsored by
WINNER OF THE TOM LANDRY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
LAILA RUBIO MISSION HIGH SCHOOL - SENIOR
Laila Rubio built an impressive high school career at Mission High School, balancing success in swimming and water polo with outstanding academic achievements and a commitment to helping others. In the pool, Laila was a four-time regional qualifier and four-time regional finalist in swimming. Her dedication in the pool earned her the Rio Grande Valley Swimming Coaches Association Scholarship while also helping her earn recognition as the team’s top point scorer in 2024 and 2026. Away from competition, she demonstrated the same dedication in the classroom, finishing as Mission High’s 2026 valedictorian while earning her associate degree in interdisciplinary studies through South Texas College. Other academic achievements include recognition as an AP Scholar and earning a place on South Texas College’s Presidential Honor Roll during the Summer and Fall 2025 semesters. Laila’s academic success also earned her membership in the National Honor Society. Outside the classroom, she still found time to serve others, volunteering at junior high swim practices, participating in Mission’s Swim-A-Thon all four years and helping at McAllen Transitional Care Center. Through her accomplishments in athletics, academics and community service, Laila has exemplified the qualities of leadership, dedication and excellence both in and out of the pool.
RUNNERS UP OF THE TOM LANDRY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Abraham Elizondo
Los Fresnos High, Senior
Jamie Gonzalez
Edinburg Harvest Christian, Senior
BOYS
CROSS
COUNTRY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Armando Morales
• District 32-4A Silver Medalist
• Region IV-4A Champion
La Feria Early College High School, Senior
• Class 4A State Runner-Up by 0.1 seconds
• Recorded the No. 6 fastest time in Class 4A this year (15:08.20)
• TCU Signee with his twin brother Anthony
Presented by
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Sarah Pirtle
St. Joseph Academy Brownsville, Senior
• Finished 4th in the RGVCCCA Meet of Champions Varsity Race
• TAPPS 5A State Cross Country Medalist with a 9th place finish in the 2-mile run
• Recorded the No. 14 fastest time in TAPPS 5A 2-Mile Run this season (12:43.60)
Presented by
Aleena Zuniga
VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Sharyland Pioneer High School, Senior
• Recorded 783 kills, 246 kills, 367 digs, 60 aces and 14 blocks
• Named District 31-5A and The Monitor’s Player of the Year
• Led the Diamondbacks to a 35-4 overall record and a 15-1 district record in route to the district 31-5A championship
Presented by
2026
Light food and refreshments will be provided.
FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
To learn more about current career opportunities at South Texas Health System, please contact our recruitment team at STHSHumanResourcesRecruiters@ uhsinc.com or visit https://jobs. uhsinc.com/south-texas-healthsystem.
Robert Pineda
Los Fresnos High School, Senior
• Recorded 1,538 passing yards and 18 passing touchdowns, along with 1,110 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns in 11 games played
• Led the Falcons to their first undefeated regular season since 2008, while also earning their second straight District 32-6A title
• Named District 32-6A MVP and the Herald/Star All-Area Football Player of the Year
• Finished his four-year career as the Falcons starting QB with over 10,000 total yards and 133 total touchdowns
• Texas Lutheran signee
Presented by
upcoming administrative and support learn more about growing your meaningful impact at STHS.
candidates may be eligible for a benefits package, including compensation, sign-on bonus tuition reimbursement.
BOYS WATER POLO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Erick Lopez
Scan the QR code to explore career opportunities
Harlingen High South, Senior
• Netted 62 goals while dishing out 32 assists and coming up with 89 steals
• Named District 32-6A Most Valuable Player
• Led Harlingen South to the District 32-6A title
Presented by
Itzel De Leon
GIRLS WATER POLO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Veterans Memorial High School, Senior - Senior
• Led Mission Veterans to District 31-6A title
• Scored 171 goals with 115 assists and 94 steals
• Second straight year winning this award
Presented by
BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Noah Gutierrez
Los Fresnos High School, Senior
• Earned District 32-6A titles in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle
• Earned Region IV-6A title in the 50-yard freestyle, while also securing a silver medal in the 100-yard freestyle
• Advanced to state in both events where he finished 13th in the 50 and 17th in the 100.
