Laredo Independent School District Athletic Director Luis Escamilla recently received the South Texas Athletic Director of the Year Award. Escamilla was honored with the award during the South Texas All-Star Football game at Shirley Field.
Coach Escamilla, who is completing his first year as the district’s Athletic Director is extremely humbled and honored to receive this prestigious recognition. “I credit this achievement to our dedicated athletic administrators, office staff, coaches, and our Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Ms. Maggie Martinez—all of whom work together toward shared goals.” said Escamilla. “Without their support and commitment, none of this would be possible.”
Coach Escamilla praised his staff and former LISD Athletic Director Sylvia Barrera for his current success. “I would like to thank the athletic department team for consistently providing outstanding support to our coaches, students, and learning community,” said Escamilla. “I am also especially grateful to my predecessor, who created opportunities for me to grow—whether through attending conferences or taking on leadership roles—which helped prepare me for this new position.”
Escamilla’s experience as a collegiate student-athlete led him to pursue a career in education and coaching. After serving in public education for 20 years, Escamilla attained his dream job.
When he was an undergraduate student, Escamilla remembers walking back every night from the library envisioning becoming an Athletic Director. “I credit my former coaches for much of what I have been able to achieve. They taught me to never be satisfied and to always “see the invisible, do the impossible”,” said Escamilla. “My former coaches continue to serve as role models, and their dedication to student-athletes inspired me to join this profession so I can one day pay it forward.”
Athletics has always been a significant part of Coach Escamilla’s life. “It has taught me to believe in myself and work steadily toward a goal. That same mindset drives me today, as I strive to make others better,” said Escamilla. “I was fortunate to be coached by remarkable individuals who went beyond the game and helped shape future leaders in our community.”
Escamilla’s goal as Athletic Director is to guide Laredo ISD athletics toward continued growth, school excellence,and to elevate the traditions for the athletic department through academics and athletics. “The vision here at LISD has always been to make sure that we support our post-secondary education, the workforce and the military. The platform that we have to provide this opportunity with our student athletes is incredible,” said Escamilla. “But definitely one thing we want to do this year is just to elevate our traditions. We just want to get one percent better every day.”
Coach Escamilla oversees high school and middle school football, cross country, and track and field and swimming. He will also be in charge of athletic coordinators and trainers, elementary sports, advertising/sponsorship, and budget.
The Athletic Department is responsible for elementary, middle and high school athletic programs including football, volleyball, boys and girls cross country, basketball, soccer, track and field, powerlifting, swimming, golf, and tennis, softball, and baseball.
Coach Escamilla is a product of LISD having graduated from Martin High School. He was a proud member of the MHS Cross Country and Track teams who won three district titles. Escamilla received a biology degree from Texas A&M Kingsville where he earned All-Conference and All-American honors in track.