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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 Lady Knights Volleyball Team, 1983 State Champs

A dedicated team of young women with a passion for the game of volleyball and the heart necessary to read the top.

As the volleyball sailed over the net on November 4, 1983, the St. Augustine High School Lady Knights volleyball team knew that the elusive state title they had chased for years was now within grasp.

Stunning their three-time state rivals, Houston’s St. Pius X squad, the Lady Knights volleyed their way into Laredo sports history, becoming the first women to join the previously all-male roll. After four trips to the state tournament under coach Edna Peña, having netted the team two second place trophies and third place honors, the Lady Knights played the game of a lifetime in their quest for championship gold.  With a 21-12 overall record and undefeated in district, the Laredo powerhouse defeated Beaumont Kelly to make it to the 3A TCIL State finals against Houston’s equally powerful St. Pius High School. Lizette Guajardo and Magda Menchaca led the Lady Knights in a thrilling come from behind effort to route St. Pius 10-15, 15-12 and 15-11.

The first set gave the Lady Knights cause for concern, prompting Peña to bring the girls in for a quick time-out so they could regroup.  “We have been in this position before and we know how to pull ourselves together as a team and beat them,” the coach told her squad. “It’s now or never.”  Kathy Hagy, the team captain, rallied her fellow spikers. “Okay, ladies, we came here for one purpose, to taek State”, she said in the huddle.  Take they did. Guajardo came out ready to do battle with her teammates, serving 10 in a row to take the pivotal second set.

Then, the Lady Knights took off.  Although St. Pius had the height advantage, the Laredo girls started using a soft “dink” to get the ball over the net.  With some strategic “dinks” to the sides of the blockers and into their outstretched arms, the tall, lanky St. Pius squad fell apart, unable to handle the volleys coming towards them.  With momentum high and some well-earned blocks, the Lady Knights forged ahead.  Having frustrated their rivals, the Lady Knights pulled ahead and with one final swish of the ball, took home the State crown.

Marissa Keene and Kathy Hagy were named to the All-State Tournament Team, with all four seniors, Guajardo, Hagy, Keene and Menchaca earning All State and All District honors.  Sandra Medina, a junior, also made it to the All-State Team.

The glue that held the Lady Knights together came from the guidance provided by Peña and her assistant head coach, Rosalinda Cardenas, as well as the team managers Leonel de Hoyos and Candy Ramirez.  Through Pena’s leadership, the team held fast, overcoming incredible odds, proving to Laredo and to Texas that women could bring home the State Trophy, too!

Excerpt from 2013 Inductees Program