By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—This is a special time for the newest member of the Rio Hondo High School coaching family, Ester Rodriguez, as she leads the Lady ’Cats’ volleyball team beginning next month.
Both Coach Rodriguez and the student-athletes who are trying out for the team have used the summer to get to know each other, and what she has seen through scheduled strength and conditioning the past few weeks has caught her eye.
“What has impressed me the most is their commitment; they’ve consistently shown up, worked hard, and been willing to push themselves,” Coach Rodriguez said. “I’ve also been impressed by their coach ability, and the way they’ve encouraged one another. Those qualities are just as important as athletic ability and will serve them well during tryouts.”
The Coach said tryouts will begin next month. In fact, volleyball is one of the introductory high school sports that Rio Hondo fans get to watch. It’s the first glimpse of what’s to come for fall sports in August at RHHS, which includes not just football, but cross country and golf.
Rodriguez is no stranger to RHHS as she roamed the halls as a coach more than a decade ago.
“I am returning to high school coaching after 11 years because I have missed the opportunity to mentor and develop student-athletes; coaching has always been more than teaching the game to me; it’s about building character, instilling discipline and helping young people reach their full potential both on and off the court,” Coach Rodriguez said.
“I decided to come back because I feel ready to make a positive impact again, share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years and be part of a program that values hard work, teamwork and community,” she added.
At RHHS, fans and the student-athletes are accustomed to winning, especially in girls’ sports.
Each program- cross country, golf, basketball, soccer, and track and field- has experienced team and individual successes.
FOCUS ON VOLLEYBALL
The RHHS volleyball team is looking to improve on a challenging season from a year ago. Rodriguez looks to pluck some of the junior varsity players, too.
She takes over from Jesus Cardenas, who had one senior on the team and a host of underclassmen. This year, Coach Rodriguez may field a volleyball team that has half a senior roster.
Cardenas played many underclassmen, who gained experience, so a season later, it’s everyone’s hope that the losses the Lady ’Cats endured translate to more than one victory.
Overall, RHHS was 1-13 and in District 32-3A, finished with a 1-7 record.
Among those who led RHHS statistically in kills were Ximena Gonzalez, Carlie Rodriguez, and Jilliana Sauceda.
Digs leaders were also Gonzalez, with Kaylee Canales and Abigail Perez adding to it. Leaders in aces were Sauceda, Gonzalez, and Perez.
They are eligible to try out once again under Coach Rodriguez.
RHHS was on the opposite side of the winning side in the district, as the Lyford Lady Bulldogs were the undisputed champions and IDEA Frontier College Prep followed.
Contending for a district title or at least the top four to qualify for the postseason suits the coach and players nicely.
“Taking over a team that struggled and did not make the postseason presents challenges, but it also creates an opportunity to establish a new culture and direction,” Coach Rodriguez said. “I expect there may be a need to rebuild confidence, earn players’ trust, and create consistency in expectations and accountability. It will take time to develop team chemistry, reinforce fundamental skills, and establish a strong work ethic.”
Coach Rodriguez said Aug. 1 is RHHS’s first official day of practice. She said student-athletes should have all their Rank One paperwork completed along with their physicals.
A week later, on Aug. 8, the Lady ’Cats’ first scrimmage is held.
“My focus is on building positive relationships with the players, emphasizing discipline, effort, and teamwork, and fostering an environment where everyone is committed to improving every day,” Coach Rodriguez said.
“Success won’t happen overnight, but by setting clear expectations, communicating openly, and celebrating progress, I believe we can build a competitive program that our players and community can be proud of,” the Coach concluded.