Sharyland ISD touts historic appointment of first woman as assistant athletic director

Sharyland ISD made a historic announcement Wednesday after appointing the first woman to hold the position of assistant athletic director. 

The district touted Laura Cavazos’ appointment as a new chapter of growth and empowerment for Sharyland ISD athletics, according to a news release. 

“I am honored and excited to serve as Assistant Athletic Director and to continue contributing to a district that has given me so much throughout my career,” Cavazos said in the release. 

Sharyland ISD said Cavazos has been a cornerstone of the district’s athletic program, in which she served as head volleyball coach and assistant athletic coordinator at Pioneer High School since 2014. 

Not only has she led her teams to numerous playoff appearances and championships, but Cavazos’ leadership led Pioneer High’s volleyball team to secure the 2021 District Championship. 

She’s also a three-time District Coach of the Year, with a coaching career that includes more than 300 career victories and guiding eight athletes to compete at the collegiate level, the release stated. 

“Her journey as an athlete, having played NCAA Division I Volleyball and earning a Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship, reflects the deep dedication she brings to Sharyland ISD’s athletic programs,” the district said in the release. 

In addition to her on-the-court expertise, the release noted that Cavazos holds a master’s in athletic administration as well as a bachelor’s in English with a minor in communications. 

Among her experiences is being an assistant coach at the University of Texas-Pan American, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and an athletic coordinator at Donna High School. 

“I look forward to fostering even more opportunities for our student-athletes and upholding Sharyland’s Tradition of Excellence,” said Cavazos.