Kasey’s Blog

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 – Bert Ogden Arena – EDINBURG, Texas

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (9-3) took the rematch against the Texas Legends (7-5) with a huge defensive impact tonight and win 128-90.

The Vipers took an early lead against the Legends in the first quarter outscoring them 24-16. With the help of forwards, Trevelin Queen (6 points) and Trhae Mitchell (6 points), the Vipers finished the first quarter with a 30-25 lead.

In the second quarter, Legends forwards, Feron Hunt (10 points) and Justin Jackson (10 points) battled back to tie up the game at 45-45. The Vipers finished the second quarter off strong and outscored the Legends 16-9 the final five minutes of the first half and lead 61-54 at half time.

Vipers forward, Marcus Foster (11 points) and Vipers guard, Tyler Bey (11 points) contributed huge off the bench. While, for the Legends, Jackson had a huge impact scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds in the first half.

With three blocked shots and four steals the Vipers came out the third quarter aggressively on defense. Even though, Feron Hunt scored 11 of the 21 points for the Texas Legends, the final five minutes, Vipers, Marcus Foster, and Daishen Nix contributed to a 14-2 run to finish off the third quarter, giving the Vipers a 90-75 lead.

The Vipers finished and secured the win against the Legends outscoring them 38-15 in the fourth quarter.

With the Vipers allowing only 36 points in the second half, accumulating 15 steals and six blocked shots, defense was the impact in the game tonight.

Trhae Mitchell (21 points and 10 rebounds), Christian Vital (20 points), and Marcus Foster (19 points) came out huge for the Vipers and worked together tonight securing the 128-90 win.

With the win, the Vipers prepare for the G League Showcase this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Vipers return home at Bert Ogden Arena on December 30th against the Memphis Hustle to start the regular season.

These last few months have been so confusing for many people, including myself. Whether it has been with the situation with George Floyd or Breonna Taylor or the many more that have been hurt by this.

I have spent countless nights so far, trying to come out with how I feel about all this that is happening. Many say that I should reach out to my black friends and see how they are doing with this whole issue, but do any come to me and see how I am doing with this whole issue.

Being born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley has not been easy, I have gone through racism for many years. It might not look like it has been these past few months with Floyd and Taylor, but because my name is Kasey Scott Van Etten and not Julio Martinez or Jose Garcia Sanchez, or that I don’t know how to order Mexican food in Spanish, I have gone through name calling and many stares and threats of being bullied.

Like the title says, I support black lives, I have friends that are black, yes! However, I have friends that are white, latino/latina, chinese, and other ethnicities. I am going to support them and be there for them when they need me but I’m not going to support “Black Lives Matter.”

Even though, I do love my friends that are black, I CAN’T STAND! and say I support the BLM movement! It has come down to that’s the only thing we should support without being demolished and persecuted on the streets and on social media, #Portland! is the BLM movement.

Now for those that support it and for those that are my friends, I hope we can continue being friends, because I do love you, and talk about this without having to bash each other with what we believe. Like I said, I do support black lives, you do matter to me, but also I have to look at my life and my ethnicity and support them also.

“Black Lives Matter” has come down to the point where I look at myself and say if I don’t agree what they say or say “All Lives Matter” I fear that I will be threatened and hurt by those not only who I don’t know but who I love. THIS IS “REVERSE DISCRIMINATION”!

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – John 13:35

What some cops are doing is wrong! However, what the black live matter movement is doing is wrong also! RIOTS ARE WRONG! RACISM IS A SIN!

WITH ALL THAT HAS BEEN SAID, DON’T COME TO ME AND BASH ME FOR WHAT I BELIEVE AND SAY!

Due to the coronavirus many student athletes have gone through a stage in life where some they will never be able to play the game they love ever again. I was able to speak with Lesley Varner from UTRGV Mens Basketball, Chase Bridges from UTRGV Baseball and Alex Summers from UTRGV Mens Golf on how the Coronavirus has impacted them and what they have been doing since than to stay active in what they love to do.

Also, even though sports is cancelled we won’t forget those shining moments we had.

For the first time ever due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the NFL Draft will be fully held exclusively online.

From his basement, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell announced the first-round picks on Thursday night. With details below, here were the following picks drafted.

