Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? - My Mom Who is your favorite athlete? - Allyson Felix Favorite Track Runner? - Sonya Richards-Ross What sport do you play? - Track & Field What is your favorite subject in school? - Biology What college do you plan on attending? - Texas A&M International University
or Pediatrics.
What do you want to be when you grow up? - A Dentist, specialized in Orthodontics
Besides sports, what do you like to do in your free time? - Spend time with family & friends What is your favorite food? - Sushi
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? - My Mom Who is your favorite athlete? - Lebron James Favorite baseball Player? - The power of Giancarlo Stanton, the defense of Mike Trout, and the clutch hitting of David Ortiz. Favorite team in major league baseball? - Atlanta Braves What sport do you play? - Baseball What is your favorite subject in school? - Math What college do you plan on attending? - Either University of Texas at San Antonio or Texas State University What do you want to be when you grow up? - Either nutritionist or Sports Trainer Besides sports, what do you like to do in your free time? - Spend time with my family & friends, or play NBA2K What is your favorite food? - Chicken Fettuccine
There’s nothing like receiving positive feedback from your community and that’s all we’ve been hearing from all of you; Joey, Rafael, and I can’t thank you enough for the support you’ve given to VarCity. On the cover of this 2nd edition of VarCity we have Pam Rosas, Alan Campero, and Karina Moreno – all three led their teams to the playoffs and had excellent individual seasons. The beginning of the summer is baseball season in America, so be sure to check out our baseball content including the story of a former Nixon High School & Laredo Community College baseball player who now defends the United States’ border as a member of the United States Border Patrol. Aside from baseball, this issue of VarCity also features a Q & A with Miss Teen Laredo Latina and Miss Laredo Latina on how they keep fit, live healthy, and stay in shape. If you are interested in tennis, read our breakdown of the Laredo Tennis Association and learn about their programs. VarCity will continue to produce the best stories with the highest quality photos, video and overall content. As we grow, you’ll notice the magazine evolve into something that is not just a magazine, but an entire network dedicated to local sports, fitness, and healthy lifestyle. Nothing could be possible without the support of our community; we want to again thank the athletes, parents, coaches, school districts, and anyone involved in our behind the scenes work to make the magazine happen. Taking a look forward to our 3rd issue, we will be giving you a solid dose of football, volleyball, and sports and fitness activities that we can look forward to in the third quarter of the year. As the VarCity brand has grown, both paid part-time and non-paid internship positions have become available. If someone you know is interested in gaining experience and advancing their skill level in sports photo and video (shooting/editing), have them contact VarCity Magazine. We also have paid and non-paid journalism/writing positions available for interested candidates. Our paid flexible positions are in our Marketing, Public Relations, and Sales department. We must also thank our sponsors for supporting us; we appreciate your trust and commitment! Enjoy this issue of VarCity Magazine, it’s the best one yet! Signed, L. Adrian Zapata Editor-in-Chief, VarCity Magazine
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My dad Who is your favorite athlete? Tim Duncan Favorite baseball/softball player? Prince Fielder Favorite team in Major League Baseball? Texas Rangers What sports do u play? Basketball & Baseball What is your favorite subject in school? Math What college do you plan on attending? Laredo Community College What is your favorite food? Pizza & wings!
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My mom Who is your favorite athlete? Manu Ginobili. Favorite baseball/softball player? Josh Hamilton Favorite team in Major League Baseball? Texas Rangers What sports do u play? Volleyball, Basketball, Softball & Cross Country. What is your favorite subject in school? Math What college do you plan on attending?Tamiu What do you want to be when you grow up? Border Patrol What is your favorite food? Steak
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My father Who is your favorite athlete? Jackie Robinson Favorite baseball Player? Mike trout Favorite team in major league baseball? Los Angeles Dodgers What sport do you play? Football and baseball What is your favorite subject in school?a Math What college do you plan on attending? Texas A&M International University What do you want to be when you grow up? Fire Fighter Besides sports, what do you like to do in your free time? Go to the gym and workout What is your favorite food? Chinese food
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My Dad
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My older sister Maria.
