La Joya, TX – La Joya ISD is taking a big step toward shaping the future of it youngest learners by bringing athletics directly to the elementary level. For the 2025 – 2026 school year, La Joya ISD Athletics is partnering with the district’s ACE Campuses - Juan N. Seguin Elementary and Evangelina Garza Elementary – to provide structured after-school sports opportunities for students.
Each day after school, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., students at both campuses can now participate in basketball, volleyball, soccer and flag football. With two full-time coaches at each school, every student has the chance to build strong athletic skills, strengthen teamwork and grow in confidence.
“Our students are thrilled to have access to structured athletics right here on campus,” said Eliamar Lopez, Principal at Seguin Elementary. “This program not only gives them a chance to stay active and healthy but also helps them learn responsibility, teamwork and perseverance – important skills that extend into all areas of life.”
Falling within the district’s five-year strategic plan – Achieving Excellence Together 2030 – this initiative prioritizes thriving students by creating a safe, positive, inclusive and enriching environment and supports the overall wellbeing of students.
“This initiative is about more than sports – it’s about teaching life skills, building character and offering young learners the chance to succeed on and off the field,” said Joe Pena, Executive Director of Athletics for La Joya ISD. “This partnership is just one way the district is investing in the futures of our students by fostering a strong foundation for academics, athletics and personal success.”
District leadership applauds this initiative and recognizes it as a key example of the district’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, thriving students. By blending academics with athletics and enrichment opportunities, La Joya ISD is inspiring excellence and ensuring students are prepared to succeed at every stage of their educational journey.