1st Pick – Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow (LSU) – QB

With the first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengal draft Joe Burrow, Quarterback, LSU. The Bengals coming off a rough 2019 season with a 2-14 record, pick a young 23-year-old quarterback from Athens, Ohio. Since 2014, the Bengals have had Andy Dalton, who is on his last year of his 6 year/$96 million contract is in his time where there will be a new face in Cincinnati.

Burrow who comes off having 60 touchdowns and 5,671 passing yards season with winning the 2019 Heisman Trophy is up for the challenge to start his NFL career with purpose.

 2^nd Pick – Washington Redskins – Chase Young (Ohio State) – DE

For the second year in a row a defensive end from Ohio State have been selected second overall. This time his name is Chase Young who comes off a 16.5 sack season is heading to the Washington Redskins. The Redskins coming off a 3-13, 2019, look to take over a tough offensive NFC East with the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants.

With the Redskins ranked 27^th overall in team defense, they are determined to improve and push for a playoff run in the 2020 season.

3^rd Pick – Detroit Lions – Jeff Okudah (Ohio State) – CB

With his teammate Chase Young selected second overall, Jeff Okudah, cornerback comes from Ohio State. With a lot of talks about possibly this pick being traded, the Lions seem confident on Okudah coming into Detroit and put the Lions back on top of the NFC North. The Lions who were ranked 26^th last year in team defense, are determined to get back into a spot where they can put themselves in the playoffs.

4^th Pick – New York Giants – Andrew Thomas (Georgia) – OL

With being 6’5”, 320 pounds, Andrew Thomas comes with a purpose of protecting Giants quarterback, Daniel Jones. With the Cowboys ranked 11^th overall in team defense, the Eagles ranked 15^th overall in team defense and the Redskins drafting defensive end Chase Young second overall, the Giants look to Thomas for protection on their second-year quarterback. The Giants who have up 38 sacks last season have a purpose for Thomas to protect and put the Giants back on top of the NFC East.

5^th Pick – Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) – QB

With a lot of questions and concerns of picking Tua Tagovailoa due to past history of injuries, the Miami Dolphins have taken their chance with the Alabama quarterback. With Tagovailoa coming off a left ankle sprain (Dec. 2018), right ankle sprain (Oct. 2019) and a dislocated right hip (Nov. 2019) much are worried for his first year in the NFL. However, the Dolphins have faith in picking him fifth overall on possibly taking over the new looking AFC East, with Tom Brady leaving New England.

6^th Pick – Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert (Oregon) – QB

With the Phillip Rivers era ending earlier this year with his decision to sign with the Indianapolis Colts, Justin Herbert will take on the role of the new quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers. With the third quarterback picked overall in the first round, Herbert is looking to continue his dominance of 95 touchdowns and over 10,000 years passing in his four seasons with Oregon. With the NFL being a whole different world, Justin Herbert will look to take over the AFC West division.

7th Pick – Carolina Panthers – Derrick Brown (Auburn) – DT

In his first year as an NFL head coach, Matt Ruhle, decides to take Derrick Brown with the seventh overall pick. Brown comes from the University of Auburn looks to fulfill his purpose of taking on a new looking NFC South division. With Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signing future hall-of-famer quarterback Tom Brady, Brown has a lot to tackle with his first year in the NFL.

8^th Pick – Arizona Cardinals – Isaiah Simmons (Clemson) – LB

With Clemson being a team with strong defensive perspective, the Arizona Cardinals has taken the chance to get that talent with Isaiah Simmons. With a strong 2019 season with eight sacks and six forced fumbles, Simmons hope to continue his strong performance in a Cardinals jersey. Arizona who was ranked 28^th overall in team defense last year is hoping to bring Simmons in with pure dominance to take on a hard NFC West Division and dethrone the defending NFC Conference champs, San Francisco 49ers.

9^th Pick – Jacksonville Jaguars – CJ Henderson (Florida) – DB

With the second cornerback taken in the 2020 NFL Draft, CJ Henderson stays in the state of Florida, heading to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars ranked 21^st overall in team defense look to Henderson to build the Jaguars defense in a position to get themselves in a possible playoff position once again. With the Houston Texans being AFC South division winners’ back-to-back years, the Jaguars look to take over like they did in 2017. Will Henderson be enough to take on the challenge on taking a tough AFC South division, we will see?