Who is your favorite athlete? Derek Jeter
Who is your favorite athlete? Lauren Fisher
Who is your favorite baseball player? Jose Reyes
Who is your favorite baseball player? Ian Kinsler
Who is your favorite baseball team? New York Yankees
Who is your favorite baseball team? Texas Rangers
What is your favorite subject in school? Math
What is your favorite subject in school? Math
What college do you plan on attending? Texas A&M International University
What college do you plan on attending? UT or UTPA
What do you want to be when you grow up? Radiologist What is your favorite food? Chinese Food
What do you want to be when you grow up? Athletic Trainer What is your favorite food? Homemade Mexican Food
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? Jenny Finch Who is your favorite athlete? Derek Jeter Favorite baseball Player? Lauren Chamberlain Favorite team in major league baseball? New York Yankees What sport do you play? Basketball & Softball What is your favorite subject in school? Writing What college do you plan on attending? University of Texas at Austin What do you want to be when you grow up? A Doctor or Sports Doctor Besides sports, what do you like to do in your free time? Write Poems, watch Grey’s Anatomy & draw What is your favorite food? Chicken Alfredo
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My Dad Who is your favorite athlete? Kobe Bryant Who is your favorite baseball player? Derek Jeter Who is your favorite baseball team? New York Yankees What is your favorite subject in school? History What college do you plan on attending? Laredo Community College What do you want to be when you grow up? Radiologist What is your favorite food? Chicken Alfredo
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My mother has been my biggest inspiration growing up. A mother of 8, she is the reason I am the man today, and for that I am so grateful. Who is your favorite athlete? Barcelona soccer star Lionel Messi. He’s no perfect but he’s pretty darn close. Favorite baseball Player? Jose Altuve, because he hustles and that’s a tool that can’t be taught. Favorite team in major league baseball? Houston Astros What is your favorite subject in school? History, it’s like a fantastic book that never ends. What college do you plan on attending? Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colorado. What do you want to be when you grow up? I’m a giver, so a psychologist or a social worker. What is your favorite food? Mom’s homemade pizza!
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My father has always been my biggest inspiration. His hard work ethic has inspired me immensely to work hard in all that I do. Who is your favorite athlete? Jordan Hassay is by far my favorite. Hassay is one of the greatest collegiate runners at Oregon University and has accomplished achievements that I hope to prosper in. Favorite softball player? Lauren Chamberlain. The Oklahoma Sooner has the leading record for the most home runs. Favorite team in major league baseball? Boston Red Sox What is your favorite subject in school? English Language Arts. Reading and writing are the areas that really intrigue me. What college do you plan on attending? Rice University What do you want to be when you grow up? I would like the be a general Partitioner and help others with their health. What is your favorite food? Chicken Alfredo, i have about two helpings of it before races and games.
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My Dad
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My Dad
Who is your favorite athlete? Mike Trout
Who is your favorite athlete? Manny Pacquiao
Who is your favorite baseball player? Adrian Gonzalez
Who is your favorite baseball player? Eddy Gonzalez
Who is your favorite baseball team? Dodgers
Who is your favorite baseball team? LA Dodgers
What is your favorite subject in school? Math
What is your favorite subject in school? History
What college do you plan on attending? Navarro College
What college do you plan on attending? Wherever I get picked up.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Business Man/Baseball Player
What do you want to be when you grow up? Business Woman
What is your favorite food? Pasta
What is your favorite food? Lomitos Empanisados
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My father, he has taught me everything. Who is your favorite athlete? Tim Duncan, he is the true definition of class and dedication. Who is your favorite baseball team? Boston Red Sox Favorite professional golfer? Basketball, baseball & cross country. What is your favorite subject in school? American History What college do you plan on attending? Southwestern University What do you want to be when you grow up? I would like to become an Attorney some day. Besides sports, what do you like to do with your free time? I like to spend time with my family, friends, and to go to the ranch fishing. Who is your favorite food? A good Ribeye steak!
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? Tiger Woods
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? My parent’s have been my biggest inspiration growing up.
Who is your favorite athlete? Messi
Who is your favorite athlete? Maria Sharapova
Favorite professional golfer? Jordan Spieth
Favorite professional golfer? Rory Mcilroy & Rickie Fowler
What is your favorite subject in school? Business with Mr. Edewu
What is your favorite subject in school? My favorite school subject is English
What college do you plan on attending? Texas A&M
What college do you plan on attending? Right now, I have a lot of options, and I want to get a scholarship if a university offers me one, i’ll take it!
What do you want to be when you grow up? I would like to be an electrical engineer. What is your favorite food? Taco’s!
