Making Success Possible: La Joya ISD's Becky Villagran Nominated for Hometown Heart of Athletics Award
La Joya, TX - Championships may be won on the field or court, but behind every successful athletic program is a team of dedicated professionals whose work often goes unseen. Their commitment, organization, and unwavering support help create opportunities for student-athletes to excel each day. It is this behind-the-scenes dedication that the Hometown Heart of Athletics Award was created to celebrate.
La Joya ISD is proud to announce that Becky Villagran, Secretary for the District's Athletics Department, has been nominated for the prestigious Hometown Heart of Athletics Award, presented through a partnership between Hometown and Dave Campbell's Texas Football. The award recognizes the hardworking individuals across Texas whose service, commitment, and passion strengthen athletic programs and positively impact student-athletes without seeking recognition.
Throughout her years with La Joya ISD, Villagran has played an integral role in supporting the district's athletic programs by coordinating daily operations, assisting coaches, managing budgets and purchasing processes, organizing travel, and ensuring athletic programs have the resources needed to succeed.
While much of her work takes place behind the scenes, Villagran says every responsibility ultimately serves one purpose - supporting student-athletes.
"Being nominated is truly an honor because it means that the work I do every day has been noticed and appreciated by those I serve," said Villagran. "Much of my role happens behind the scenes, but knowing my efforts contribute to the success of our athletes and programs makes this recognition incredibly meaningful."
Villagran credits the collaborative spirit of the district’s Athletics Department for making the nomination possible and views the recognition as a reflection of the department's shared commitment to serving students.
"Winning this award would not only be a tremendous personal honor, but it would also recognize the hard work, teamwork, and dedication of our entire Athletics Department," she said. "Every task we complete ultimately supports our student-athletes, and they are the reason we do what we do."
La Joya ISD’s Executive Director of Athletics Joe Peña said Villagran exemplifies the servant leadership and dedication that define La Joya ISD Athletics.
"Becky is the heartbeat of our Athletics Department," said Peña. "Her professionalism, work ethic, and unwavering commitment ensure our coaches and student-athletes have the support they need to succeed. She leads with humility, serves without seeking recognition, and consistently goes above and beyond for our programs.”
Heart of Athletics Award recipients are recognized throughout the year by Hometown and Dave Campbell's Texas Football through their digital platforms and social media channels. At the conclusion of the program, the public will vote to determine the Heart of Athletics Award of the Year, with the winner receiving additional recognition and a prize package.
La Joya ISD encourages students, families, staff, alumni, and community members to show their support for Villagran by participating in the public voting process. Voting is unlimited and remains open through July 22. Community members can vote by visiting www.texasfootball.com/heart-of-athletics-award/form.
La Joya ISD congratulates Villagran on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the dedication, compassion, and excellence she brings to the Athletics Department and the countless students she serves.