10th Pick – Cleveland Browns – Jedrick Willis Jr. (Alabama) –  OL

With being the second offensive line player to be taken in the NFL draft, Jedrick Willis Jr. is the 10^th overall pick heading to the Cleveland Browns. With quarterback Baker Mayfield taking on his third season with the Cleveland Browns, adding big man Willis Jr. will be a help for the Browns. Jedrik who is a whopping 6’5’’, 320 pounds, his performance speaks for itself. With a lot of people saying the Cleveland Browns who have strong offensive players, with this pick will it push the Browns to the top of the AFC North.

11^th Pick – New York Jets – Meki Bechton (Louisville) – OL

Being the third offensive line player, second one in a row, taken 11^th overall to the New York Jets, Meki Brown take on a huge role to take on a hard AFC East defense. With New England ranked first and Buffalo ranked second last year, Bechton must come out strong to protect Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. With this pick, will the Jets have enough to take on a new looking team in New England without Tom Brady and with Miami taking on a new quarterback in this year’s draft.

12^th Pick – Las Vegas Raiders – Henry Ruggs III (Alabama) – WR
With being the first wide receiver chosen in the 2020 NFL Draft, the new located Las Vegas Raiders take Henry Ruggs III from the University of Alabama. The Raiders who signed quarterback Marcus Mariota and with Derek Carr battling for the quarterback position, with this pick how will the Raiders offense look like for the 2020 seasons? Ruggs III who racked up a total of 24 touchdowns and 1716 yards in his three years with Alabama look to help the Raiders organization back on top of the AFC West division.

13^th Pick – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (traded from San Francisco) – Tristan Wirifs (Iowa) – OL

With the switch of the 13^th and 14^th overall pick, the Tampa Buccaneers have selected Tristan Wirifs from the University of Iowa. With this pick, the Buccaneers look to protect newly added quarterback Tom Brady and a strongly looked Tampa Bay offense. With Tom Brady, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, newly added tight end Rob Gronkowski, Bruce Arians looks to continue building his offense with Tristan Wirifs. Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers be on top of the NFC South?

14^th Pick – San Francisco 49ers (from Tampa Bay) – Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina) – DL

The defending NFC Champions look to continue their defensive dominance with selecting Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina. The 49ers who move from the 13^th to 14^th pick in the draft, look to continue working hard on defense and make a push to finish strong on winning a sixth Superbowl. Kinlaw who comes out strong from the University of South Carolina, looks to continue working hard and help the 49ers organization defensively.

15^th – Denver Broncos – Jerry Jeudy (Alabama) – WR

With the second Alabama wide receiver to be selected in the last four picks, Jerry Jeudy is headed to help second year quarterback Drew Lock in Denver. Jeudy who had a strong 26 touchdowns and 2742 yards with Alabama look to continue his football career with the Broncos organization. With Lock only scoring seven touchdowns last season, selecting Jeudy 15^th overall is the smart move for the Broncos.

16th Pick  – Atlanta Falcons – A.J. Terell (Clemson) – CB

With being ranked 23^rd in team defense in 2019, the Atlanta Falcons look to add A.J. Terrell to push them in the playoffs. With the Falcons falling short of making the NFL playoffs in the 2019 season, the addition of Terrell is the chance they are taking in the first round, their only draft pick in the first round.

17^th Pick – Dallas Cowboys – CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma) – WR
With the Dallas Cowboys falling short of the 2019 playoffs, they look towards helping their quarterback Dak Prescott with the selection of CeeDee Lamb from Oklahoma. Lamb who had 32 touchdowns and 3292 yards with Alabama, look to help Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys take over the NFC East division once again.

Looking at CeeDee Lamb and his performance with Oklahoma and how he is as a wide receiver, Cowboys fans should be happy with new head coach Mike McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones decision.

18^th Pick – Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh) – Austin Jackson (USC) – T

With the second pick in the first round for the Miami Dolphins, they look to Austin Jackson from USC to help newly added quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. With another pick for the Dolphins, with them having the 26^th overall pick, will the Miami Dolphins continue offensive dominance or help themselves on the defensive side in the AFC East.

19^th Pick – Las Vegas Raiders – Damon Arnette (Ohio State) – CB

Having two picks in the first round, the Las Vegas Raiders and head coach Jon Gruden have the ability to help themselves on the defensive side with the 19^th pick selecting cornerback, Damon Arnette. With the Raiders being ranked 24^th overall in team defense last season, having Arnette presence will help them work on a push to the playoffs. With a 7-9 record last year, the Raiders fell short of making the playoff last season, Arnette might be the hope they are looking for, to make a playoff appearance once again.