What do you want to be when you grow up? I would like to be a lawyer some day. What is your favorite food? Sushi is my favorite food.
Who has been your biggest inspiration growing up? - My biggest inspiration growing up has to be Bruce Lee, because he was courageous even when he was smaller than his opponent. Who is your favorite athlete? - My favorite athlete is Chicarito Hernandez because he exemplifies nobility after all of his success. Also, Turkish Taekwondo Athlete Servet Tazegul, because he makes the art look graceful, yet powerful and his unique creativity in the ring. What is your favorite subject in school? - My favorite subject in school is Math. What college do you plan on attending? - I plan to attend MIT or Stanford University. What do you want to be when you grow up? - I plan to be a physicist or an engineer and eventually teach. Besides sports, what do you like to do in your free time? - During my free time, I enjoy reading and sleeping. What is your favorite food? - I love pizza!
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. For Pam Rosas, 18, the baseball diamond has been a part of her life since she was three years old. The United High School senior will graduate in May and already signed a contract to play softball at TexasA&M International University in the Fall. Things are looking up for Rosas, but her path to the top has been one she has worked at for more than a decade. Her sports career began at the tender age of three when she joined teeball with the Del Mar and Pony leagues in Laredo. She also grew up watching her brother play baseball for TAMIU, and she said she looks to him as an inspiration. “I kind of followed in my brother’s footsteps. I grew up on the field. My dad was also there to lead and support us, so I just got the vibe to play softball,” Rosas said. Rosas said she has learned how to play every position on the field. Although, she humbly stated she is “too short” to be the first base player. Pamela thrives playing third base and particularly, catcher. It’s a position where the coaches place their strongest players, players who are quick on their feet and are ready to make the outs at home.Crouching down behind the home plate as catcher, Rosas is able to see the entire team from her position and call out plays for her team to follow. Her training at United High School has prepared her to play college ball. “At United (High School), we do a lot of framing, block drills, and throwing to all positions on the field,” she said.Rosas finished the year with a .714 batting average, and was batter number three on the lineup, right before the cleanup batter. She has improved throughout her high school career. From her freshmen to junior year of high school, she played with a select team in San Antonio, TX, and she was recruited to play for the USA Select team in Dallas, TX. She was recruited to play as catcher for the national team.In high school, as a freshman, she received the title of “Newcomer of the Year,” and in her sophomore and junior years, she was consecutively named, “First Team All-District Catcher.”Despite her many accomplishments throughout her years, she said her biggest accomplishment was this past season with her team at United. “This was my best season. Last year wasn’t too good,” she said. “This year, I’ve been able to have fun and do what I love.” She said this year the team was much more united and were able to play better on the field because of the bond they had off the field. Rosas also played basketball at United. Her training as point guard during the basketball season, she said, was able to improve her game for the softball season right after. “I was in really good shape after the basketball season. In softball, you don’t see too much running back and forth (like in basketball). But, you have to be smarter when you run,” she said “I want to maintain that shape I was in because I know in college it’s going to be at another level.” Rosas said her parents are very proud and excited to see her further pursue her sports career in college because they know it is what she loves to do. “It is more than a hobby,” she said. “It is a way of life.”“I grew up with it, and it comes naturally. That’s not to say that I don’t have to work hard. I work really hard, but it doesn’t feel like work,” she said.
