By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Dozens of people filled the Harlingen High cafeteria Wednesday — family, friends, teammates and supporters of Cardinals baseball star Thomas Lyssy, all ready to celebrate his latest achievement.
Lyssy signed his national letter of intent to continue his baseball career and study mechanical and aerospace engineering at Houston. He’ll be competing in the American Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division I level following his senior season at Harlingen High.
“Words can’t describe it,” Lyssy said. “You’ve been working for it your whole life, and for it to finally come to fruition, it’s just a dream come true.
“I couldn’t have done it without my family and friends, and the support system around me. They’ve really pushed me to where I am today and who I have become.”
The four-year starting shortstop and pitcher initially committed to the Cougars and coach Todd Whitting the summer before his sophomore year. He plays year-round with the Banditos organization, traveling around Texas and to Florida, Georgia, Arizona and beyond “to be able to get that exposure and reach the top level in the country.”
Lyssy wants to play professional baseball, and he believes the competitive environment and coaching staff within the Cougars’ clubhouse will help him achieve that.
“They’ve had a lot of success under Coach Whitting,” Lyssy said. “It was one of my top schools from the beginning. When they offered me, I jumped on it. It’s always been my dream to play in college and then go to the pros, so that’s what I’m working toward. They have the best guys, the best coaches, and there’s an insane amount of players around you that are all pushing toward the same goal and make you even better.
“I’m just trying to improve, and I don’t want to stop or stay where I’m at. Never settle,” he added.
Lyssy has been heavily rewarded during his Cardinals career. He was the District 32-6A newcomer of the year in 2019. In 2021, he led Harlingen High to an undefeated district championship, garnering the team, district and Valley Morning Star All-STAR MVP awards for his efforts.
But his talent is not the best thing he brings to the team, Cardinals coach Armando Rangel said. Lyssy’s attitude, coachability and leadership have made the program better during his career and will continue to when he’s gone.
“He brings a lot to the table, but the biggest thing is his attitude,” Rangel said. “He’s always ready to work. He takes criticism greatly, doesn’t get offended by it, and is willing to take it and listen and grow from it. That’s one thing that separates him. …
“He’s been tremendous for our program,” Rangel continued. “The kids look up to him, they feed off him and he’s a great leader to them, especially to the young ones. That’s going to help us in the long run, even when he leaves, because he’s going to leave a great legacy that others will follow.”