By ADAM KUJAWSKI, Staff Writer
It’s rare to find a high school volleyball player that has never known what it feels like to be on a subvarsity roster.
Paloma Treviño is one of the exceptions.
Ever since she stepped off the middle school court and into the Lopez gym, Treviño has played at the highest level and against the best competition.
“It was a really good experience, because coming from eighth grade to high school is a big difference,” Treviño said. “I liked the competition. It gave me better experience and it set me up for the next three years.”
Treviño plays middle blocker for the Lobos, and through her four-year journey she has made a memorable appearance in the playoffs, changed head coaches and played with several teammates.
Coach Jackie Touchet has been with Treviño since her sophomore year and has noted how influential Treviño is to the Lobos.
“She’s one of the leaders because she’s a four-year varsity athlete,” Touchet said. “Another thing she brings to this team is her passion. I love to watch her play because during every point, she gives it everything she’s got.
“Last year the seniors took charge of the team, but this year she’s taken that senior leadership role, and she’s been one of the reasons why the team has come together.”
The word ‘passion’ was used by Treviño to describe her coach as well. It’s one thing she’s noticed has had a positive effect on team chemistry.
“(Touchet) is passionate toward the sport, and I feel the same way she does,” she said. “I feel like our team can connect with her.
“We’re like a family. We’re a smaller team (than most other schools) and we bond a lot more.”
Treviño has been doing her best to see that her team gets back to the postseason, a point Lopez volleyball has reached once in its history. In order to help the Lobos do so, she has taken on a role as setter in addition to her regular blocking duties.
“She had to come in and become one of our setters because we needed her in the rotation after we lost a few girls earlier in the season,” Touchet said. “She took the role, stepped in and she’s been doing pretty well.”
Adam Kujawski covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @adamkujo1.