20th Pick – Jacksonville Jaguars – K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU) – LB

With the Jaguars taking CJ Henderson ninth overall earlier tonight, and now a linebacker from LSU in K’Lavon Chaisson, the Jaguars defense is stacking up to take on the AFC South division. With the Jaguars winning the 2017 AFC South division, and the Texans since than Jacksonville looks to tackle on the Texans, Colts and AFC championship runner-up Tennessee Titans.

21^st Pick – Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Reagor – (TCU) – WR  

With the fourth wide receiver selected in the NFL draft, Jalen Reagor hopes to help the Philadelphia Eagles continue winning the NFC East Division. The Eagles who have won the NFC East in the last three out of four seasons, look to make another push not only to the playoffs but get back to Super Bowl contention back in 2017-2018. Reagor who contributed 22 touchdowns and 2248 yards with TCU, look to help quarterback Carson Wentz in the 2020 NFL season.

22^nd Pick – Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo) – Justin Jefferson (LSU)– WR

With back to back wide receivers selected in NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings have taken on the decision to help quarterback Kirk Cousins selecting Justin Jefferson from LSU. Jefferson who helped first overall pick Joe Burrow win the National Championship last season with LSU, contributed 18 touchdowns and 1540 yards in 2019. Looking at this young man, Vikings fans have a lot to look forward to with Jefferson on the offensive side for them.

23^rd Pick – Los Angeles Chargers (from New England) – Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma) – LB

The Chargers who had the sixth pick overall earlier selected quarterback Justin Herbert, have taken on the defensive side of the field with Kenneth Murray. Murray, who played a huge role defensively for Oklahoma in the BIG 12, contributed huge with 36.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his three seasons for the Sooners. Charger fans will be pleased with this decision.

24^th Pick – New Orleans Saints – Cesar Ruiz (Michigan) – OL

The New Orleans Saints who fell short last year of the Super Bowl losing to the San Francisco 49ers look to Cesar Ruiz to help star quarterback Drew Brees on the offensive side.

25^th Pick – San Francisco 49ers (from Minnesota) – Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State) – WR

With the 49ers falling short of the Super Bowl last year, selecting Brandon Aiyuk will look to help head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo push towards a Super Bowl win. Aiyuk who contributed 11 touchdowns and 1666 yards with Arizon State look to help a highly talented San Francisco 49ers organization. This pick comes from the Minnesota Vikings who made a pick 22^nd overall and decided to trade this pick to San Francisco

26^th Pick – Green Bay Packers (from Miami) – Jordan Love (Utah State) – QB

With a surprising pick from Green Bay in selecting quarterback Jordan Love from Utah State comes with a purpose of the future for the Packers. With star quarterback Aaron Rodgers still with the Packers, Jordan Love looks to come into a Packers organization to look at and learn from Rodgers. During his three years with Utah State, Love had 60 touchdowns and 1125 yards. A lot of people question his value though with 17 interceptions in his last year with Utah State. However, that doesn’t bother Green Bay as they take on the role of teaching him so much behind Aaron Rodgers.

27^th Pick – Seattle Seahawks – Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech) – LB

As the Seattle Seahawks are looking to a player that can possibly help them get back to a strong defensive team, they have selected Jordyn Brooks from Texas Tech. With three sacks last season and two fumbles recovered, Jordyn looks to help the Seahawks organization defensively.

28^th Pick – Baltimore Ravens – Patrick Queen (LSU) – ILB

With the Baltimore Ravens organization being known for their powerful linebacker performance in the past with player such as Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, Patrick Queen looks to follow in their highly dominating footsteps. With an interception and three sacks last year for LSU, Queen is now with a powerful Ravens organization with the 28^th pick overall. Patrick who is the younges of three sisters, is ready to continue the male side of the Queen family.

29^th Pick – Tennessee Titans – Isaiah Wilson (Georgia) – OT

With the 29^th pick in the NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans look towards Isaiah Wilson from Georgia. The Titans who made a memorable run to the AFC championship game before falling short to defending Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs have new talent on the offensive side to help quarterback Ryan Tannehill on possibly a Super Bowl run this year.

