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De La Rosa, Rodriguez selected as TGCA all-stars
The Texas Girls Coaches Association will host a Summer Clinic today and Thursday in Austin. Mission High’s Taylor De La Rosa and Edinburg High’s Rebekah Rodriguez have been selected by the TGCA committee as track and field and cross country all-stars, respectively, along with Mission Veterans girls track coach Kathy Howell, who will serve as an assistant coach.
“It’s an honor to be nominated and selected as the assistant coach for the track and field all-stars,” said Howell, who led Mission Veterans to the District 32-4A title last year.
Rodriguez, a graduated senior, has been a varsity cross country runner since her freshman year. She led her team to regionals every season, culminating with a district championship in 2010. She accepted a scholarship to run at the University of Texas-Pan American.
“I was excited when my coach told me I was nominated for the all-stars, I couldn’t believe it, but I know I worked hard and I guess they saw that,” Rodriguez said. “I’m excited to meet other girls, and go over our season, and just meet new people.”
De La Rosa, meanwhile, accepted a scholarship to run at McNeese State in the fall. During her high school career, she was a four-year letterwinner in both cross country and track. In track, De La Rosa competed in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs and was a regular regional qualifier since her freshman year. This past year, she qualified for state and placed eighth in the 3,200.
“I’m looking forward to this summer clinic,” De La Rosa said. “I’m excited to meet new people and learn from other coaches’ philosophy in running and the way they do things. I’m excited to learn.”
Mission High coach Irene Gallegos admits De La Rosa will be missed.
“She’s a one of a kind athlete where you have a versatile runner. She has good leadership qualities, is self driven and very dedicated,” Gallegos said. “I knew as a freshman where her talent was and where she wanted to go with it. As a head coach you become aware of their ability and you try to get out there to promote it.”