Multi sport star and Alexander High School Senior, Alan Campero, exemplifies what it is to be a VarCity athlete. Already having signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Texas A&M University in College Station, he continues to work hard to make sure he leaves his mark on Laredo athletics for years to come. Campero is as diverse as it comes when talking about a superstar high school athlete. Not only does Alan star for the state ranked Alexander HS Baseball team, but he also finds time during the season to run for the high school track team. Believe it or not, despite the tools he possesses and the hard work he has put in, his dream is not to be a professional baseball player. Alan wants to work in the agriculture sector; his burning passion is to be a wildlife biologist. Young Mr. Campero has been playing baseball since he was a child. Alan had to grow up fast on the diamond if he wanted to compete with the big boys, playing and learning from his older brother helped him do just that. As he got older, Alan realized he had the talent it took to be a star on his teams but he knew honing his baseball skills wasn’t going to be enough to take himself to the next level. Every kid worked on their skills game, as Alan got older he not only did that but he added weight training and running to his regimen. He wanted to be the player that not only was the most consistent hitter, but he wanted to add power to the swing. He didn’t want to just have an arsenal of pitches, he wanted to throw faster than everyone – nowadays his fastball clocks in around 91 mph. His favorite Major League Baseball team is the Cincinnati Reds. He considers himself fortunate to have been able to watch a gamein Cincinnati and work with some of the players. Alan’s dream all along has been to attend Texas A&M University in College Station and major in the agriculture field. His lifelong goal is to be a Wildlife Biologist – there’s not a better school in the country to pursue that area of study. Campero knew he had to separate himself from the thousands of applicants that apply to Texas A&M, for Alan, playing baseball at a high level is what helped him punch his ticket in. If you don’t find Alan on the baseball diamond, you can be sure to find him out at the ranch. He was raised on the ranch and plans to continue serving the agricultural community. One cool fact about Alan is that he killed his first deer when he was only 9 years old, talk about an over achiever! The advice Alan has for anyone pursuing their dream is pretty simple. “Don’t let anyone bring you down, always work harder than everyone else and always go the extra mile.” Alan Campero will have plenty of successful milestones in his life, when you have drive and determination the sky is thelimit. Don’t ever underestimate a VarCity Athlete!
It’s becoming more and more prevalent that the best players in sports reside in the South side of town. This year is no different as Karina Moreno, Senior Star softball player from Lyndon B Johnson High School, has elevated to the top of the crop amongst her softball peers across Laredo. Already having won a Most Valuable Player award during her junior year, Karina wanted to make sure her senior year was about her team. She has made it a point to mentor and spread knowledge to her younger teammates in order to have a successful end to her high school career. What makes Karina a VarCity athlete isn’t just her abilities on the softball field, it’s her overall well roundedness as a top academic performer in the classroom along with her social and athletic achievements. On the softball field Karina Moreno is one of the best in the city – a top caliber pitcher and a high percentage batter; she has been tasked with leading her team to yet another successful softball run. Despite the success, Karina stays humble. She takes one game at a time, and just wants to do what is needed to win. She’s a natural athlete, during her high school career she has also played volleyball and basketball; Karina says she just likes to have fun and sports are her sanctuary. She attributes her success and development to her coaches at LBJ. Coach Quiroz, Gamboa, Rodriguez, Flores, and Medillian are the type of coaches that are going to push you to get the very best out of you. Moreno is excited about the next few years of softball at LBJ; she praises two of her younger teammates, Melanie and Tanya, as thefuture of the Wolfpack team. Like any other young athlete, Karina draws inspiration from players playing at higher levels. Former University of Oklahoma Star, Keilani Ricketts, is Karina’s favorite softball player. What better player to look up to than a Collegiate National Champion that has also been invited to play for Team USA softball. Like many other South Texas natives, Karina’s favorite professional team in any sport is the San Antonio Spurs. Although she likes the Spurs, it does not stop her from having a celebrity crush on LA Clipper Blake Griffin. Aside from her coaches, Karina cites her parents as being the biggest inspiration in her life. She says her father is the hardest working man she knows, and she appreciates everything he and her mom have done for her. She has two brothers, one is 23 years old and one is 9 years old, she loves being the only girl. The most impressive stat of Karina isn’t her batting average or her strike out percentage, it’s being ranked 31 out of 585 students at LBJ High School. Since she is ranked in the top 7% of her class, she can attend any public university in the state of Texas. If she doesn’t like any of the offers she gets from school to play softball at the next level, you will probably see her attending her dream school, The University of Texas at Austin. She thinks it would be cool to be a radiologist, but her long term goal is to be a Pharmacist. Whatever VarCity athlete Karina Moreno decides to do, she’s going to be successful atit.