Presented by
GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Madeline Wollny
PSJA Early College High School, Senior
• Earned District 31-6A and Region IV-6A titles in the 50 and 100-yard freestyles
• Finished 7th at state in Class 6A in the 100yard freestyle
• Earned a bronze medal in Class 6A 50-yard freestyle at state
Presented by
Santiago Miranda
• Regional Champion in the 106 division
Finished the season with a 35-7 overall record
BOYS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
Sharyland High School, Junior
Went 3-1 during the state tournament to earn the silver medal in the 5A boys 106-pound division
Presented by
GIRLS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
Ava Aragon
• Posted a 41-2 record this year
McAllen High School, Senior
• Regional champion in the 105 5A division
• Class 5A 105-pound division state champion after going 4-0 at state
Presented by
BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
D’Aundre Canada
McAllen High School, Senior
• Average 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game
• Led Mc-Hi to a perfect 36-0 regular season and District 31-5A championship
• Named a TABC All-Region Selection
• Signed with Independence Junior College
Presented by
Aundrya Arredondo
GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Weslaco High School - Senior
• Led Weslaco High to a 35-win season and an appearance in the Sweet 16
• Average 12 points, 6.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 4.4 steals per game
• Named The Monitor’s 2026 All-Area Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Presented by
Raymondville Early College High School, Senior
Help Support Care & Strengthen Lives
• Won the 220-pound weight class state championship
STHS ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT STAFF HIRING EVENT
South Texas Health System, the largest integrated network of care in the Rio Grande Valley, is now hiring for multiple administrative and support roles across its 12 facilities and regional operations center.
• Accounts Payable Clerk
• Admissions Representative
• Recorded a 775-pound squad, 585-pound bench and 610-pound deadlift for a total of 1,970 pounds lifted at state
• Broke the state bench record with his mark of 285 pounds and the state total weight record with 1,970 pounds lifted
Current openings include, but are not limited to:
• Birth Certificate Representative/Registrar
• Coder Certified
• Credentialing Specialist
• Department Secretary
• Electrician
• Floor Tech
Christian Torres Madison Delgado
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Presented by
SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM
EDINBURG
Main Lobby
1102 W. Trenton Rd.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Light food and refreshments will be provided.
GIRLS POWERLIFTER OF THE YEAR
Harlingen High South, Senior
• State Champion in the 132-pound weight class
• Housekeeper
• Broke the state record in all four categories a state
• Lab Coordinator Materials
• Lead Cook
• Recorded a 440-pound squat, 320 bench press and 405-pound deadlift at state for a total of 1,165 pounds
• Maintenance Worker Skilled
• Monitor Tech
• Plumber
• Radiology Assistant
• Security Guard
• Trauma Registrar
Presented by
To learn more about current career opportunities at South Texas Health System, please contact our recruitment team at STHSHumanResourcesRecruiters@ uhsinc.com or visit https://jobs. uhsinc.com/south-texas-healthsystem.
• Unit Clerk Secretary Coordinator
Come by our upcoming administrative and support staff hiring event to learn more about growing your career and making a meaningful impact at STHS.
Qualified candidates may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive compensation, sign-on bonus opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
BOYS TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Miguel Mejia
Scan the QR code to explore career opportunities
Valley View High School - Senior
• Won the District 32-4A singles championship
• Finished as the silver medalist in Region IV-4A
• Valley View’s first back-to-back state qualifier
Presented by
GIRLS TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Selah Geddes and Sofia Cantu
Sharyland High School
• Finished as the District 31-5A girls doubles champions
• Finished as the Region IV-5A girls doubles silver medalists
• Advanced to the Class 5A girls’ tennis double bracket
Presented by
BOYS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Fabian
Montalvo
La Joya Palmview High School, Junior
• Scored 33 goals in 28 games played as a junior
• Led La Joya Palmview to first District 30-5A championship and regional final appearance in program history
• Named District 30-5A MVP and The Monitor’s All-Area Boys Soccer Co-Player of the Year
Presented by
GIRLS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kennedy Kaiser
• District 31-5A Player of the Year
• TASCO Second Team All-State
• Most goals scored in RGV history
• Oklahoma signee
McAllen Memorial High School, Senior
Presented by
BOYS GOLFER OF THE YEAR
Mauricio Solar
IDEA Edinburg College Prep, Senior
• Finished with the third best average in the RGV this season
• 3x Region IV-3A Individual Champion
• Finished 5th at state in Class 3A
• Signed with Midland College
Presented by
GIRLS GOLFER OF THE YEAR
Karina Rios
• District 32-4A Champion
• Finished 8th at state in Class 4A
• Recorded the second-best average for girls in the RGV this year
Presented by
Reid Starkey
La Feria Early College High School, Junior St. Joseph Academy Brownsville, Senior
BOYS TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
• Finished fifth in the discus during the RGVCA Meet of Champions
• Finished as TAPPS district champion, south regional champion and state champion in the Discus
• Recorded a personal best throw of 156 feet, 3 inches this year