30^th Pick – Miami Dolphins (from Green Bay) – Noah Igbinoghene (Auburn) CB

With Miami switching the 26h pick with Green Bay for the 30^th pick, the Miami Dolphins have selected a third time in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft; however, instead this time on the defensive side of the field in Nah Igbinoghene. Igbinoghene who switched from the wide receiver position to corner back position in his last year with Auburn helped the Tigers program with 92 tackles total. With the AFC East looking differently offensively, Igbinoghene has a challenge his first year in the NFL.

31^st Pick – Minnesota Vikings (from San Francisco) – Jeff Gladney (TCU) – CB

With Minnesota having a second pick in the first round of the NFL draft this year, this time they have gone on the defensive side with selecting Jeff Gladney from TCU. Gladney who helped TCU for four seasons (five overall), with five interceptions and 146 tackles in total, the Vikings have an underrated player in Gladney.

32^nd Pick – Kansas City Chiefs – Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU) – RB

With the last pick in the first night of the 2020 NFL draft, the defending Super Bowl Champions, Kansas City Chiefs select Clyde Edwards-Helaire. With Helaire being the only running back selected in the first round, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs continue their strong offensive side with this pick 32^nd overall. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire having a total of 1,414 yards rushing and 16 touchdown last year for the defending National Champions LSU Tigers, the Chiefs have much to look with this pick. As they say, “the rich get richer.”

Teams with No First Round Picks:

Houston Texans

With the Houston Texans being the defending AFC South division champions, they decided to trade their 2020 and 2021 first-round pick for wide receiver Kenny Stills, and tackle Laremy Tunsil with two other picks. (4^th, 2020. 6^th, 2021). As they take on, the Colts, Titans and Jaguars with this decision they look to defend the AFC South. The Texans will have the 40^th pick in second round.

Indianapolis Colts

With the Colts taking on the decision to trading the 13^th pick to San Francisco who traded it to Tampa Bays. With the Colts looking to battle, the Texans, Jaguars and Titans in the AFC South they hope to get back to once was a championship team. With an early second round pick (34^th overall) the Colts will look to someone on getting them back on top of the AFC South.

Buffalo Bills

With the AFC East looking different without Tom Brady in the picture, the Buffalo Bills look to dethrone the Patriots dynasty in a chance to win the AFC East for the first time since 1995. The Bills won’t be selecting till 54^th overall in the second round.

Los Angeles Rams

With the Rams trading the 20^th pick to Jacksonville, their first selection in the NFL draft won’t be till 52^nd overall also 57^th overall with the trade they made with Houston for Brandin Cooks.

Pittsburgh Steelers.

Due to the trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Steelers traded their first-round pick in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Last season the Steelers fell short of making the NFL playoffs, with a new rule in 2020 of 14 teams in the playoff they look not to be in position of taking the final spot in 2020 playoffs but take over AFC North division once again from the Baltimore Ravens who had a memorable 14-2 season before getting upset by the Tennessee Titans. They have the 49^th overall pick in the second round.

New England Patriots

With the Tom Brady era ending in New England, the Patriot look to rebuild on preventing the dynasty from ending. The New England Patriots took the decision trading the 23^rd pick to the Los Angeles Chargers and not choose anyone in the first round. With the 37^th pick overall tomorrow the Patriots will look for someone to continue them being on top of the AFC East.

Surprises in the NFL Draft:

SEC Madness:

With a total of 15 picks taken overall in the NFL, the SEC took a record setting performance of most players from the same conference drafted in the first round.

• LSU (5)
• Alabama (4)
• Auburn (2)
• Georgia (2)
• Florida (1)
• South Carolina (1)

Defense wins Championships

With a total of 14 out of 32 picks in the first round, the defensive side of the field has taken over the NFL draft. Watch out, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Patrick Mahomes and others.

No Tight Ends, One Running Back

With no tight ends being drafted in the first round and only one running back selected with Clyde Edwards-Helaire being selected last to the Kansas City Chiefs, much was not selected on the offensive side of the field. With four quarterbacks drafted and six wide receivers drafted not much goes around on the offensive side.

New England?

With Tom Brady gone, others are questioning what New England will do with the 37^th pick in the second round. With them trading their first-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers, many are asking, why? Are we truly seeing an end to the dynasty that Belichick and Robert Kraft have made?

