San Antonio – Monica Gonzales, head coach of the Harlan High School Hawks volleyball program, marked a milestone this September when she recorded her 400th career victory. The achievement reflects a decade of dedication to the sport and a steadfast commitment to the values that have guided her life.
Roots in the community
Born and raised in San Antonio, Gonzales grew up inside the 410 loop, attending Jefferson High School before moving on to the University of the Incarnate Word. “I grew up inside 410, and even though I live outside of 1604 now, that area shaped who I am,” she said. Her deep ties to the city have kept her connected to the families and neighborhoods that fill the stands at Harlan’s matches.
Faith and family as the foundation
Gonzales attributes her coaching journey to a promise made with her late father and God. “I had an agreement between my dad, me and God that if I got him home from hospice, I was going to coach, and I knew that’s where my dad wanted me to be,” she explained. The night she brought her father home, she also secured her 300th win, a moment she describes as a divine affirmation of her path.
Her mother’s strength during those final moments also left a lasting impression. “I have a lot of faith. I truly believe I’m where I’m supposed to be. I’m surrounded by the people I need to be around,” Gonzales said, emphasizing that the support of her family and the broader Harlan community has been essential to her success.
Consistent excellence on the court
Under Gonzales’s leadership, the Hawks have become a perennial powerhouse in District 29‑6A, remaining undefeated in district play and regularly advancing to the state tournament. The program’s standard of excellence has set a high bar for other schools in the area, and Gonzales’s coaching philosophy centers on discipline, teamwork, and a Christ‑centered worldview.
“We’re reaping the rewards of being surrounded by people we love,” she noted, highlighting how the team’s camaraderie mirrors the values she upholds at home and in church.
Looking ahead
With seven district games left before the playoffs, Gonzales and her squad are focused on maintaining their unbeaten streak and aiming for another deep run in the state tournament. The coach’s message to her players and the community remains clear: success is rooted in hard work, unwavering faith, and the support of family.
Gonzales’s story is a reminder that local heroes can inspire both on the court and in the hearts of those who share their faith and values.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
