UTRGV Athletics Annual Report 2022-23

Letter from the Vice President and Director of Athletics

Greetings from UTRGV Athletics! I want to thank you for your interest in and support of UTRGV Athletics. As I begin my fifth year at UTRGV, 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 studentathletes experienced significant success in competition, in the classroom, and in the community. One of the most memorable moments occurred in December when hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome our first football coach, Travis Bush, back home to the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley has stepped up in a

big way to support our football program, placing more than 2,000 season ticket deposits two years before kickoff. We are very much looking forward to playing in front of sold-out crowds for every home game starting in 2025.

The early support of our football program is inspiring, but not surprising, as our incredible fans helped our baseball and volleyball teams to shatter their single-season attendance marks. Our men’s basketball team experienced their best attendance in over a decade while our women’s basketball team had its second-best attended season in the last decade. In total, we welcomed about 100,000 fans for our home events this season – a tremendous display of support from the Rio Grande Valley!

We had several signature events during the year, as our volleyball team won the WAC Championship and hosted both the WAC Tournament and the first two rounds of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship, we co-hosted the WAC Swimming & Diving Championships with the City of Pharr, our men’s basketball team played a doubleheader involving Texas at Bert Ogden Arena which drew nearly 7,000 fans, our women’s basketball team welcomed a record crowd of elementary school students for a kids day game, and our baseball team hosted Houston for the first time since 1995, winning the series against the Cougars for the first time since 1991.

Our studentathletes continue to excel academically, posting a cumulative departmental grade point average of 3.32 and combining for 126 Academic All-WAC honors.

When it comes to community service, I could not be prouder of our young people. Our studentathletes combined to rank seventh in the nation in total community service, completing 3,706 hours, while five programs ranked in the top six of teams within their sports. Just as impressively, our men’s basketball team led all men’s teams of all sports in community engagement. Outside of community service, we took our commitment to the entire Rio Grande Valley community seriously, hosting youth clinics in Brownsville and Harlingen and basketball games on South Padre Island.

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 well as the continuous growth with $85 million in facilities enhancements in progress. 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!

Vice President & Director of Athletics

Hello UTRGV Family!

I want to take this time to thank you for your unwavering support throughout this year. As I begin my fourth year as a UTRGV student-athlete, I am proud of the success we have had and am excited for the future of the department.

UTRGV Athletics is so much more than the eye can see. There are numerous moving parts behind the scenes that are all geared to create a culture that fosters the importance of academic success, athletic success, and giving back to the community. As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, I have had the privilege of working closely with many of the people who help make our experience one that is memorable.

Many things make being a student-athlete at UTRGV special. The support from the community is a central part of the department and is the engine that keeps the whole operation going. It is the primary reason that giving back to the community is of such high importance in the life of a student-athlete at UTRGV. Throughout the year the entire athletics department participates in various community service initiatives to help the community continue to prosper.

The opportunity to play alongside other hard-working individuals from various walks of life is incomparable. Being a student-athlete is far from easy but when you are surrounded by so many great people it is easier to immerse yourself in the experience and appreciate all the responsibilities that come with being an athlete. Throughout my time at UTRGV I have met some extraordinary individuals and I am grateful that they will forever have an impact on my life.

The dedication from staff to ensure that we are prepared to take on the world when we leave UTRGV is unexplainable. The support from senior administrators, coaches,

trainers, advisors, and so many other individuals within the department makes you realize that at UTRGV you are never alone. Leaving UTRGV with a “ring and a diploma” is the ultimate goal, and there are so many great individuals across the department who are constantly creating an environment that nurtures that.

As I look back on how much UTRGV Athletics has endured the last few years, I am proud of where we stand and am enthusiastic about where we are headed. As the department grows with the addition of new programs and the emergence of new facilities the future for current and future student-athletes is bright. Amid so much change, it is important that I point out that the foundation that UTRGV Athletics has built remains unchanged. The values and culture that has been established by previous and current Vaqueros continues to allow UTRGV Athletics to expand to places that were once merely an idea. As we continue our time at UTRGV, it is important to take the proper steps that will allow us to leave UTRGV better than we found it.

Thank you to all the donors and supporters who have made it possible for us to have a great student-athlete experience at UTRGV.

V’s Up!

