That was her domain.
Garza was a dominant presence in the Lower Valley and is The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star’s Volleyball Most Valuable Player for the 2024 season.
“She is an awesome hitter,” Brownsville Rivera head coach Mary Guerra said. “She plays intelligent and aggressive, she has a wicked hit, wicked serve and she is a great leader.”
Guerra also praised Garza’s calm presence on the team and hard work. The longtime head coach has trained plenty of the area’s best during her time leading the program.
Garza is another one of those talented athletes.
The senior middle finished the season with 591 kills, 198 digs, 67 aces and 52 blocks, and also was the District 32-5A MVP and captained the District 32-5A champions.
“When I was a sophomore, my coach told me I was going to be the captain. Ever since then I felt like I had a big role to play on the court and I just stepped up,” Garza said. “I like it, it feels amazing.”
Garza thanked her teammates for allowing her to instill her leadership into them, and it showed by them coming together for the District 32-5A title.
“It was an amazing season, we all got super close, the girls worked hard and we won tournament championships,” Garza said. “District, we worked super hard for and I am proud of them.”
Garza has opportunities to play at the next level, but is waiting to decide with the chances of being approached by colleges during club tournaments in the spring, a likelihood for girls playing club volleyball.
“I know she is looking,” Guerra said. “She could play at a lot of colleges, she is a strong player. Strong-willed, mentally strong and a strong hitter.”
Setter of the Year
Gianna Cantu, Brownsville Rivera
Setter is another talent-heavy position in the local area, and Brownsville Rivera’s Gianna Cantu had one heck of a season dropping dimes for the Raiders.
The junior setter had many milestones this season. Cantu provided 1,153 assists in 2024, averaging 10 per set, and reached 2,000 career assists.
“I think I had a really good season, and I am waiting for next year because I am trying to... Click here to read full article
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