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About The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

In the United States, there are Sports Halls of Fame that honor professional and amateur athletes in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and other sports. There are also ethnic halls of fame that recognize outstanding athletes from different groups including Italian, Jewish, Irish and blacks to name a few. But, there was not a single sports hall of fame that would recognize, honor and salute the outstanding accomplishments/achievements and contributions of our Latino/Hispanic Sports Heritage not only from the United States but also those who came to this country from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and from the vast talent from the Caribbean Islands. The Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame/Salon de Ia Fama Latinoamericano del Deporte was organized in Laredo, Texas in 1974. At first it was to celebrate, honor and promote local and regional individuals who had excelled at their particular sport but soon it opened the doors to include National and International Professional Athletes. It also recognizes as Sportsman of the Year individuals who continue to preserve and enhance our Latino culture, values and educational opportunities for our youth and who contribute to the betterment of the City of Laredo and South Texas. There have been since its inception an equal recognition of women athletes inductees. It was important to find role models for our youth and the organizers wanted to include all ages, regardless of sex in their programs. The Latin Hall was also created to promote economic development and stimulate business activity in downtown Laredo when local businesses are contracted to provide services to our inductees, their families and guests who visit Laredo during the annual 3-day welcome reception, media luncheon and induction banquet celebration weekend. Through the years. (1975-2014), and with limited amount of funds the organization has, had the opportunity to help the youth of our community with scholarships and other youth activity fundraisers. Plans are to have a Latin Sports International Hall of Fame Museum (downtown) (soon) which will be a first for the United States and to provide clinics (free of charge) to instruct our youth in different sports.

Mission

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals with good and proper standing in the community, high morals and values and who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.


Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

47th Annual Induction Banquet

 

 


 

 


 

St. Augustine High School 1996 Team
Volleyball

 

St. Augustine High School 1996 Team

TCIL State Volleyball Champions

 

Team It's been over two decades, but the memory is still fresh for the St. Augustine Lady Knights Volleyball team who accomplished the improbable and cemented their place in Texas vol-leyball history. The road to the Texas Christi. Interscholastic League state volleyball title came via a vic-tory over Class 4A El Paso Loretto back in November 2, 1996.
 
The Lady Knights (3A) had defeated another 4A powerhouse in San Antonio Providence and Beaumont Kelly (3A) a day prior thanks to the All-State performance of sisters Diana Medina (senior), Alysia Medi-na (junior) and Alma Martine. (senior). Shoring up the team was All-District Rebecca Pella (senior), Christina Lopez (junior), Mar-on Netzer (senior). Annie Saida. (senior). Ingeborg Esquivel (junior) and Rhino Pal.ue-los (sophomore).
 
The Lady Knights were guided by head coach Rosalinda Cardenas and assistant coaches Edna Pena and Tlta Vichareli along with team managers Mary Garcia and Celina Gonzales. The Lady Knights overcame a shaky start to the season and came into the tournament as the second-best team in their division. They left that tournament with a State Title in hand and finished with a 19-10 record. Back then head coach Rosalinda Cardenas commented,
 
"It was a wonderful way to end the season after that beginning, I don't think it has dawned on us yet:' Twenty-three years later, the coaches and players know the significance of that victory and will cherish that moment for the rest of their lives. °I couldn't be prouder of the accomplishments of those young ladies and I couldn't be prouder of the way, however small, that the experience has helped shape them into the great `young' women they are today:. Coach Cardenas said.