HARLINGEN — Harlingen South senior Mya Aguirre was described as the glue that held everything together.
The savvy veteran excelled at the setter position for the Lady Hawks, helping to set up the offense and feed one of the Rio Grande Valley’s top hitters in Mikela Mireles.
Aguirre wasn’t just a setter, but a utility weapon on the court for Harlingen South. Her 2019 season was her best yet, as she recorded 497 assists, 408 kills, 411 digs, 25 aces and 15 blocks.
Aguirre’s ability to read the defense and set up the offense, and the ability to do multiple things on the court helped her earn the Valley Morning Star’s 2019 All-STAR Volleyball Setter of the Year award.
“It means a lot to win this,” Aguirre said. “Setters don’t get recognized too often so we don’t get the attention, and I’d like to say we do a lot. Hitters get the attention for anyone watching volleyball, so the appreciation for setters goes out the window,” Aguirre said. “Speaking for all setters, though, we are what set up the hitters for them to get that amazing kill. I think that recognizing the setter position is special.”
Coach Anissa Lucio utilized her talent and put her in a position to help direct the offense.
“She was the glue that kept us together,” Lucio said. “She touched every ball for us as a setter, and when she came to the front row she was a hitter for us and we wanted to feed her the ball. She did everything. On both offense and defense, she found a way to contribute.”
One of Aguirre’s standout moments was Oct. 1 at Harlingen High. Aguirre took the court with the flu and did not disappoint. She helped the Lady Hawks sweep over their crosstown rivals and delivered 13 kills, nine assists and 15 digs in a win her team regards as the flu game.
Aguirre’s effort was one of many traits she had on and off the court. Aguirre and Mireles will graduate this spring, but they have left their mark on Lady Hawks volleyball by resetting the standard.
“It will be tough losing both Mya and Mikela but I’m excited for their next chapter, and they are both actively looking to play at the college level. I really think they both will excel at the next level, and I’m ready to see what they do.” Lucio said.