Geo Hernandez Women’s Soccer Senior Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President

Academic Excellence & Community Service

UTRGV student-athletes earned 299 AD Honor Roll awards by achieving a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25 in the fall or spring. This inclues 233 Dean’s List honors (3.50+ GPA) and 99 singlesemester 4.0 GPAs.

3.32 DEPARTMENT GPA

84% GRADUATION SUCCESS RATE

CUMMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE

MEN’S BASKETBALL

3,706 TOTAL COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS

UTRGV RANKED 7TH IN COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE NCAA IN 2022-23

30 ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED

1,086 HOURS #1 AMONG ALL MEN’S TEAMS

MEN’S TRACK & FIELD

719 HOURS #3 AMONG ALL MEN’S TEAMS

MEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S GOLF WOMEN’S GOLF #6

AMONG D1 MEN’S SOCCER TEAMS

#4

AMONG D1 WOMEN’S GOLF TEAMS

#6

AMONG D1 MEN’S GOLF TEAMS

UTRGV Athletics will create a first-class student-athlete experience that fosters a culture of RESPECT, growth, and INTEGRITY, and supports our student-athletes in achieving SUCCESS in both the classroom and in competition.

We will be inclusive and #RallyTheValley as we inspire pride, create excitement, and ENGAGE our campus community and our region as the Rio Grande Valley’s Division I team.

As a Vaquero and member of the UTRGV Community, I am committed to upholding the rights of people of all walks of life and addressing the inequalities of society. I am committed to stopping divisive conversations and starting productive discussions that promote unity and understanding. I stand committed to the inclusion of all races, genders, religions, and nationalities. I stand united with my fellow Vaqueros against racism and hatred. We share a commitment to continuing the conversation of love, acceptance, and awareness for social justice and human rights. Together, we will promote peace, love, and equality.

We are Vaqueros for change. We are Vaqueros United.

UTRGV Athletics introduced the the #RISEup Award in 2022-23 to celebrate coaches and support staff members who go above and beyond and have had a significant impact on the experience of our student-athletes and their colleagues.

Shareese Hicks Track & Field/XC Head Coach Spring ‘23 Recipient

Danny Elizondo Assistant AD for Communications Fall ‘22 Recipient

Chase Haselhorst Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Fall ‘22 Recipient

Rigo Cantu Field Maintenance Technician Spring ‘23 Recipient

UTRGV ATHLETICS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

$2 MILLION (ONLINE ONLY) EARNED MEDIA

Campus Life

Historic Year

~100,000 FANS

SUPPORTED THE VAQUEROS THIS SEASON

THREE SELLOUTS

FOR MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HOME GAMES

ATTENDANCE RECORDS

VOLLEYBALL AND BASEBALL SEASONS

WAC CHAMPIONS

VOLLEYBALL WON ITS SECOND CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

HISTORIC CROWD

HOSTED 6,674 FANS, THE LARGEST BASKETBALL CROWD IN RGV HISTORY, IN A DOUBLEHEADER THAT INCLUDED TEXAS IN NOVEMBER

The UTRGV basketball programs returned to South Padre Island in December. The men’s basketball team hosted the second annual UTRGV South Padre Island Battle on the Beach, and the women’s basketball team hosted the third annual UTRGV South Padre Island Classic.

UTRGV welcomed and honored high school seniors who were offered a scholarship to attend UTRGV in Fall 2023 during a victory over California Baptist in front of a sellout crowd of 2,606.

UTRGV Athletics and campus partners celebrated Homecoming Week in February. First there was a parade across campus that led to the 11th annual Battle of the Colleges, during which UTRGV Deans competed in a halftime free throw contest. Later that week, the UTRGV community celebrated Homecoming with a party that took place in Vaquero Village throughout the afternoon leading into a basketball doubleheader.

UTRGV Baseball had the best-attended season in program history, ranking eighth out of 22 NCAA Division I programs in Texas in total (45,461) and average attendance (1,624).

The Vaqueros drew 4,000+ fans twice for the first time since moving into UTRGV Baseball Stadium in 2002, with a season-high 4,261 fans against Grand Canyon on May 12, and 4,017 against Houston on March 4.

The Vaqueros wrapped up the season with a pregame tailgate, presented by G3 Scrap Metal, during which 5x5 Brewing launched Los Vaqueros beer.

