DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer
LA FERIA — The 2016 season was a complete roller coaster ride for the La Feria Lionettes.
After falling behind in the District 32-4A standings, it looked like the Lionettes were not destined to win a league title.
However, behind strong play from tough-minded players such as senior striker Anelli Rodriguez, the Lionettes battled their way back and eventually clinched the conference championship on the last day of the regular season.
Because of her tenacity at the net, Rodriguez was named the Valley Morning Star’s 2016 Volleyball All-Star Offensive Player of the Year.
The Star sat down with her to discuss this past season.
Q: How does it feel to be named the Valley Morning Star’s All-Area Offensive Player of the Year?
A: It’s an honor to be chosen.
Q: Talk a little bit about this past season. What moment sticks out for you the most?
A: We had some bumps in the road at the beginning of the season where Camryn (Lopez) and I were both out due to injuries. It was hard just watching my teammates play while I was out hurt. I just wanted to play the game I love.
Q: Talk a little about your time at La Feria? What moment do you remember most about your time as a Lionette?
A: I remember when Coach (Rebea) Fraga had told me to suit up with the varsity girls as a freshman. I was a bit overwhelmed about the whole idea.
Q: What moment, if any, would you like to change about this past season?
A: I honestly would change the way the first round of playoffs should’ve ended. We should’ve moved on to the second round. We worked too hard all season to have our journey end so quickly.
Q: Talk a bit about Coach Rebea Fraga. What kind of coach is she?
A: Coach Fraga is an inspiring coach. She’s taught me to believe and have confidence in myself.
Q: How long have you been playing volleyball?
A: I’ve been playing volleyball since the seventh grade.
Q: How do you like to prepare for matches?
A: I like to forget all my worries during pre-game. Once I’m on the court everything goes away for a little while.
Q: If you couldn’t play volleyball, what sport would you play and why?
A: I’d play basketball because that was actually my first love. But once I got to high school, I fell in love with volleyball.
Q: Talk a bit about your team? What is the chemistry like between the girls?
A: A team with new faces can be quite difficult, but over time my teammates and I bonded and became one.
Q: What game sticks out for you the most this season?
A: I think our second round of district against Progeso was definitely a game I’d never forget. Because the night before we played them, I lost my favorite person in the world: my grandmother. It was very difficult to take in everything at the time, but that was actually the best game I ever played.
Q: Who would you say was the toughest opponent you faced this season?
A: Our toughest opponent would be McAllen High. It’s a different tempo when playing against them.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
A: My favorite professional player would be (American volleyball player) Rachael Adams.
Q: Any college plans?
A: I want to attend Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and major in nursing.
Q: Any idea what you want to do professionally?
A: I want to become a registered nurse.
Q: Tell our readers something about yourself that most people don’t know?
A: Most people don’t know this, but I can spike the ball both right- and left-handed.
VMS All-Star Volleyball Team
Player of the Year
Crystal Ibarra, San Benito
Offensive Player of the Year
Anelli Rodriguez, La Feria
Defensive Player of the Year
Camryn Lopez, La Feria
Libero of the Year
Ashly Cantu, Raymondville
Newcomer of the Year
Ariel Garcia, San Benito
Coach of the Year
Rebea Fraga, La Feria
1st Team
-Yazmine Martinez, Harlingen
-Allyson Benavides, Harlingen South
-Larisa Garcia, San Benito
-Claudia Mesa, Raymondville
-Erinn Ramirez, Mercedes
-Simone Harry, Port Isabel
2nd Team
-Arlene Lucero, San Benito
-Cameron Del Angel, Harlingen South
-Teagan Dickey, Harlingen
-Audrey Zavala, Raymondville
-Myah Salas, La Feria
-Bryanna Ramos, Harlingen