BC Elite, Laredo’s traveling track team, is back this year and stronger than ever in radiant orange and white. With boys like Alejandro Tirado (15), D’Carlo Calderon (12), De’Andre Carroll (13) and Khalil Tugwell (10)—this team sets the standard for anyone who dares go against them. Composed of athletes from a variety of ethnicities and legacies, BC Elite may just be Laredo’s best kept secret. Coach Robert Calderon began this program 10 years ago where he trains athletes free of charge. His runners range from ages of three all
the way up to 17. The team consists of athletes who are hungry to learn. Fundamentals are the basis of the program; proper form and correct style of running are taught in order to achieve the best results. The program is designed to guide young athletes to achieve success before they get into high school where the pressures of recruitment and expectations come into play. One of the main focal points is to help the kids beyond solely becoming better athletes, but rather drilling them to contribute to society in a positive manner as well. The
motto is “School first; Sports second—they’re a privilege”. Team Captain and incoming sophomore at United High School, Alex Tirado, is already dreaming of making it to the Olympics someday. Alex began running when he was in third grade and is now just seconds away from the school record which he plans on breaking this year. His goals don’t stop at just Laredo records; Tirado is aiming for a state record as well. Speaking with confidence, Alex said, “That race is my baby” when referring to the 100 meter dash. Without hesitation, Alex
claimed Trayvon Bromell from Baylor University as his favorite athlete. Uvalde native and son of Coach Calderon, D’Carlo Calderon, at only 12 years old, is ranked third nationwide and first in Texas. When asked if the pressure ever gets to him, he was quick to say no. He will be racing on August 3rd, 2015 in Virginia with the Junior Olympics and has his eye on 1st place. He dreams to one day represent the United States in the Olympics where he is determined to settle for nothing less than “at least a medal”. De’Andre Carroll from Uvalde, Texas has been coming every summer to Laredo precisely for the training ever since
he was three years old. The 13 year old is ambitious to run for the University of Texas at Austin in the future. He has an upcoming race at Edinburg with the BC Elite and is going after that first place medal. Carroll, just like his teammates, hopes to make it to the Olympics one day. Timid and humble, another impressive member of the BC Elite is 10 year old, Khalil Tugwell, who is new to Laredo and was originally born in Montego Bay, Jamaica. His mom proudly gushed on his qualification to the Junior Olympics – both his family and the entire city are incredibly proud of him. Here at VarCity Magazine, we are
rooting for you! We have great expectations for Khalil, who greatly admires runner, Usain Bolt. “He watches videos of him all day; all night” Khalil’s mom laughed. “It’s their smiles. It’s that smile they all have when they finish each race and receive every medal. I’ll never forget that” Coach Calderon said. “I always tell my athletes to never separate what different coaches advise them as wrong or right advice but instead to combine them to become a better athlete.I’d like to tell parents to expose their kids to fitness. It’s important. It’s a lifestyle!”
Summer is right around the corner so let’s get your short game ready for the summer golf season. Let’sdiscuss trajectory of shots. Many golfers rely on one wedge and attempt to hit one shot in every situation. Variability and creativity in your pitch shots can really make a big difference in your scores. First, get your equipment checked. Try a short game lesson or a wedge fitting. Once your understand the basic technique, are properly fit, and understand the design of the wedge I then like to think of creating shots in terms of trajectory (or the path & height of the shot traveling to the target). To simplify I like three trajectories. Low, Stock, and High.
Stock: shot is created with a neutral set up and fully utilize and benefit from loft and bounce of wedge (medium trajectory, 54* or 56* wedge)
3.High: more time in the air and less roll out (58*-60* wedge)
1. Low: shot is created with a less lofted club and spends less time in the air and most of the time on the ground running towards your target. Learn and put these three trajectories in your shot selection in play and eventually you will figure out which shot is best suited in different situations. Proximity to the hole will improve within 20 yards of the green and your scores will improve.
Leaving LCC was hard for Benavides because he knew his move to TAMIU meant not being able to play ball. “There was no baseball program at TAMIU back in 2000,” Benavides said. He enrolled at the university to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Fitness and Sports “I accepted it. I had already played enough in my career. You get to a point where you know you’re not going to do it for the rest of your life. There’s other more important things in life like getting a degree, finding a career and forming a family,” Benavides said. As part of his degree plan at TAMIU, Benavides coached
baseball at St. Augustine High School, Little League and City League teams. After not being able to find employment with the school districts as a coach, Benavides decided to change his longtime plans. “I had always admired Border Patrol agents since when I was younger when they’d go do presentations atschool,” Benavides said. “I didn’t have the luck of getting hired by the (school) districts, so I decided to switch paths. I took the Border Patrol test, and the rest is history.” Although Benavides has a full-time career as a Border Patrol Agent, he still finds the time to play ball. He is
a member of the Veteran’s Baseball League of Laredo and plays with the Border Patrol’s Baseball Team, the Border Sluggers, who play against other teams from the law enforcement agencies across the city. “My kids play tee-ball, and I hope they continue. I can set the example for them so that they can play like me or perhaps, go even further if they want,” Benavides said. “My coaches were there to help me learn how to play the sport, and I hope I can pass that knowledge that I learned from all of them to my kids.”