Tournament Central

UTRGV welcomed the top eight volleyball teams in the Western Athletic Conference for the 2022 WAC Volleyball Tournament in November. In February, UTRGV and the City of Pharr co-hosted approximately 600 student-atheltes, coaches and staff from 14 teams for the 2023 WAC Swimming and Diving Championships at the City of Pharr Natatorium.

UTRGV is committed to consistently bring the best college athletics has to offer to the Rio Grande Valley and providing the best possible experience for fans, studentathletes, coaches and staff from both the Valley and around the country.

Women’s Basketball in Puerto Rico

UTRGV women’s basketball embarked on a trip to Puerto Rico from August 6-12. This trip allowed the Vaqueros to play a pair of exhibition games while spending time in the community. The Vaqueros participated in a community basketball clinic at Pepin Cestero Bayamon and had opportunities to visit and explore different parts of the area with kayaking, ziplining, and other activities planned.

UTRGV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL IN

UTRGV Athletics in the Lower Rio Grande Valley

Women’s soccer trained 40 girls ranging from ages 9 to 18 years during a free youth clinic at the Brownsville Sports Park in August.

Men’s soccer defeated St. Mary’s 2-1 in an exhibition match played at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School in front of 200 fans.

The baseball team welcomed 35 boys and girls ranging from ages 7 to 13 for a free youth clinic at thr Brownsville Pace baseball complex in October.

The men’s and women’s tennis teams hosted a free youth clinic at the HEB Tennis Center at Pendleton Park in Harlingen in October. Fortyfive kids had fun with and learned from UTRGV coaches and student-athletes.

Track & field student-athletes brought great energy to Duck Head Field in Brownsville, educating 70 kids in grades ranging from kindergarteners through eighth on the sport at a free youth clinic in March.

The volleyball team hosted two free youth clinics for middle school studentathletes and younger in Brownsville in April.

The first clinic took place at Pace High School and the second was at Rivera High School.

Competitive Excellence

Men’s Golf

UTRGV posted three top-5 finishes under first-year head coach Houston Moore, including a win at the Big Texan. In the classroom, the Vaqueros led the department with a 3.87 GPA as all 10 student-athletes earned AD Honor Roll recognition, nine were part of the Dean’s List, and six achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs.

Women’s Golf

UTRGV posted three-straight top-3 finishes while setting a program record with a 3-round score of 877 in their second place finish at the UTRGV Invitational. Julie Lucio tied for first place at the UTRGV Invitational as she went on to shoot a program record 3-round score of 210.

Women’s Basketball

UTRGV recorded the program’s second-best attended season since joining the WAC by drawing more than 11,000 fans. The Vaqueros earned a spot in the WAC Tournament for the 10th straight season. Iyana Dorsey earned All-WAC Second Team honors and led the WAC with three 30+ point games.

Men’s Basketball

UTRGV nearly doubled the previous year’s win total by notching 15 victories while also doubling its WAC win total by playing an up-tempo style of offense that saw the Vaqueros rank 18th in the NCAA in transition scoring (13.94) and 29th in overall scoring (78.7). Justin Johnson was part of the Houston Rockets’ NBA 2K24 Summer League 2023 Mini-Camp Roster

Baseball

UTRGV won 30+ games for the fourth-straight full season for the first time in 35 years while posting a winning record on the road for the first time in 23 years. Brandon Pimentel finished his career as the program’s record holder in home runs (31) and batting average (.389) after hitting .402 with 19 home runs.

Volleyball

UTRGV won a program record 27 games en route to their second WAC Championship and second-straight postseason appearance.

The Vaqueros hosted NCAA Division I postseason matches for the first time, winning them both, while advancing to the National Invitational Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals.

Women’s Soccer

The Vaqueros ranked second in the department with a 3.72 GPA as 16 of their 19 student-athletes earned a spot on the AD Honor Roll, 15 made the Dean’s List, and a department-high 10 had 4.0 GPAs. The Vaqueros led the department with eight student-athletes earning Academic All-WAC honors.

Men’s Soccer

UTRGV played 10 home matches last season, which is the most home matches in a season since 2015, posting a 6-2-2 record.

Graduate student Yusef Cueceoglu earned All-WAC Second Team honors by leading the team with six assists. The Vaqueros finished with the second-highest GPA among men’s teams in the department this past spring at 3.59.

