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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

Elsa Hinojosa

 

 

Elsa Hinojosa
UIL STATE TENNIS CHAMPION
 

Elsa graduated from Falfurrias High School in 1979 as valedictorian of her class. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Elsa, and her sister Diane, won the 3A (when 4A was the largest division) Tennis State Championship playing doubles in 1977 with outstanding coaching from fellow Latin American International Hall of Fame recipient Dora Alaniz Garza, who also won a state tennis championship in singles in 1958.

In 1978, Elsa teamed with Zelda Hinojosa to win another 3A Tennis State Championship in doubles. In 1979, Elsa captured the 3A Tennis State Singles Championship by upsetting a Westlake player in straight sets. After high school, Elsa headed to the University of Texas in Austin on an academic scholarship and an invitation to walk on to the UT Tennis Team. She secured a spot on the team from 1979- 1981. In 1981, Texas won the Southwest Conference Championship and Elsa was elected the Most Valuable Player (MVP). On February 3, 1987, the Texas Legislature honored Elsa along with five other Texas recipients on National Women in Sport Day.

Elsa’s winning tradition continued at Westlake High School where she coached three Team Tennis State Championships (1985, 1986, and 1992). In 1992, she served as the head coach of the way to the 4A State Team Tennis Championship. In individual play, her players won seven state championships in girls singles (3), boys singles (2), and boys doubles (2). In 1990, the Texas Tennis Coaches Association (TTCA) named Elsa the Texas 5A Tennis Coach of the Year.

After 16-years as a teacher, Elsa decided to become a school administrator. After a satisfying career spanning 33-years, Elsa retired in December 2014. Her goal of “making a difference” in the lives of students, teachers, support staff, and parents was complete.

Elsa Hinojosa wins MVP honor
Elsa Hinojosa was recently chosen the most valuable player of the 1980-81 University of Texas women’s tennis team at the seventh annual awards banquet May 10 hosted by the department of intercol legiate athletics for women.

Miss Hinojosa is a sophomore in the school of education and is having a consistent year with the Longhorn squad. While at Falfurrias High high school champion for School she won the state doubles in 1977 and 1978 and won the singles in 1979. She was also honored as valedictorian of her class. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Casimiro Hinojosa of Falfurrias.

Representing Texas women in Sport

February 3, 1987 Appearing Before the House of Representatives and the Senate to Receive the “Texas Women in Sport Day” resolution.