In a milestone achievement for the Southwest Legacy high school athletics program, the Titans volleyball team secured its first ever berth in the postseason. The victory came on Tuesday when the Titans defeated the Southwest Dragons, a win that propelled the squad into the bi‑district round of the state tournament.
Coach Esparza credits work ethic and team unity
Head coach Amanda Esparza, now in her second season at the helm, praised the dedication of her players throughout the campaign. “We tell these girls like, ‘Man, we’ve been going since July,’ but when you really think about it, we’ve been really going since last season,” Esparza said, noting that the program’s growth has been a multi‑year effort.
Esparza highlighted the collective effort required to reach this point. “While we know we’re putting in so much work, so is everybody else, so in those moments of toughness, it’s just like, ‘Hey, I know we’re tired, but everybody is tired,’” she explained. “They bought in, they trusted us as a coaching staff, which I’m forever grateful for because whatever we asked, they’ve done, and it led us to this moment.”
Individual milestones add to the celebration
Junior setter and outside hitter Alaynnah Martinez reached a rare double milestone, surpassing 1,000 career assists and 1,000 digs. Senior defensive specialist Lindsey Ortega also logged more than 1,000 career digs, underscoring the experience and skill level now present on the roster.
Both athletes emphasized the importance of setting a positive example for younger teammates. “Every single day, in the gym, in all the running, that’s what we needed. That’s what it takes,” Martinez said. Ortega added, “Our coaches are going to push them. Of course it’s going to be hard on their mental, but I know they can, and they will do it because we did it.”
Looking ahead to the postseason
The Titans will face O’Connor in the bi‑district round on Thursday at the South San Durbon Center, with the first set scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The team’s confidence is high, and players and coaches alike view this playoff appearance as the beginning of a new standard for the program.
“We feel confident about the program’s future and hope to make playoff appearances a new standard,” said Ortega. The coaching staff plans to build on the momentum, focusing on continued development, disciplined training, and fostering a culture of perseverance that aligns with the values of hard work and family support cherished by the community.
Community pride and support
Local fans and families have rallied behind the Titans, filling the gym with encouragement throughout the season. The achievement reflects not only athletic excellence but also the strong community bonds that help young athletes thrive. As the Titans prepare for their next challenge, the entire Southwest Legacy community looks forward to celebrating further successes on and off the court.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