Men’s Tennis

UTRGV reached the semifinals of the WAC Tournament. Emilien Burnel made the All-WAC Singles First Team and the duo of Burnel and Borna Devald were selected to the All-WAC Doubles Second Team and All-WAC Tournament Doubles Team.

Women’s Tennis

UTRGV finished tied for second in WAC after its winningest season since 2018. Marjorie Souza earned All-WAC Singles Second Team honors for the second consecutive season and Lea Karren and Barbara Martinez made the AllWAC Doubles Second Team.

Cross Country

The men earned two top-3 team finishes and all five scored runners finish in the top 100 at the NCAA South Central Regional. The women earned two top-5 team finishes and ran six personal records at the NCAA South Central Regional.

Indoor Track & Field

The women’s team broke four program records. Aisha Gay, Marlene Gutierrez and Zoe Vlk earned medals at the WAC Championships. Jedidiah Udunna competed at the selective Tyson Invitational in the long jump.

Outdoor Track & Field

Five Vaqueros advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field West Preliminary Round. The team broke eight outdoor program records. Marlene Gutierrez won the WAC Championship in the women’s hammer throw and the program claimed eight total medals at WAC Championships.

South Texas Showdown

by Rally Credit Union Champions

Presented

Facility Enhacements

UTRGV Athletics is investing $85 million to upgrade existing athletics facilities that will impact all current 16 sports over the next three years, including enhancements to the UTRGV Fieldhouse, UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex, Orville Cox Tennis Center, UTRGV Baseball Stadium and weight room, and the building of a new golf facility at McAllen’s Champion Lakes Golf Course.

VAQUEROS PERFORMANCE CENTER

The Vaqueros Performance Center, a new 45,000+ square-foot facility being constructed north of UTRGV Baseball Stadium, will house the football program and be used by multiple sports upon completion, expected by the fall of 2025.

The construction includes two practice fields that will be available for football and soccer, one of which will be made of natural grass and one of which be made of synthetic turf, with completion expected by the summer of 2024.

The Vaqueros Performance Center will house a new, large, state-of-the-art strength & conditioning facility for use by football and other athletics programs, an academic success center, a football locker room, football coaches’ offices, a sports medicine facility, a team room with stadium-style seating, multiple meetings rooms, and additional office space to be used by other athletics personnel.

Built in 1969, the UTRGV Fieldhouse’s interior is being upgraded to include new ribbon and video boards and new seating. The renovation will also add a new 11,000-square foot entrance plaza/ atrium that will include a Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor area, team store, concessions, and restrooms. Renovations to the area around the fieldhouse also include a new practice gym for the basketball and volleyball teams.

UTRGV Athletics resurfaced the courts at the Orville Cox Tennis Center last year. Now UTRGV is planning to expand the footprint of the facility by building new locker rooms, coaches offices and public restrooms. The renovations also include a new entrance.

After a new press box and sound system were installed prior to the start of the 2022 soccer seasons, the construction of an operations center for the soccer and track & field programs is underway, with new locker rooms and coaches’ offices as well as a new sports medicine facility for those programs.

UTRGV Athletics is building a golf facility next to the driving range at Champion Lakes Golf Course that will include locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and hitting bays.

Recent uppgrades to UTRGV Baseball Stadium have included the addition of five new outfield corrals, bringing the total to 13, and renovations to the 10 suites and home locker room. New seating and outfield wall padding is is set to be installed prior to the start of the 2024 season.

Licensing

LICENSED PRODUCTS RETAIL SITES

• 5x5 Brewing Co.

• 7 Day Outfitters

• Academy

• Affinitywear, Inc

• Amazon.com/UTRGV

• AthletesThread.com

• Champion Lakes Golf Course

• CutterBuck.com

• CVS Pharmacy

• Fanatics.com

• San Jose Jewelers

• UTRGV Campus Store

• UTRGVGear.com

UTRGV Athletics and 5x5 Brewing Co. created Los Vaqueros beer, a blood orange kölsch style ale that is available in local stores and restaurants as well as UTRGV Athletics events at which alcohol is served.

7 Day Outfitters in Edinburg introduced an in-store display where they feature a variety of UTRGV gear and products.

Sports Medicine

240+ COMPETITIONS COVERED

1,900 PRACTICES COVERED

30K+ TREATMENTS/REHABS

28 STUDENT ATHLETIC TRAINERS PER SEMESTER

500+ CLINIC VISITS PERFORMED BY

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS