The LISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the promotion of Luis Edward Escamilla Jr. to Athletic Director during the Board of Trustees meeting on June 20. After serving as an assistant athletic director for six years, Escamilla has been promoted to the Athletic Director position. He replaces Sylvia Barrera who retired after serving for 12 years as the district’s Athletic Director.
Escamilla’s experience as a collegiate student-athlete led him to pursue a career in education and coaching. He has been in public education for 20 years. Escamilla began his teaching career in Robstown ISD. He continued teaching and coaching at Bishop CISD, Zapata CISD and Laredo ISD. He enjoyed teaching science to middle school and high school students. Through hard work and dedication, Escamilla has led individuals and teams to the UIL State Championships. This success created a culture for distance runners to medal at the state meet and sign national letters of intent for NCAA Division I and Division II Universities.
Escamilla’s commitment to excellence as a coach at Laredo ISD includes being the head cross country coach, head track and field coach, and defensive coordinator at J.W. Nixon High School. He describes this tenure as one of the most rewarding and exciting times by working side by side with a group of coaches that have also become head coaches and district leaders.
“Laredo ISD is Laredo’s flagship school district with many rich traditions. My goal as Athletic Director is to guide Laredo ISD athletics toward continued growth, school excellence, and to elevate the traditions for the athletic department through academics and athletics. I have been fortunate to work side by side with great mentors who have prepared me for this leadership role,” said Escamilla. “I want to thank the Board of Trustees, our Superintendent Dr. Sylvia Rios, and our LISD administration for this great opportunity for me to continue working in athletics and physical education.”
Escamilla, who is a product of LISD schools, is a former student-athlete and a proud graduate of Martin High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M-Kingsville. As a lifelong learner, Escamilla embraced his passion in a second Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M International University.
"I am thrilled and filled with pride to welcome our new athletic director, Luis Escamilla. His clear vision and servant leadership will undoubtedly inspire excellence and take our athletic programs to new heights,’ said Maggie Martinez, LISD Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. “He exemplifies our LISD definition: He leads with heart, inspires change, supports growth and drives results."
As Assistant Athletic Director Coach Escamilla was responsible for the programming of physical education, high school and middle school track and field, and high school softball. In addition, he assisted with the operations, facilities and the budget process for the Athletic Department.
Escamilla is married to a lifelong educator, Celita Escamilla. Their two children, Cassia and Leo Escamilla are their pride and joy. They enjoy traveling and support each other’s endeavors.