VMS All-STAR Volleyball: La Feria’s Salinas is top offensive player

HARLINGEN — Senior Sierra Salinas’ first sport is volleyball.

It is something Salinas has a great passion for, and being able to play for La Feria was a special time for her. Salinas took in her senior year and made the most of it, and the evidence was seen on the court.

Salinas has been tabbed as the Valley Morning Star’s 2019 All-STAR Offensive Player of the Year.

During the past few years, La Feria leaned on Myah Salas and Karina Diaz, who made an impact on the Lionettes’ program. This year was Salinas’ turn to lead the ship, and she did not disappoint.

“I have played this game for eight years,” Salinas said. “I love this game, and when I go up and get that juicy hit there is just something that lights up in me, and I love it.”

Salinas was a key piece for the Lionettes — who made a playoff appearance — collecting 56 assists, 624 digs and 369 kills.

“Offensively I felt like I did good,” Salinas said. “This year as a senior, I stepped up when it came to a leadership role. On defense, too, I was able to do well. I played all the way around, so I adjusted to that.”

Throughout the offseason, Salinas learned different techniques. She worked on her craft to help keep opponents guessing when it came to her offensive attack.

“Before I would just hit, hit and hit, so I learned to palm the ball, with a tip or off-speed,” Salinas said. “I would just hit and teams would adjust, so I knew I had to mix it up and keep teams guessing.”

Salinas carried on the tradition that was left before her and left a message for the younger girls in the program.

“It takes a lot of work to be able to carry on the tradition here,” Salinas said. “Most of the girls I played with are underclassmen, and I see the potential in them. Just the way the older girls once looked at me. After the season we had our senior goodbyes, and I just told the girls they can be great and to believe in themselves. The seniors next year need to step up, the same way I did this year.”