The Laredo Independent School District’s Athletic Department hosted the 4th Annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference for LISD middle and high school athletes at the LISD PAC. Over 150 student-athletes from Martin, Nixon, and Cigarroa High Schools, and Christen, Lamar, Memorial, and Cigarroa Middle Schools attended the conference.
LISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvia Rios, LISD Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Maggie Martinez, and LISD Athletic Director Luis Escamilla offered welcome messages. Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, who was the keynote speaker delivered a motivational message encouraging the student-athletes to believe in themselves and trust their heart. If they do that, they will be able to achieve anything they want.
During the Conference the student-athletes received tips on strategies to develop strong character, self-discipline and identify core values, initiate healthy relationships with their teammates, and achieve their potential.
The student-athletes also participated in sessions where they heard LISD alumnae share their journey and discuss the skills they gained from competing in LISD athletic programs and how they have used these skills throughout their lives.
Martin High School Basketball Coach Hecky Noyola talked to the male athletes about growing up as a child at the Laredo Boys Club, being a ball boy for the San Antonio Spurs, his time as a standout basketball player at Martin High, and the influence his parents had on his basketball journey.
Coach Aide Rodriguez talked to the female athletes on her journey growing up in Laredo as a female athlete from her time as a child playing at the Boys and Girls Club to being a top athlete at Martin High School.