HARLINGEN — The beginning of August signals two things: Back to school and the beginning of the high school volleyball season.
Across the state more than 3,000 teams geared up on Tuesday for a chance to stake their claim as the state champions in November and a chance at history.
One of those teams to hit the hardwood on Tuesday was Harlingen South and new head coach Anissa Lucio, who joins the Lady Hawks’ volleyball program after spending three seasons as head coach of the Weslaco Lady Panthers. Her No. 1 goal is to bring the glory days of South’s storied volleyball past back to fruition.
“These girls have so much potential and I am really excited for this year,” said Lucio. “When I was in high school (Brownsville Hanna) the South volleyball program was huge and since then it was something that has always intrigued me.
“When I saw the position open up, I saw the potential and I just really want to bring the program back to where it was.”
The Lady Hawks enter the 2017 season looking to rebound from a disastrous 1-11 district record during the 2016 season that saw Harlingen South miss the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT: This season, the team is anything but new. With the exception of being under the guidance of a new head coach, the Lady Hawks are an experienced bunch fielding and impressive 11 seniors out of a 15-player roster.
“The first word that comes to mind is ‘talented.’ These girls are naturally athletic and they’re hungry,” said Lucio. “They’ve been in a rut these past few years and they are ready to win. I love their fight and we’re just ready for the hard work to show through.”
For the Lady Hawks, returning players include Cameron Del Angel, Kayla Mireles and Vanessa Santillan, just to name a few. Lucio will also be counting on a talented sophomore group to contribute through the grueling District 32-6A schedule.
