KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
Lyford senior middle blocker Ashley Rangel ended her high school career on a high note. Rangel was a part of what was a strong season for the Lady Bulldogs as they claimed a bi-district title and Rangel played a large role in that success.
Rangel nabbed 52 kills, 112 attacks, 31 digs and 49 blocks and, for that, was named the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Newcomer of the Year.
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Q: What does it mean to you to win the Newcomer of the Year award?
A: It gives me great pride and I take it as an honor. It shows that I have worked hard throughout my years playing and my hard work paid off.
Q: Looking back on the last few years, what has been the best memory you have of playing volleyball for Lyford?
A: Learning and developing into the volleyball player I have come to be. When I started volleyball in middle school, I loved the game and as the years went by, my coaches taught me so many new skills and I am forever grateful to them.
Q: Tell us some things about yourself that the fans might not know?
A: I take my sports serious. While in the game, I wear a serious face but it is only because I’m focused on the game. Spectators may not un-derstand why I wear a serious face while others may be smiling and laughing. I’m focusing on myself and my performance, and what I need to do to help the team. I’m not perfect and I take my errors very seriously.
Q: What plans do you have for the future?
A: My plans are to attend college. I am currently undecided where I will be going, but college is in my future. I am also considering the mili-tary. I would love the opportunity to serve my country as many of my family members have.
Q: Looking back at the season, what was your best moment?
A: My favorite memory from this past season was round one of the playoffs. My team played to the full meaning of teamwork, which allowed me to play to my full potential.
Q: Do you have a pregame meal?
A: No, not really.
Q: What will you miss the most about playing volleyball?
A: The challenge of facing off against great players at the net. I will miss the adrenaline of facing an opponent in mid-air, challenging them in an effort to overpower the ball.
Q: Talk to us about your playoff run and how special it was as a senior?
A: It brings me great pride to be part of a team that made it two rounds deep. As a team we stumbled a couple of times, but we managed to bring the team together for some amazing victories and personal accomplishments.
Q: Do you have any pre-game routine?
A: I would sit quietly and focus on the game. If I was familiar with the team we were about to play, I would think about my responsibility and what I needed to do to help bring my a team victory.
Q: What message would you give the younger girls on the team?
A: Stay focused and stay strong.
2017 All-STAR TEAM
Coach of the Year
Sofia Garcia, Santa Maria
1st Team
-Naisah Garcia, Santa Rosa
-Bianca Cruz, Rio Hondo
-Annelle Rodriguez, Harlingen South
-Yazmine Martinez, Harlingen
-Adrian Duran, Lyford
-Kayleen Reyes, San Benito
2nd Team
-Sarah Garcia, San Benito
-Skyler Ruiz, Santa Rosa
-Marialy Salinas, Lyford
-Destiny Martinez, La Feria
-Camreon Del Angel, Harlingen South
-Taegan Dickey, Harlingen