PSJA ISD Alumni Part of History at UTRGV’s Inaugural Football Season

PHARR – Dozens of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) alumni are part of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s (UTRGV) inaugural football season. 

From the football field to the dance team, drill team, and marching band—and behind the scenes on the sidelines—PSJA ISD graduates are contributing their talents and energy to this milestone moment, helping bring new excitement and pride to the Rio Grande Valley.

PSJA Memorial Early College High School Class of 2025 alumna, Maddison Cano, reflected on how her time in PSJA Athletics shaped her journey, preparing her to become a UTRGV Vaqueros Cheerleader and building the foundation for her collegiate future.

“Being part of UTRGV’s very first football season has been such an incredible blessing,” said Cano. “What makes it even more special is knowing my whole family can come together and share in this experience and pride. The foundation I built at PSJA truly prepared me for this moment, and now I get to carry that spirit forward as a Vaquero. Representing my PSJA family at the collegiate level is both exciting and inspiring for all who dream big. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had.”

As the UTRGV Vaqueros kick off their inaugural season, alumni are standing out as athletes, performers, and professionals supporting the event’s production, reflecting the opportunities and preparation they received during their time at PSJA ISD.

Among the many proud PSJA ISD alumni making history with UTRGV’s inaugural football season is Edgar Hernandez, a PSJA Early College High School Class of 2019 graduate and current Multimedia Journalist for PSJA ISD. Hernandez reflected on how his journey began in high school, where a TV Production class sparked his passion for videography and set the foundation for his future.

“It all started at PSJA, I learned all the fundamentals to help elevate my skills and take me to the next level at UTRGV and ESPN,” said Hernandez, who is part of the ESPN Broadcast Operations team for UTRGV Athletics. “I thank all the teachers and staff at PSJA Early College High School, who helped shape my career.”

PSJA ISD congratulates UTRGV on this historic season and applauds the university for rallying the Valley around a new era of college spirit.