HARLINGEN — The Harlingen Lady Cardinals began the 2017 volleyball season on Tuesday under new head coach Joslynn Torres.
The Lady Red Birds, which are loaded with youthful talent and peppered with a couple of cagey veterans, are geared up for a fresh start.
Torres, who is a Harlingen native and graduated from Harlingen South, is excited to be back in her home town. Torres was hired back in May and replaced Jennifer Martinez, who had been in charge since 2013 season.
“I’m excited to be back home,” said Torres. “I’m beyond excited to be working with these girls. They have so much talent and are willing to work for it. This morning we had over 120 girls come out and they worked hard because they want to see results.”
Torres is no stranger to leading a program. She is in her third season as a head coach and spent the last two seasons at ValleyViewHigh School.
She will have her work cut out for her, however, as the Lady Cards must contend with powerful league foes including Los Fresnos, Weslaco High and San Benito.
Last season the Lady Cards narrowly missed the postseason, finishing in fifth place. The program hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2014 season.
Torres said she is determined to right that wrong.
“We have so much knowledge on this coaching staff,” she said. “We have coach Sherry Hoskins, who was at San Antonio Brandeis. We have too much to offer the kids and were excited.
“Our first goal is to win district, but we have to set the bar high. We have the potential to win. I have never seen a group with so much pride and it’s awesome to see the pride here at Harlingen High.”
