MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
MISSION — Earlier this year, Nora Monie wrestled with one of the biggest decisions of her young life.
Transfer to Sharyland Pioneer, a first-year school, for her senior year? Or remain with Sharyland High, where she competed in volleyball and track & field the past three seasons?
“I changed (my mind) every single time they asked,” Monie said. “At least five times.”
Her commitment, she said, ultimately was with her support system — her family, her teammates. And it didn’t hurt that Laura Cavazos, her volleyball coach at Sharyland High, took the same job with Pioneer, while four of her Sharyland High teammates transferred, as well.
Still, Cavazos wasn’t sure what to expect. First-year programs generally are filled with underclassmen, which is why it seemed unlikely Monie would make the switch.
“When I found out she was coming, though, it put me at ease,” Cavazos said. “Especially coming into a new program like this, starting from scratch, her experience and her leadership helps us in areas that we need to grow.”
If ever Pioneer (22-8, 3-0) has experienced growing pains, it certainly doesn’t reflect in its record. The Lady Diamondbacks are the ninth-ranked team by RGVSports.com, and Monie’s contributions are part of the reason why.
A six-rotation player, Monie is among the team leader in kills. She’s been dynamic in the front row, utilizing her vertical leap. In the back row, she’s vocal and usually rallies the team together.
Her success this season comes as no surprise. As a sophomore, she played an integral role on a Sharyland High team that went four rounds deep in the playoffs. Last year, she was named a team captain by her teammates (seniors included). In the process, the district recognized her as its top “outstanding hitter” in 2013.
“Being on those teams (that won the past two district titles), with the youth that we have, it helps,” Cavazos said. “As far as leadership is concerned, being a role model, having that competitive edge, experience — she’s definitely set the standard.”
Part of the allure of attending a new school, Monie said, was setting records and establishing traditions. There’s also the occasional opportunity to silence the naysayers.
“We had a tournament in Austin (last month) and no one had ever heard of Pioneer,” she said. “No one out there knew who we were. So we thought, ‘Maybe we could make a statement.’”
Pioneer finished in third place in what was a defining moment for the young team.
“Bringing that down to the Valley, people were like, ‘Maybe they’re good,’” Monie said.
By her own admission, Monie felt it would take a while before the Lady Diamondbacks were competitive. But the familiarity with one another, in addition to the bonding and work during the offseason, has helped accelerate up the process.
“It doesn’t feel like anything really changed (in transferring to Pioneer),” said Monie, one of two seniors to make the switch. “Just a different environment.”
That thought of juggling all those responsibilities, in addition to track & field, once forced Monie to consider not playing volleyball her senior season. Last year, she qualified for the state meet in the shot put (fifth-place finish in 5A) and discus (seventh place), fueling her aspirations of competing at the university level, perhaps Division I.
Trying to accomplish that, while adding volleyball to her plate, seemed too overwhelming. In the end, she said, “I couldn’t just leave my teammates behind.”
Between competing in two sports and focusing on earning the highest class rank possible, Monie admits it’s been “difficult” staying on course. Though one could hardly tell by the poise she’s shown throughout it all.
“I think she’s done a really good job of just handling the pressure as a senior,” Cavazos said. “Having those kinds of goals set in place, you have to have your priorities straight. She makes time for family, school. She’s on top of trying to get into college and responding to recruiters. And still, she’s making her mark on Pioneer High School.”