Presented by
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Isabella Parker
Mercedes High School - Senior
• Earned District 32-5A and Area 31/32-5A titles in the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles and high jump
• Earned the Region IV-5A title in the high jump, while also earning bronze in the 100m hurdles
• Won the Class 5A girls high jump state championship
• Tied for the No. 4 highest jump in Class 5A this year with a mark of 5 feet, 7 inches
• UTRGV signee
Presented by
SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Emma Escamilla
• Two-way threat for the Bears
PSJA Early College High School, Junior
• Posted a .564 batting average with 62 hits, 70 RBI, 32 runs scored and 17 home runs in 41 games played
• Went 19-1 as a pitcher this season, recording a .950 winning percentage with 246 strikeouts in 147.2 innings pitched
• Led PSJA High to the District 31-6A championship and their first ever Final Four Appearance
Presented by
BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
JT Reyna
PSJA Early College High School, Junior
• Led PSJA High to a District 31-6A Championship and a second straight Elite 8 appearance
• Posted a .500 batting average with 42 hits, 33 RBIs, 17 runs and 1 home runs
• Recorded a 6-1 record on the mound with a 1.27 ERA and 74 strikeouts
Presented by
2026
SUB-5A FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Adaleigh Knight
Raymondville Early College High School - Senior
• District 32-3A First Team All-District in Volleyball
Help Support Care & Strengthen Lives
• Herald/Star All-Area Girls Basketball Sub-5A Player of the Year
• Averaged 35.1 points, 15.3 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 2.0 blocks per game
STHS ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT STAFF HIRING EVENT
• Scored a nation leading 72 points in a game this season
• Also scored the fourth most points in a game this season with 67
• District 31-3A Runner-Up in the High Jump; Area qualifier in the event
South Texas Health System, the largest integrated network of care in the Rio Grande Valley, is now hiring for multiple administrative and support roles across its 12 facilities and regional operations center.
Current openings include, but are not limited to:
• Accounts Payable Clerk
• Admissions Representative
• Birth Certificate Representative/Registrar
• Coder Certified
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM
EDINBURG Main Lobby
Presented by
1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX 78539
Light food and refreshments will be provided.
SUB-5A MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
• Credentialing Specialist
• Department Secretary
• Electrician
• Floor Tech
Gael Silva Lyford High School - Senior
• A three-sport athlete at Lyford, competing in football, basketball and baseball
• Housekeeper
• Earned First-Team All-District in Football at offensive tackle and defensive end
• Lab Coordinator Materials
• Also earned Second-Team All-District in Football at Kicker
• Lead Cook
• Named District 32-3A MVP in basketball
• Maintenance Worker Skilled
To learn more about current career opportunities at South Texas Health System, please contact our recruitment team at STHSHumanResourcesRecruiters@ uhsinc.com or visit https://jobs. uhsinc.com/south-texas-healthsystem.
• Named Co-Offensive MVP in baseball
• Monitor Tech
• Plumber
• Radiology Assistant
• Security Guard
• Trauma Registrar
Presented by
• Unit Clerk Secretary Coordinator
Come by our upcoming administrative and support staff hiring event to learn more about growing your career and making a meaningful impact at STHS.
Qualified candidates may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive compensation, sign-on bonus opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
5A/6A FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
• A four-sport athlete as a freshman, competing in volleyball, basketball, softball and track
• Ranked second on the team in kills this year with 232, adding 52 aces and 336 digs
• Averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in basketball
•.389 batting average with 14 hits and 2 RBI in softball
• Qualified for the Class 5A state track and field championships in the high jump
Presented by
5A/6A MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Isaiah Garza
PSJA Early College High School, Sophomore
• A three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and track
• Named The Monitor’s All-Area Football Utility Player of the Year after recording 481 rushing yards, 736 receiving yards, 18 total touchdowns, 42 tackles and two interceptions
• Named to The Monitor’s All-Area basketball first team after averaging 15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.4 assists per game
• Region IV-6A qualifier in the long jump
Presented by
5A/6A BOYS TEAM OF THE YEAR
Sharyland High School Baseball
• Finished the year with a 38-6 overall record
• Won the District 31-5A championship
• Reached the Class 5A DII state semifinals for the first time in program history
• First RGV since 2007 to reach the state championship game
• Class 5A DII state runner-up
Presented by
5A/6A GIRLS TEAM OF THE YEAR
PSJA Early College High School Softball
• Finished the year with a 38-6 overall record
• Won the District 31-5A championship
• Reached the Class 5A DII state semifinals for the first time in program history
• First RGV since 2007 to reach the state championship game
• Class 5A DII state runner-up
Presented by
Personal Banking
Comprehensive Outpatient REHABILITATION
SERVICES
COUNT ON SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM® FOR QUALITY PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL AND SPEECH THERAPY SERVICES AT TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY.
Rehabilitation can play a critical role in recovering from a wide range of conditions and illnesses, including orthopedic surgery, neurological problems, general surgery, sports injuries, falls and more.
South Texas Health System can help you recover and get back to life, with locations in Edinburg and McAllen. Services available include:
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Dysphagia Program
Specialized services include Parkinson’s management program, treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, sports medicine, ACL rehabilitation and dry needling.
To schedule an appointment for outpatient therapy, please call 956-420-3800 (Edinburg) or 956-971-5640 (McAllen) or visit southtexashealthsystemedinburg.com or southtexashealthsystemmcallen.com for more information.
Make
• Unit Clerk Secretary Coordinator
Come by our upcoming administrative and support staff hiring event to learn more about growing your career and making a meaningful impact at STHS.
Qualified candidates may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive compensation, sign-on bonus opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
SUB-5A BOYS TEAM OF THE YEAR
Scan the QR code to explore career opportunities
Raymondville Early College High School Power Lifting
• Won the Texas High School Powerlifting Association Division II team championship
• Had two individual claim state championships in Randi Pedraza (242-pound weight class) and Christian Torres (220-pound weight class)
Presented by
SUB-5A GIRLS TEAM OF THE YEAR
Harvest Christian Academy Basketball
• Finished the season 40-2 overall and 9-0 in district play, with their two losses coming against UIL Class 5A/6A opponents
• Won their fourth straight TAPPS 1A state championship
• Improved to 184-20 overall during their four-year state championship run
Presented by Presented by
BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR
• Posted a 38-6 overall record
• Led the Rattlers to a District 31-5A championship
• Led Sharyland to their first ever state semifinal appearance
• Finished as Class 5A DII state runner-up
• Led Rattlers to their first state championship appearance, the first team in the RGV to reach the finals since 2007
GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR
Alyssa Garza
PSJA High Softball
• Posted a 38-3 overall record this season
• Finished as undefeated District 31-6A champions with a 10-0 record
• Advanced to the Class 6A DII state semifinals for the first time in program history
La Feria Early College High School
• District titles in boys cross country, girls cross country, girls basketball, boys soccer, girls golf, boys track, girls track and softball
• Sent seven teams to the postseason in team sports
• Individual district champions in boys cross country, girls cross country, boys track & field, girls track & field and girls golf
• State qualifiers in boys cross country, girls cross country, boys track & field, girls track & field and golf
• Tied for 59th in UIL Lone Star Cup
Weslaco High School
• Highest ranking in the UIL Lone Star Cup Ranking among RGV schools
• Won nine team district titles this year including football, boys water polo, boys wrestling, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys track, boys golf, girls golf and girls soccer
• All 22 athletic programs advanced to the postseason, including a pair of state medalist in powerlifting
• 10 state qualifiers in powerlifting, including one state champ and another pair of medalists
• Regional qualifiers in track and wrestling
• Bronze state medalist in wrestling
• Area qualifiers in swimming
• 31 student athletes selected to academic all-state and 13 collegiate signings
Presented by Presented by Presented by
We proudly congratulate all athletes in the Rio Grande Valley for their outstanding commitment and dedication to sports.
1976-2026
of Service & Strength
1512 S. Lone Star Way, Edinburg, TX • (956) 383-4500 35 Providencia Court, Brownsville, TX 78526 • (956) 546-1216 400 N. McColl Rd., McAllen, TX • (956) 289-7941 2005 N. Conway Ave. Suite E, Mission, TX • (956) 289-7926
PRINCIPAL OFFICE: Terrace 2 2700 Via Fortuna Dr., Suite 500, Austin, TX • (512) 447-6675
Thank you to all of our corporate sponsors who supported this year’s All Valley Sports Letterman Patch.
Elliott’s Custom Golf
Get Back in the Game