Growing up in the United States of America we are taught that hard work in and out of the classroom isessential in getting the best opportunity at pursuing the college education we dream of. Students are taught that good grades are necessary to making it to the next level. Students of today know it’s vital to not only strive for the best grades possible, but to diversify their portfolio by highlighting a skill or skills they are exceptional at. Whether that certain skill is academic or athletic related, it’s important tohighlight that skill in order to give the applicant the best shot for a scholarship and/or an opportunity at the next level. Team Citius-Rawlings is a select-team traveling baseball squad that gives young baseball players from around the country the opportunity to gain the exposure they need to play at the next level. Adrian Castillo, Director for Team Citius South Texas and Mexico region, says “playing baseball at the next level means getting an education at the next level.” Both South Texas Directors, Adrian Castillo and Norberto Cervantes, are strong supporters of a quality education. Castillo and Cervantes understand that their players have unique talent and they need to help these young baseball players showcase their skills tohelp them get into the school of their choice. Sometimes getting into the school of their choice also means getting a scholarship to help with academic expenses. “We want to make sure these kids get the exposure they need to take their talents to the collegiate level,” Castillo emphasized. Seemingly secluded from the rest of the United States, Laredo has never been known as a hotbed for producing collegiate athletes. Adrian Castillo wanted to make sure the area was getting its proper recognition, so a little over three and a half years ago he helped bring Team Citius to the Laredo area. In that short time, he has been able to expand to the South Texas and Mexico areas as well. Now Laredo has nearly 100 players in the program from ages 5 through 17, with about 25 of those players playing at the high school level for their school during season. Team Citius – Rawlings has helped produce some of the best players in the city the past few years. Twoplayers that come to mind are Sergio Macias from District Champion Alexander High School and Omar Cervantes, from playoff school United High School. This year Macias put together one of the best seasons for any player in recent memory, & recently Cervantes was a member of Mexico’s 17 & under National baseball team. Those are great credentials for anyone in the younger age groups that is looking up at an older player for inspiration. Parents who are interested in getting their children in the best possible training for baseball are encouraged to get their children involved early. The hard work will pay off in the end. Team Citius-Rawlings is a first class organization from its directors to their coaches. VarCity congratulates everyone involved with Team Citius-Rawlings on helping the community better by getting more kids to school!
J: Jessica Ayala Solis, Miss Laredo Texas Latina 2015 F: Fernanda Montoya, Miss Teen Laredo Latina 2015 V: VarCity Magazine V: How old are you? J: 20 years old F: 16 years old V: What school did you attend? J: I graduated from J.B. Alexander High School in 2013 and I am presently enrolled at Laredo CommunityCollege. F: J.W. Nixon High School V: Did you play sports in school? If so which ones? J: No sports. F: Soccer V: What did you do to prepare for the pageant? J: In order to prepare for the pageant, I had to stay healthy and maintain a good physical appearance.Therefore, I would perform outdoor jogging three to five times a week. V: What is your fitness routine like? J: I have a personal trainer at our official Miss Laredo Latina sponsor, Rock Fitness, who trains
me three times per week. F: I follow a healthy diet and jog every morning. V: What does your diet consist of? J: I follow a healthy diet that has been provided by my personal trainer, which is rich in proteins and nutrients, and I drink lots of water. F: Fish, chicken, vegetables, and a lot of water. V: What would you tell others to motivate them to get in shape? J: We need to educate ourselves with facts on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is extremely important to set reachable goals, this way we will not be discouraged easily and quit. We need to understand that the main reason that we want to be in shape is to be healthy. Therefore, losing weight will be our reward to a healthy body. Maintaining great discipline is a critical part of getting in shape. F: I would say, “Life is too short, and the best way of living it is by exercising and eating the healthiest possible.� V: What is your favorite sport and why? J: My favorite sport is basketball. I am a San Antonio Spurs fan. I really enjoy that it is a fast-paced sport, and a simple play is all any team needs to keep its momentum. F: Soccer, because you get to feel all the adrenaline on the field.
