Letter from the Vice President & Director of Athletics

Letter from the Vice President & Director of Athletics

Dear UTRGV Family, Greetings from UTRGV Athletics! I want to personally thank you for your interest in and support of UTRGV Athletics. My second year as Director of Athletics, fully during a pandemic, was one unlike any other. As I reflect on the year, however, I am enthusiastic about our future and proud of the young men and women that represent you, our university, and the Rio Grande Valley through Division I competition. As you read this report, you will have the opportunity to learn more about how our student-athletes experienced significant success in competition, in the classroom and in the community. Some of the highlights include Desirea Buerge reaching the semifinals of the U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials, our track & field teams combining for eight WAC Championships, our baseball team reaching the WAC Tournament Championship Series for first time in program history, our men’s soccer team’s top 25 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Poll for the first time in program history, and our women’s soccer team recording its fifth-straight winning season. Even with a full year of virtual learning, our student-athletes continued to excel academically, posting a cumulative departmental grade point average of 3.23 and combining for 108 Academic All-WAC honors. When it comes to community service, I could not be prouder of our young people. Even in a year in which community service was limited due to the pandemic, our men’s golf team ranked 10th in the nation in community service hours among NCAA Division I men’s golf programs. The impact of our young people went well beyond the traditional metrics, though, as our student-athletes took the initiative to launch Vaqueros United, a collaboration between UTRGV Athletics, the UTRGV Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and our campus community to motivate our community in continuing meaningful conversations of peace, equality, social justice, and human rights through the utilization of our public platforms. One of our early leaders in these conversations was our men’s basketball coach, Lew Hill, and we were all shocked and devastated when we learned of his passing on February 7. Lew was not only a trusted colleague, but a friend. He was a father figure for his team and a loving father and husband for his family. The outpouring of support following his passing, however, was tremendous. We are so proud to see the Lew Hill Memorial Fund produce an endowed scholarship that, at the direction of the Hill family, is open to all students at UTRGV. Education was big for Lew, and I have no doubt he’s smiling down on us. As you review this report, I hope you are as impressed as I am with the success of UTRGV Athletics and the growth we have witnessed over the years. As we continue to grow Division I athletics in the Valley, I am confident the success we experience together will only enhance the brand and identity of our region. Thank you for your loyal and continued support of our student-athletes and coaches. You are critical to helping us #RallyTheValley! V’s Up!

Chasse S. Conque Vice President & Director of Athletics