By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Port Isabel Tarpon Athletic Director Coach Tony Villarreal and Girls Coordinator Johvonne Howard recently announced the June Champions, recognizing student-athletes who demonstrated commitment to strength and conditioning, sport-specific training, and offseason development throughout June 2026.
Coach Howard said the June Champions program recognizes athletes who consistently attended workouts, embraced the standards of Tarpon Athletics, and invested in their growth during the offseason. She noted that these student-athletes have set an example for their teammates through discipline, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
According to the coaching staff, the June Champions were selected based on their commitment to attending offseason strength and conditioning sessions or sport-specific training.
“Attendance was the primary criterion, as these athletes consistently showed up, put in the work, and demonstrated dedication to improving themselves and their teams,” Howard said.
Howard noted that summer schedules can be challenging, with many students balancing jobs and summer school commitments. To help accommodate those responsibilities, the coaching staff offered various workout times throughout the summer.
“We know how challenging schedules can be in the summer with many of our kids working and attending summer school sessions,” Howard said. “The coaching staff made various time slots for kids to have the opportunity to get a workout in.”
Howard said summer strength and conditioning is a critical part of athletic development.
“Athletes who consistently participate build strength, improve endurance, reduce injury risk, and develop confidence,” Howard said. “Just as importantly, they establish habits of discipline and accountability that carry over into competition.”
The coaching staff emphasized that all June Champions earned recognition through their commitment and attendance.
“All of our June Champions deserve recognition because they consistently chose to be present and put in the work,” Howard said. “What stood out most was their commitment to showing up day after day and setting a positive example for their teammates.”
Howard said the Tarpon Summer Strength and Conditioning program reinforces the belief that success starts with commitment and reflects the expectations of accountability, discipline, effort, and pride in representing Tarpon Athletics.
As student-athletes prepare for the upcoming school year, the goal is to continue building on the work being done during the offseason.
“Our expectation is simple: continue building on the work being done today,” Howard said. “We want our athletes to compete with confidence, represent our community with pride, and strive for excellence in the classroom and in athletics.”
The Athletic Department also thanked the community for its continued support of all Port Isabel athletes.
“These young athletes are investing their time and effort throughout the summer, and your encouragement makes a tremendous difference as they prepare for the upcoming seasons,” Coach Tony said.
The Tarpon Coaching Staff congratulated all June Champions for their dedication and hard work, noting that success during the season is built through the effort, sacrifice, and commitment displayed during the offseason.
June Champions honorees include:
Softball: Jocelyn Lopez, Ariana Rivera, Jacinda Silva, Alexis Solis, Caro Gomez, Isabella Betancourt, Arianna Garcia, Aaliyah Guajardo, Miranda Canales, Jenny Troncoso and Katherine Reyes.
Cross Country: Nicole Sanchez, Judith Sanchez, Isabella Betancourt, Sahara Gonzalez, Yasmin Mendez, Jacinda Silva, Mikel Sosa, Noe Hernández, Cody Villarreal, Said Garcia, Ezra Camacho, Kingston Lane and Jordan Badillo.
Summer Track: Elle Wall, Layla Mata and Adalyn Samaniego.
Soccer: Aidemarie Lara, Arizbeth Gutierrez, Fergie Rodriguez, Angelique Rivera, Grace Koontz, Sahara Gonzalez, Evolet Camacho, Avery Lee, Evelyn Gonzalez, Lucero Peralta, Karla Celis, Liora Helfourosh and Mia Lopez.
Basketball: Mia Lopez, Andrea Le Blanc, Erika Urrutia, Avery Garcia and Maria Vela.
Volleyball: Escarlet Urrutia, Arianna Garcia, Jackie Nava, Dariadna Garcia, Maria Vazquez, Sahara Gonzalez, Erika Urrutia, Gabby Martinez, Jocelyn Lopez, Jamila Sidibie, Desaray Martinez, Jacinda Silva and Avery Garcia.
Tennis: Dayanara Garcia, Jade Marquez, Kiana Duran, Marlen Romero and Yahaira Sanchez.
Football: Grayson Estes, Michael Finona, Thomas Garcia, Tristan Green, Logan Bennett, Armani Reyna, Elijah Alvarez, Mikel Sosa, Alvaro Rocha, Miles Ingram Moore, Jerry Troncoso, Jesus Ramos, Pax Pena, Jay Valdez, Chris Valdez, Angel Dominguez, Cameron Gonzalez, Denzel Garza, Jahi Vasquez, Ivan Medina, Austin Adney, Jeremy Sollozo, Liam Espinoza, Preston Estes, Roy Galvan, Zeke Sanchez, Andy Puente, Alexis Ledesma, Cody Villarreal, Peter Trey Loera, Mason Calvillo, Giovanni Mejia, Mario Rodriguez, Elias Garcia, Landon Gonzalez and Faustino Cesenes.
PM Tarpon Session: Eric Gonzalez, Alvaro Rocha, Michael Finona, Miguel Arona, Cameron Gonzalez, Jerry Troncoso, Jeremy Sollozo, Zeke Perez, Andy Puente and Mason Calvillo.