By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald
Sarah Villarreal has made the most of her volleyball career for the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons.
An individual highlight for her came this season as a senior when she was named MVP on the 32-6A All-District Team.
Villarreal played on the varsity three years and was a setter. This season she recorded 1,000 assists along with 283 digs.
The Lady Falcons finished 36-9 overall this season and won District 32-6A with a 9-1 record. Villarreal played on Los Fresnos teams that won district twice and finished second once during her varsity career.
“My sophomore year it was definitely very interesting because I was one of the least experienced persons (on the varsity), but I really learned a lot from the seniors then, and they really molded me to become the person I am today,” said Villarreal, who was a three-year starter. “I really thank them a lot. This year, it was really just about leading the team (as a captain). It was making sure everyone knew their place (on the court) and where to go so we could come out on top and be successful.
“I’ve played volleyball for 10 years, and when I got to the sixth grade was when I started playing a certain position,” Villarreal added. “(Since then) I’ve always been a setter. I’ve never switched positions. Playing setter has always been my focus.”
Villarreal played on a team this season that included 10 seniors who played well together.
Also on the all-district team for the Lady Falcons, Isis Delgado was a repeat selection as Libero of the Year, and Becky Woods was named Coach of the Year. Senior teammates Sandra Salazar and Emma Stambaugh were unanimous selections to the first team.
Concerning Villarreal receiving the all-district MVP honor, Woods said, “Sarah is an excellent setter. She is one of the best all-time setters that I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. She’s just a great kid all around on and off the court who is very nice and very respectful and courteous to everyone all the time.
“I’m definitely going to miss this one and I wish her the best as she takes her game to the next level, wherever that may be,” Woods added. “I love her and all of my seniors with all my heart.”
Two of the other top honorees on the 32-6A team are from Rivera. Madelaine Blanco was named Defensive Player of the Year and teammate Kenya Ibarra was chosen Newcomer of the Year.
Among those chosen to the 32-6A first team were Kourtney Shears and Claudia De La Garza of Rivera, and Odalys Gonzalez, Ariana Arcemeaux and Tabitha Fernandez of Hanna. Gonzalez and Arceneaux were unanimous selections as well.
The 32-5A All-District team included Noemi Gallardo of Lopez as Setter of the Year and Daniella Espinoza of Brownsville Veterans Memorial as Newcomer of the Year.
Chosen to the first team in 32-5A were Jennifer Cisneros of Lopez, Frida Rangel of Brownsville Veterans, Stephanie Saenz of Pace and Ana Meza of Porter.
In District 32-4A, Gabriella Torres of Port Isabel was named first-team all-district.
For St. Joseph Academy, which competes in TAPPS Division II, Ally Stachowiak was chosen honorable all-state and first-team all-district. Teammate Halima Dervisevic was also a all-district first-teamer.
Valentina Tijerina and Fernanda Bannok received postseason charter school honors for Jubilee Brownsville.