There are many times where I do interviews with players and coaches, and through the interviews many ask the same question, “How are you going to prepare for ________.” Many times they respond, “We are just taking it one game/day at a time.”

Through this time of the Coronavirus and quarantine, I think this is something we should live by, “Take life one day at a time.”

Including myself sometimes, we can get caught up in the news, social media, articles and so much more about what is yet to come through this pandemic or life in general. Instead of focusing on what today brings.

A great reminder that keeps popping up through this semester for myself is Psalm 46:10.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

As humans we get caught up in all that is said in the world and don’t listen to what God has said. “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Many of you are probably ask, “Where is God through this pandemic.” My response is, “Maybe if you stopped focusing on what is being said in the world, and truly focus and trust God, you could see his work through this.”

In conclusion, I want to encourage you, to truly focus on God through this, take one day at a time and “Be Still.”

“I just take it one day at a time, try to forget about what I did the day before. Go out there like every day is Opening Day.” – Aaron Judge

EDINBURG, Texas – (April 10, 2020) Rio Grande Valley FC (1-2) fell to San Antonio FC (3-0) on Friday evening. The first match came to a 2-7 defeat; San Antonio came through with a match two win against RGV with a score of 4-10. A third game was not necessary.

San Antonio struck quick with five goals against Christian Sais (Toros season ticket holder). Sais than contributed with two goals to cut Josh Richards lead to 2-5. However, Richards finished the match with two goals to clinch Group Four Division.

Josh Richards continued his momentum against Christian Sais with 3-1 lead against RGV FC. Sais than scored a goal against San Antonio FC to cut the defictit to 2-3. However, Richards boosted up his momentum once again and scored two goals to extend his lead to 2-5.

With RGV FC down three, Sais brought the team down one. However, that was it for RGV FC with Josh Richards scoring the final five goals of the match; including, a buzzer beating goal to win the second match, 10-4.

With the loss to San Antonio and an El Paso Locomotive win earlier against Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the Toros have been knocked out of making the playoff knockout stages, with only the top two teams from each division making the playoffs.

With the USL Championship still under suspension due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we hope to be back on the field soon.

More updates will be posted on the Toros Twitter page, please follow @RGVFC and rgvfc.com

In this video, I will be sharing a brief testimony about my life growing up and how I developed a relationship with God. Also, how I am doing now in life 🙂

“It seems like in today’s society time can be a strong indication of success.” – April Aguilar

April Aguilar is not the ordinary woman in sports.

Her presence alone speaks for itself. Aguilar, who is self-motivated, empathetic, and reliable, never gives up and is always willing to work hard to get things done.

April currently is the community relations manager for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the FC Toros.  

Besides her time with the Vipers and the Toros, April started her freshman year in college volunteering with University of Texas El Paso athletic department as a statistician for women’s basketball games. She then transitioned into the UTEP football program and planned large events for the booster club and started working with men’s basketball program.

“It got to the point where I would not leave, I was always offering to help in every department”, April stated.

Upon graduation, with motivation, and hard work, April continued working for the UTEP athletic program, in exchange they paid for grad school.

With a Master of Business in Sports Management and focus in leadership studies and pre-law, her opportunity with the Vipers and Toros came in a unique way.

In 2017, April, and her then boyfriend, who transferred to UTRGV to play basketball, both moved to the Valley. Within one week of moving, April went to go visit UTRGV men’s basketball assistant coach Jai Steadman who was in the hospital. During the visit, Coach Steadman who was in a hospital bed asked April various questions and without hesitation grabbed his phone, called the Vipers & Toros president at that time Bert Garcia, and got her an interview the following Friday.

April immediately got hired and since then has worked well with the Vipers and Toros.

“She is spot on, the most talented, well spoken, hardest working young lady I’ve ever came across, I knew she would fit in well with the Vipers,” commented Coach Steadman.

With a world where men have a different misconception about women in sports, it is very difficult for women who work in sports.

Will all the negative things said about women working in sports, you must be very passionate about it.

“I think women should be allowed to be women. Wear makeup, wear high heels, feel good about themselves, feel confident and still be passionate about sports,” April stated. “If you want to work in sports, you must have a passion for it.”

Even though, being confident on what she does, April has gone through her fair share of insecurities and doubts, like we all do at times.

April has come a very long way since she has set foot on the hardwood. During her time as a young girl she would have conversations with her schoolmates and  told them, “I will work in sports one day,” and they would question it and comment, “you can’t work in sports, you are a girl,” which made her upset and cry.

