By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
Port Isabel Early College High School recently had their 2025-2026 Fall Sports Recognition Night.
The banquet started off with Team Tennis head coach Maria Ramon recognizing the team members: Angelina Delgado, Kalleigh Elkins, Maya Garcia, Justin Garza, Noe Hernandez, Diego Lara, Dannai Limon, Jade Marquez, Yeshua Martinez, Isaac Palestina, Rolando Reyes, Valeria Ruiz, Santiago Sanchez, Esteban Torres and District 32-4A Newcomer of the Year Genniva Erazo.
“Team Tennis begins in the hot summer months; coach (Wen) Moore and I are panicking in June wondering how we are going to get 7 boys and 7 girls ready for an early August tennis match.” Said coach Ramon. “Some of these kids started playing two weeks prior to their first match. But their athletic abilities and Tarpon fight landed the team second place overall for district, bi-district champions, and an appearance in the Area post-season round. This team has come a long way in a short time and we’re not finished yet.”
Boys’ cross-country coach, Chris Ortiz then recognized his runners: Jordan Badillo1 (32-4A 2nd Team All-District), Jorge Garcia12(32-4A 1st Team All-District), Kingston Lane (Most Improved), Brandon Lopez, Damian Murat, Miel Sosa, Carter Taylor, and Eli Vasquez.
Coach Ortiz was on family leave to begin the season, but he was pleased how the team had developed under track coach Todd Harbour. “I really wanted to be here, the first introduction to them was the first home meet.” Said coach Ortiz. “I was really proud, even though we had a very young team, we just missed qualifying as a team. Which they did fours years back-to-back. I’m so excited for next season.”
Girls Cross Country coach Nancy Hernandez then introduced her runners and their accomplishments. Isabella Betancourt1 (32-4A 2nd Team All-District), Sahara Gonzalez12 (32-4A 2nd Team All-District and Newcomer of the Year), Mia Lopez2, Layla Mata12 (32-4A 2nd Team All-District), Lizbeth Perez12 (32-4A 1st Team All-District), Nicole Sanchez12 (32-4A 1st Team All-District), Leann Shamlin2, and Madilyn Zamarron2.
1=Rio Grande Valley Cross Country Coaches Association All-Star East Team
2=Region IV 4A Championship Qualifier
Coach Hernandez went on to thank the parents for time and dedication and helping the runners show up for their 5am practices. She then surprised the team with their CC Regional Qualifying Jackets provided by the CC coaches and the program.
Volleyball Johvonne Howard presented her players with their awards: Maria Issabel Cuevas, Kymberlie Estrada, Nadia Flaig, Arianna Garcia, Rachel Martinez, Layla Mata, Jacqueline Nava, Isabel Ochoa, Julieta Ruiz, Emma Shukitt, Escarlett Urrutia, Precious Vasquez (Tip of Texas Official East All-Star Selection), Maria Vazquez, and Ashlyn Wright. Search PI/SPI Press online archive for Volleyball All-District article.
“This volleyball season was one of the best ones yet. This group of seniors we’ve had for four years set the bar, and the standard right back where it belongs.” Said coach Howard. “Our season doesn’t end here. It begins in playoffs. With back-to-back playoff appearances, we’ve proven we belong in in post-season play. Let’s step our game next year.”
The football banquet was held the week before, but a handful of players received additional accomplishments since then. PIECHS football players, Luis Ramos, Bryan Martinez and Edward Garza were selected to play in the Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association East and West All-Star game. They will carry the Port Isabel Banner as part of the East All-Star team. The game will be held at Weslaco’s Bobby Lackey Stadium on January 10, 2026. On a side note, Garza was named the Utility Player of the Year by The Brownsville Herald/Valley Star. His 2025 stats 45 carries, 291 yards, 4 TDs, 78 total tackles, 4 TFL, and 1 INT.
Former Karate World Champion Joseph Cantu was the banquet’s guest speaker. After pulling the audiences’ leg on joke, Cantu went on talk about how PIECHS mascot the Tarpon was a unique one that represented a fighter. He also underscored the importance of commitment in all endeavors students pursue.
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