La Joya, TX – La Joya ISD Athletics has introduced a new initiative designed to help student-athletes succeed not only in sports but also in life. The Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) program aims to equip student leaders with the skills, resilience and character needed to thrive well beyond the field.
Created specifically for team-captains and student-athlete leaders, SALT emphasizes leadership development, character-building and collaboration. Members learn strategies and practices they can apply within their teams, schools and the broader community.
“This new initiative goes beyond sports,” said Joe Peña, Executive Director of Athletics for La Joya ISD. “The ultimate goal is to help these students develop strong leadership and character skills they will carry beyond the field and into all aspects of their lives.”
During monthly meetings, team captains from La Joya High School, Palmview High School and Juarez-Lincoln High School gather and collaborate through the exchange of ideas and grow as leaders - not just for their schools or teams but for the entire district and community. Additionally, student-athletes in the program are also introduced to a structured system of strategies, habits and tools designed to help them reflect, reset and re-engage after setbacks.
“This helps build mental resilience, physical recovery and long-term performance growth,” said Peña. “We are trying to help these kids grow into the leaders of tomorrow and make them young men and women who demonstrate character, leadership and unity.”
To participate in SALT, students must be selected by their coaches as team captains, they must be passing their classes as well as demonstrate leadership qualities on their campuses. The inaugural SALT group includes athletes from fall sports with plans to expand in the future.
The SALT program is a testament to La Joya ISD’s commitment to helping students thrive in enriching environments where they are inspired to grow, both in and beyond the classroom – a core pillar of the district’s strategic plan, Achieving Excellence Together 2030.
“La Joya ISD Athletics is committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Peña. “Through SALT, our student-athletes are learning that leadership is about more than winning games. It is about character, teamwork and setting an example for others."
With SALT, La Joya ISD continues to champion opportunities that develop students as scholars, athletes and leaders – ensuring they shine on the field, in the classroom and in life.