However, with being blessed with a very supportive family, both her parents instilled in her this statement, “Never let people dictate or have full control of your emotions or determine on what you can or can’t do.”

One question, that April always ask both her parents is, “What is your favorite NBA team?” Without hesitation, both their responses are, “whoever hires our daughter, will be our favorite NBA team.” Both her parents have never been to an NBA game, and with April having the dream to work with NBA team or ESPN, her goal is to have her parents attend their first NBA game watching her work on what she loves to do.

“Although one of my main goals is to one day work for an NBA team or become an NBA play publicist, there was also a point in time in my life where I would give anything for the opportunity to even be affiliated to an NBA team,” April commented. “So, to now wake up and be able to say that I work for the Houston Rockets G-League team is nothing less than an actual blessing.”

• 

Since her time with the Toros and Vipers, April has done much and been part of history. She has gone through the construction of both HEB Park and Bert Ogden Arena, also witnessed the Vipers win the G-League championship in the 2018-2019 season.

“She’s started programs that I hadn’t seen in the organization in my time being here. She cares about a community she’s not even from but that just shows her heart,” commented Vipers and Toros Media Relations Manager Amairani Ramirez.

However, her time with the Rio Grande Valley community has been most memorable.

She believes the community is very important and quotes, “A community is not going to support a team if a team is not going to support the community.”

With the opportunity to give back to the community, this makes her love her job.

The Rio Grande Valley has become a huge sports area with teams such as, UTRGV athletics performing strong, the RGV Vipers winning G-League championships and the Toros making a impact in the USL soccer league. This essay, comes from those that comes from other countries to make an impact in the RGV.

UTRGV senior forward Megan Johnson, originally from Newcastle, Australia, has been battling injuries this season. Despite her injuries, Megan has had a huge impact on and off the court for her team. She averages 6.2 points per game and five rebounds per game in her four seasons with UTRGV.

Houston Rockets and RGV Vipers center Isaiah Hartenstein whose dad is originally from Germany, makes a huge impact for the Vipers. Isaiah assisted in the team’s first G-League championship since the 2012-2013, last season. In the three years with the Vipers, he averages 14.3 points per game.

UTRGV sophomore guard Uche Dibiamaka from Adelaid, Australia, is the only international player from for UTRGV men’s basketball this season. In this season, Uche averages 16.8 minutes off the bench per game and plays aggressive each game for the Vaqueros.

Coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah is the first ever Palestine head coach in G-League History. Last season, Abdelfattah served as an assistant coach during the Vipers’ G-League championship run in 2019. Despite a rough first year as a head coach with a 12-23 record, Coach Mahmoud makes a huge impact on the team and the Rio Grande Valley.

UTRGV women’s basketball assistant coach Ipek Turkyilmaz orginally from Turkey, supports UTRGV tremulously. Coach Ipek just recently got inducted into the Barton Community College Hall of Fame on Wednesday, where she coached from 2016-2017, where she met now UTRGV head coach Lane Lord.

Howard who has been with the team since Dec. 2019, coming out strong starting 13 games for the Vipers this season. He is originally from Montbrisson, France. His time with the Vipers, Howard averages 13.1 points per game and has 5.4 rebounds per game.

Iva who is from Zagreb, Croatia, is in her first season with the program. Belosevic assists the Vaqueros off the bench this season averaging 11.8 minutes per game, supports and communicates well with her team this season.

Coach Luke Mackay comes from Perth, Australia, been with UTRGV since 2017-2018 season. Mackay helps UTRGV head coach Lew Hill with the men’s basketball program, assisting him with in-game time outs and before games rebounding during pregame shootaround for the team.

Valeria comes across the South Texas border in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. A starting junior guard for the Vaqueros, her major is in Multidisciplinary Studies. Tapia averages 16.2 minutes per game and average 1.4 assists per game. Even though, Tapia does not score much in games this season, her impact comes through strong communication with her teammates.

Thibaud Fraisse who is from the New Castle, Australia, helps the Rio Grande Valley Vipers as their Strenth and Conditioning coach. He has a bachelor’s degree in Excercise Science from the University of New Castle. This is Fraisse’s second season with the Vipers, where he helps the team with many injuries they have contained throughout the years. In his first season, Fraisse assisted the team to a championship title.