KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
San Benito made a return to the playoffs and saw its volleyball team win a bi-district title for the first time since the 2011 season.
The Lady Hounds were led by senior hitter Crystal Ibarra, who put a bow on her four years on the varsity squad. Ibarra amassed 198 kills and 134 digs this season and her efforts earned her The Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Offensive Player of the Year award.
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Q: What does it mean to you to win the Offensive Player of the Year award?
A: It means more to me than you can imagine. I worked really hard this year coming back from last season’s injury and seeing that it all paid off is just awesome. I really appreciate my coach, team and family for always being there for me, and I hope I made them proud for receiving this award.
Q: Looking back on the last few years, what has been your best memory of playing volleyball for San Benito?
A: The best memory for me would probably be every time we would start two-a-days. Even though the practices were exhausting, as a team we got to really bond and get to know each other.
Q: Talk about having a strong senior season after last year’s mid-season injury?
A: After my injury, I was really sad that I couldn’t be there for my team. So making it to the playoffs and having a strong season really made me proud of my team and of myself.
Q: What plans do you have for the future?
A: I am planning to go to college and study sociology, but I am still not sure what university I want to attend.
Q: Looking back at the season, what was your best moment?
A: That was probably when we won our first playoff game after I scored the match point. It was the greatest moment this season.
Q: Talk to me about your chemistry with Kayleen Reyes and the offense you two provided?
A: I have played with Kayleen since we were in middle school. It was easy for her to talk to me and visa versa. She was a great hitter and set-ter, and because of that we worked really well together.
Q: What will you miss the most about playing volleyball?
A: I will probably miss my team and the practices the most because I met the closest friends and made the greatest memories.
Q: What team was the toughest you faced this season?
A: The toughest team I faced this season was Brownsville Rivera. They were just a great team and I respect them a lot.
Q: What was it like as a senior to make the playoffs and set the bar high?
A: It was probably the most exciting moment I have felt all my four years of high school. My sisters are going to be freshmen next year so me leaving that behind for them to look up to really means a lot.
Q: If you could leave the younger girls a message what would it be?
A: Take advantage of every bus ride, pasta night and game because you never know when it can all be over.
2017 All-STAR Team
Coach of the Year
Sofia Garcia, Santa Maria
1st Team
-Naisah Garcia, Santa Rosa
-Bianca Cruz, Rio Hondo
-Annelle Rodriguez, Harlingen South
-Yazmine Martinez, Harlingen
-Adrian Duran, Lyford
-Kayleen Reyes, San Benito
2nd Team
-Sarah Garcia, San Benito
-Skyler Ruiz, Santa Rosa
-Marialy Salinas, Lyford
-Destiny Martinez, La Feria
-Camreon Del Angel, Harlingen South
-Taegan Dickey, Harlingen