(Courtesy: Richard Guerra)
Mary Elizabeth Avelar-Guerra has been roaming the sidelines for Brownsville Rivera volleyball for 28 seasons, and she has built quite a legacy.
The Brownsville Porter alumna took the Lady Raiders coaching gig three years after completing a college career in which she played two seasons at Texas Southmost College and two at the University of Texas-Pan American. Avelar-Guerra changed a lot about how volleyball was played at Rivera, from implementing plays and introducing wearing tights during games.
On Friday at the Sharyland Tournament, the Lady Raiders defeated San Benito to capture career win No. 600 for Avelar-Guerra, adding to an impressive resume.
“It was really cool. After the game, we all jumped and were excited, and one of the parents bought me a banner, so that was really cool,” Avelar-Guerra said. “The girls were excited about being part of that history and being part of the team to get me that 600th win. I think that’s why they played so well. It was a hard game, and they put it all out there. Everybody got to play at least a little bit, so that was exciting, too, because everybody was part of that win.”
Avelar-Guerra’s husband, Richard Guerra, is her assistant coach, and their daughter, Richelle Guerra, is the starting libero. Richelle had been sidelined with an injury, but she got cleared just in time to help her mom get another coaching milestone. Sharing this accomplishment with both of them — Richard was her assistant when she reached 500 wins in 2017, but Richelle was in middle school — made it that much more special.
“She had already told me, ‘Mom, if I’m not cleared, can you just put me to serve or something?’” Avelar-Guerra said. “For my daughter to be able to be part of that team was really exciting and special for me and our family.”
Rivera has captured nine district championships under Avelar-Guerra, including last season’s undefeated District 32-6A title. She said there have been “a lot of crazy times” during her career, and the moments that stick out most have been seeing the athletes play for and support each other.
Avelar-Guerra has seen several former players turn into solid coaches. Brownsville Veterans Memorial coach Lisa (Salazar) Mares played for and then coached with Avelar-Guerra at Rivera. Cindy Sierra is another standout the longtime coach had by her side to help evolve the program. Guerra and recently retired Shirley Zuniga are other assistants Avelar-Guerra thanked for aiding her journey.
“They’ve all been a big part of my success. I’ve had coaches that were really great at their job,” she said.
Avelar-Guerra also thanked the administration and fans at Rivera for their support. But more than anything, she expressed gratitude for all the players that have gone through her program and helped her elevate it.
“I want to thank all the players I’ve had because they built up the legacy that I get to carry,” Avelar-Guerra said. “I expect a lot from them, and they have really worked hard to get the achievements they have. I wouldn’t be here without them and without their hard work, because they had to buy into the program and believe in me enough to do the crazy things I ask them to do. And, of course, I thank God for giving me the talents and the people He has given me.”