The Laredo Tennis Association is a volunteer-based organization that strives to promote, develop, and grow the game of tennis in Laredo and its surrounding areas. The LTA provides a variety of projects to the local community that promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle while integrating the game of tennis. The LTA is the core foundation of an assortment of programs that are designed to touch potential players in all types of demographics. Not only does the Laredo Tennis Association provide a variety of programs for the community, it has also awarded over $180,000 in scholarships to local students since its founding. Contact VarCity Magazine for information on how to get involved with the Laredo Tennis Association. Here’s a list of the LTA programs that are offered to the community: Young Racquets is designed to introduce the sport of tennis to our younger generation. Programs that fall under the Young Racquets umbrella are: Tennis Night in America “Laredo Style” – utilizing a partnership with United ISD, “Tennis Night,” is a day/evening of tennis awareness and activity with a festival theme that is held at UISD’s high school campuses. The mission is to promote tennis to those who may not have explored it before. Play Days – held once a month, Tennis “Play Days” are festival themed sessions designed for the middle school and under demographic. The younger the child picks up a racquet is always better in the long run, but we encourage parents to bring their children out as soon as their motor skills are adaptive. Age 4 and 5 seems to be the best time to start children at tennis. Kids Clubs – Kids Tennis Clubs are intended to give children the opportunity to play tennis in a fun, adult supervised format. The great thing is no courts are needed and no instruction is necessary. Schools, organizations, or local businesses can sponsor or adopt a team. In order for a team to form, six children are needed. For more information on Young Racquets, contact VarCity Magazine or LTA member Edgar Saldana (956) 645-1808. Junior Team Tennis The Junior Team Tennis Program is an official USTA program that encourages kids to get active, have fun, and makes friends by playing tennis on a team. The LTA is committed to recruiting, organizing andcoordinating the Junior Team Tennis program in Laredo. Players usually range from 8 to 18-years of ageand are taught according to USTA Texas criteria in an organized, timely fashion. Laredo has over 170 kids participating in the Junior Team Tennis Program. The City of Laredo is also well represented in state tournaments as a local team recently finished 3rd place in the state. If you are interested in getting more information on the Junior Team Tennis programs, contact Cecy Abboud at jr.teamtennis.laredo@gmail.com . Adult Tennis Leagues are designed to accommodate all adult players at most skill levels. Leagues are perfect for former high school tennis players who still have the itch to play and drive their competitive spirit. Leagues conform to most working adult’s busy schedules, so there will be an opportunity to compete after work or on the weekends. USTA membership is required to participate in the Adult Tennis Leagues. If you have questions on participating please contact VarCity Magazine or Dalia Martinez at dmartinez@ibc.com. Competitive Tournaments The Laredo Tennis Association host several tournaments in Laredo throughout the year, all are competitive and fun. Tournaments are designed to ensure everyone is getting a competitive matchup while also enhancing their skills. The LTA also host sanctioned USTA tournaments that will help competitors gain points to join the USTA circuit. Through the LTA, players will also learn of other tournaments throughout the state that will help them enhance their USTA ranking.
For more information on tournaments or if you would like to register to play, please contact the Laredo Tennis Association office at (956) 724-7273. The Laredo Tennis Association’s Social Club is a group that gets together once or twice a week to havefun and play tennis. Designed for players 18 & up, the social club gives everyone involved an opportunity to meet and mingle with new people that have a common interest of tennis. After tennis play has concluded, the social club members like to attend a nearby socializing spot to grow their friendships even further. Want more information? Contact Monika Cavazos at monika_cavazos@yahoo.com . Adaptive Tennis - The LTA’s adaptive tennis programs were developed to create and enhance tennis opportunities for all people, especially those with unique needs. Programs that fall under Adaptive Tennis are: Tennis for the Blind- Tennis for the Blind is a program offered by the LTA that provides free
instruction to any blind or visually impaired individual in Laredo and its surrounding areas. This program is a rare program that is only available in a few cities across the United States. The Stroke Survivor Tennis Club – This program is designed to help stroke survivors further enhance their motor skills of everyday living while providing a fun atmosphere. Exercise and friendly competition helps survivors reach goals they set for themselves. For information on how to get involved with the Adaptive Tennis program please contact Claudia Villarreal at (956) 740-5200 or by email at Claudia.m.villarreal@gmail.com . The Laredo Tennis Association makes it a mission of theirs to recruit, train and present opportunities to become a certified United States Tennis Association Official. Going through the process shouldn’t be difficult – so the LTA is here to help. If you have any questions contact Amarilis Espinoza – (956) 763-6407
Scholarships - The Laredo Tennis Association proudly gives to the local community. This year the LTA plans to give $15,000 in scholarships to high school varsity tennis players who will be attending college. Since itsinception, the LTA has given over $180,000 in scholarships to graduating students. For more information on scholarships please contact Cande Escamilla at Carmen_escamilla@hotmail.com . Fundraising - Just like any other nonprofit organization, the Laredo Tennis Association relies heavily on help from the community. The LTA host several fundraisers throughout the year to both raise funds and to get equipment that’s going to be put in the hands of those who truly need it. If you have a passion for tennis and are interested in working with a nonprofit organization then the LTA would love to have you join their organization. Contact Tina Trevino at tinat@trevinoeyeclinic. com for more information on how you can get involved with the Laredo Tennis Association.
