DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer
LA FERIA — In most team sports, it’s the offense that gets the most recognition and glory.
However, the truth is that defense is an absolutely vital part of any team’s success.
Volleyball is no different and for the 2016 La Feria Lionettes volleyball team, that crucial defense was provided by senior middle hitter Camryn Lopez, who was named the Valley Morning Star’s 2016 Volleyball All-Star Defensive Player of the Year.
The Star sat down with Camryn to talk about this past season and what makes her tick.
Q: How does it feel to be named the Valley Morning Star’s All-Area Defensive Player of the Year?
A: It feels great. All of my hard work paid off.
Q: Talk a little bit about this past season. What moment sticks out for you the most?
A: This season was great. Winning district with my teammates was a moment I’ll never forget.
Q: Talk a little about your time at La Feria? What moment do you remember most about your time as a Lionette?
A: It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve had plenty of great memories that I’m thankful for.
Q: What moment, if any, would you like to change about this past season?
A: My injury. I feel that I could’ve been a stronger player if it wouldn’t have occurred.
Q: Talk a bit about Coach Rebea Fraga. What kind of coach is she?
A: Coach Fraga knows the game inside and out. She has a great amount of experience and wisdom. Being coached by her was an honor.
Q: How long have you been playing volleyball?
A: Five years.
Q: How do you like to prepare for matches?
A: I eat a Snickers bars and crack jokes.
Q: If you couldn’t play volleyball, what sport would you play and why?
A: Basketball. It’s an intense sport that keeps your adrenaline going and is super fun!
Q: Talk a bit about your team? What is the chemistry like between the girls?
A: The chemistry at first wasn’t the best, but throughout the season we became a family.
Q: What game sticks out for you the most this season?
A: Playing Port Isabel in five sets. We were down and came back strong to get the win.
Q: Who would you say was the toughest opponent you faced this season?
A: Raymondville.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
A: Tim Duncan.
Q: Any college plans?
A: I plan to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Q: Any idea what you want to do professionally?
A: I plan to become a registered nurse.
Q: Tell our readers something about yourself that most people don’t know?
A: Many people don’t know that my favorite TV show is “The Office” and I that I have a deck of magic cards.
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