Amen…

This week was one of those weeks that reminded me just how special high school athletics are in Texas. Tuesday at Canyon HS, I watched a community come together to celebrate the history and tradition of Canyon athletics. Last night, I saw packed stands at a high school football game. And today, I watched athletes compete for a water polo state championship surrounded by coaches, athletic directors, families and fans. Three different days. Three different settings. The same story. There are GREAT things happening in our public schools every day. Our students have exceptional, passionate people leading them and communities that show up for their schools, their coaches and their kids. We can listen to talking points and watch political ads tell us what we’re supposed to believe. But no political ad can compete with what you see when you walk into a packed stadium, gym or natatorium in a Texas community. People show up for their schools. Most importantly, they show up for their kids. Texas high school athletics are pretty special. ❤️

Ever wonder why we do things the way we do in Texas? Or find yourself confused by some of what you hear and read about student eligibility and the PAPF? This episode of The Coaches Call does a great job breaking it down—why these rules exist, how they work, and what they are designed to protect. We love to brag about the incredible high school athletic tradition we have in Texas—and rightfully so. But sometimes we’re quick to criticize the very rules and processes that have helped make education-based athletics in this state what they are today. You can’t celebrate the Texas model while dismissing the guardrails that help protect it. So if you’ve ever wondered, “Why do we do it this way?” give this episode a listen. It’s worth understanding the why behind the rules before forming an opinion about them. And if you know someone who could use a little better explanation than the one you can give them 😜, send this episode their way too. Let the experts do the explaining! Great information and an important conversation about how we do high school athletics here in this great state. 🤠

There really aren’t words that can fully capture how amazing this woman is or how much she means to us. 🧡 She is the true definition of servant leadership—someone who has spent her life loving, giving, encouraging, and putting others before herself. She was my first mentor and my first example of what it looks like to lead with both strength and grace, and she continues to teach me more than she probably realizes. I could keep going, but the words would probably never do her justice… so instead, just join me in wishing my amazing mom Carmen Torres a very Happy Birthday! 🎂❤️ Love you, Mom! I hope you know how loved and appreciated you are—not just today, but every day.

One of my favorite things about living in Texas… you’re never too far from some really good volleyball! 🏐❤️ Had a great time tonight watching @DSTigerVBall and @WestlakeVball — two programs that are fun to watch and coaches who are even better to catch up with! Always good to see coaching friends and then get to watch them do what they do. And @DrippingTigers … y’all showed up! Such a fun atmosphere and awesome community support in that gym. 👏 Good coaches. Good volleyball. Packed gym. Pretty great way to spend a night! 🏐 #THSVB

Beautifully said…

I love when family and work overlap! Celebrating @CoachBrewer9 and her amazing accomplishment and hanging with cousin Courtney, aunt Pam and uncle Mando! It was a great night in Bellville America!

The final whistle has blown on the 2026 THSCA Coaching School, and it’s going to take me a few days to fully process everything that happened this week. It was the largest Houston Coaching School in THSCA history, and somehow, everything just… worked. That’s no accident. Our THSCA staff is simply incredible. They care deeply, they work tirelessly, and they’re unmatched. A few takeaways from the week: • One of my favorite moments? Waiting in line for the women’s restroom between sessions. I know that sounds strange, but to me it was a visible reminder of how much our association has grown. That’s a pretty great problem to have! • The coaches and athletic administrators who volunteer to help manage our halls are amazing. They aren’t just volunteers—they’re a true extension of our staff, and we couldn’t do this without them. • There is something special about bringing entire coaching staffs together, connecting different generations of coaches, and filling the building with partners and vendors who believe in the coaching profession. The energy is contagious, and it’s exactly what coaches need as they head into a new school year. • I still haven’t learned to stop and take pictures. One day. 😊 Most importantly, I’m thankful for my husband, Eric A. Pacheco. Coaching School is a team effort for us, and I love that we get to experience it together each year. Whether we’re crossing paths in the convention center or comparing stories at the end of a long day, it’s a reminder of how lucky I am to have such a supportive partner. As much as I love this role, I’ll admit it—I still miss coaching. (I don’t miss teacher in-service, though! 😂) There’s something special about the excitement of the first practice, the first day of school, and all the anticipation that comes with a new season. While I miss those moments, I never take for granted the privilege of serving the coaches who create them for thousands of student-athletes across Texas. And just like every coach knows, as soon as one season ends, you’re already thinking about the next one. I’m taking a few days off then we will get back to the office and start planning for 2027 THSCA Coaching School. #coachingschool

Getting ready for the largest Hall of Honor EVER! Let’s go! #CoachingSchool