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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

Jackie Maldonado

Jackie Maldonado
Jackie Maldonado
JW Nixon High Grad 1999
Texas A&M University 2003
NFL Houston Texans
Senior Marketing Director 2013-Present
Jackie Maldonado
Houston Texans - Senior Marketing Director

Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Jackie Maldonado has traveled the world working for three professional sports teams.

Currently she is serving as Senior Marketing Director for the NFL’s Houston Texans. She is a natural athlete, and an exemplar of a Latin American woman in sports. Jackie’s strength, dedication, conviction, and courage have been evident since her time at J.W. Nixon High School. She excelled at volleyball, basketball, track, softball, and cheerleading.  While in college, she joined the Aggie Angels at Texas A&M, a promotions and game day operations group for the basketball teams.  

After graduating from Texas A&M, Jackie began an internship at the UTSA Athletic Department. She gained Final Four experience in 2004, and was involved in the referendum to bring a football program to the school.  During this time, Jackie worked a part-time position with the University of Texas’ Football gameday staff.  

Jackie impressed the San Antonio Spurs’ game operations director, Don Constante who offered her a position in a new shadow program while she was at UTSA and UT Football.  She worked game-day operations with the Spurs’ organization from 2004 through 2006 under Don Constante’s tutelage. During the 2005 Spurs’ Championship year she received a championship ring.  Jackie later accepted a manager position with the Houston Rockets. Her work involved directing select games and managing the dance teams, the Rockets Power Dancers, Launch Crew, Little Dippers, and Space City Seniors.  She was selected by the Rockets to travel as part of the NBA’s China Games in Shanghai and Beijing.  Jackie has also worked every NBA All-Star Game since 2006 – from Houston to Las Vegas and from New York City to Los Angeles.  

In 2013, Jackie accepted a position as Senior Marketing Director with the Houston Texans.  Jackie’s job duties include booking National Recording Artist performances such as Vanilla Ice and Clay Walker for national anthem and halftime performances.  Jackie also leads all Texans’ fan development efforts, focusing on the growth of their female, youth, and Hispanic fan base.  

In her short time there, Jackie has risen to be one of the most respected staff members with the Texans and throughout the NFL.  Jackie earned the coveted 2015 Spirit of the Bull Award, awarded to the one Texans’ employee who best exemplifies a commitment to excellence.