Edinburg Vela and Valley Venom Club Team hitter/defensive specialist Glenys Maldonado will spend some of the summer like hundreds of Rio Grande Valley athletes do traveling the state and beyond to compete in sports camps and showcases.
It was a breath of fresh air when the rising senior heard that Texas Tech associate head coach Morgan Thomas was bringing that same type of camp to McAllen on June 11 at Cavazos Sports Institute, located at 2900 Buddy Owens Ave.
“When Coach Jaime (Cavazos, owner of CSI) told me that Texas Tech was coming, I was really excited about the opportunity,” Maldonado said. “The Valley is kind of small and it’s great to have a major program to come here and put this on.”
The day will be divided into three different camps. Seventh and eighth graders can attend from 9 a.m. to noon. Freshman and sophomore camp will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and junior and senior camps will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There will also be a coaches clinic June 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.
“I always see these kids travel so they can get the experience of some of these camps. They’ll go to UT, Baylor, A&M, Texas Tech — all over the place,” Cavazos said. “But it ends up being costly, so I try to bring opportunities here. A lot of kids who are attending these camps and their parents appreciate its saving them money. Some may not be able to make it to camps because of the financial constraints.”
CSI has hosted volleyball events prior with University of Texas’ Chloe Collins, who plays professional volleyball in Europe and associate coach David Hyte, of Division I powerhouse and annual national championship contender BYU.
Maldonado said she will still attend some showcases and other camps in the summer. She said that getting different perspectives and tips from different coaches and styles challenges her beyond what she does and already knows.
“This is a great opportunity,” said Maldonado, who was named the District 31-6A MVP this past season. “I’m definitely not missing it.”
The Texas Tech volleyball team traveled to Edinburg in September 2018 and defeated UTRGV, three sets to one. Former Sharyland Pioneer standout Audrey Smith plays with the Red Raiders and in that game was subbed in to serve on match point in front of her hometown fans and delivered a strong serve that resulted in the Red Raiders earning the victory.
To register, call (956) 451-2017 or visit csitrain.com.