Laredo Sports Medicine Clinic and Power PT are proud to announce our spotlight athlete for April 2015...Alexis Nicole Martinez! All eyes are set on the Lady Pumas basketball team as they walk in to the court ready to play another game. The audience is in an uproar cheering from the bleachers. After intense competition, the Lady Pumas have won another game! The crowd gets smaller as they exit and the gym lights turn off on the basketball court. The team retires to their locker room as their day has come to an end. Except, for one player in particular, this was only a warm up. Alexis Nicole Martinez is not your average 14 year old. Since second grade when she joined flag football out of mere curiosity, sports have become her passion. Today, Alexis finds herself involved in a total of five sports,
both in and out of school. An 8th grader at Antonio Gonzalez Middle School, Alexis is a star athlete. She is active in her school’s volleyball, track, basketball, and softball teams. While she is competitive in all her sports, her favorite sport to play is basketball. She has been selected as the Most Valuable Player on more than one occasion. Aside from her participation in sports teams at her middle school, Alexis also utilizes her time outside of school by playing with three traveling basketball teams: The Lady Timberwolves, The Lady Shockers, and The Lady Storm. She is also a part of the Spurs league, which is an independent league sponsored by the Parks & Recreation department of the City of Laredo. Her schedule has recently gotten a little more hectic, as just under a year ago, she decided to
join yet another competitive sport: boxing!! This weekend, Alexis will compete in her first amateur boxing match in Corpus Christi, Texas representing Los Dos Laredos Boxing Gym. Her practice times and tireless training for these rigorous sports have Alexis and her family traveling at what seems to be a non-stop pace. As exciting as it is to be in all these sports, it can also be overwhelming. Alexis admitted that sometimes she does not get home until 9 or 10 p.m. But to Alexis, it is just an average day. Raised by parents who were former athletes themselves, they have instilled into Alexis the importance of discipline and dedication. She even has an ongoing bet with her dad, who pays her $20.00 for every 3-point shot she makes during one of her games. When asked if she ever gets tired, she ex-
citedly replies, “One would think that I get exhausted but sports are my passion, so there is nothing I’d rather dedicate my time to than sports.” It seems as though her hard work is paying off. Even though she is only an 8thgrader, the basketball coach from United South High School has already taken notice of her and wants her on the team as soon as she enters high school. This summer, Alexis will be shadowing the United South High School basketball team. She will be traveling with them in hopes of improving her skills on the court. Next season, the coach will either start her off in JV or Varsity. Alexis is working hard to earn a spot on the Varsity team. After high school, Alexis has aspirations to attend Baylor University to become a Varsity girl’s basketball coach and mentor young women the way she has been mentored by her coaches. She is particularly thankful to Coach Juan Avila whom she says has always believed in her athletic abilities.In the end, Alexis is a prime example of someone who works diligently to reach her goals. She is focused on her goals, never quits, and looks up to her favorite basketball player, Kobe Bryant. As one of Bryant’s famous sayings goes, “We can always kind of be average and just do what’s normal. I’m not in this to do what’s normal.” Clearly, Alexis is not your normal athlete. Alexis is ready. It’s what she’s been training for all her life. LSMC congratulates and is proud to recognize Alexis Nicole Martinez as April’s Spotlight Athlete.