By STEFAN MODRICH, Staff Writer
The Texas Southmost Volleyball Officials’ Association awarded four scholarships of $500 each to graduating seniors from the class of 2020 on June 6.
Two of the recipients were from St. Joseph Academy: Victoria Gonzalez and Allison Stachowiak. Rebekah Schlatter from Brownsville Hanna and Rebekah Trevino from Brownsville Harmony also received scholarships.
Jose Herrera, the assigner for TSVOA — the chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials that serves the lower Rio Grande Valley — said due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the number applicants decreased significantly this year, but that recognizing the student-athletes’ accomplishments and supporting them in obtaining a college education was important regardless of whether or not they continued to play volleyball after high school.
“(The scholarship) made me feel as though it was a real award for my hard work,” Schlatter said. “That it had finally paid off and I would be able to see it.”
Schlatter said her heart is set on working for the DEA, a career she was inspired to pursue after taking a pharmacy technician certification class. She plans to major in biology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
During her Hanna career, Schlatter played several positions, including right side hitter and libero. She overcame a torn ACL during her junior year, and coach Ansgar Hagemann depended on Schlatter to bounce back in her senior season. He deployed her all over the court to help steady a young team, playing in the back row and at her libero position.
“I don’t take my junior year (following the injury) as lost time,” Schlatter said. “Because I got to make those bonds with the girls. … I just thought it was an eye-opening experience for me in high school.”
Trevino is enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where she will major in biology. She aspires to attend medical school and become a dermatologist.
“I feel honored, being selected as one of the four recipients for the TSVOA scholarship,” Trevino said via text message. “It was very satisfying knowing that all my hard work does pay off. During my volleyball career I was chosen as (District 32-3A MVP) twice and played as an all-around and outside hitter.”
Gonzalez also is headed to the University of Texas at Austin in the fall, and also will major in biology. She plans to attend medical school after obtaining her undergraduate degree.
Gonzalez was in eighth grade when the Lady Bloodhounds added a volleyball team, and while reflecting on her career with St. Joseph, she added she was grateful that the TSVOA chapter recognized her and her peers.
“It was nice to see that (the officials) knew who we were,” Gonzalez said. “You go to these games and you see these refs and you interact with them, but you never know if they remember who you are. The sentiment in and of itself, and the fact that they chose me to receive this scholarship, it was very fulfilling and I have a lot of gratitude towards them.”