Texas Border Business
Daniella Cardenas, 20, is pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher and basketball coach while working toward her associate degree in Kinesiology at South Texas College.
Cardenas is on track to graduate in the summer of 2025, making her the first in her family to earn a college degree. Her passion for basketball led her to coaching, and she plans to continue her education after graduation to further her career.
“I knew I wouldn’t be playing basketball forever, but I wanted to stay involved with the sport and help young athletes develop,” Cardenas said.
Her love for basketball started at Weslaco East High School, where she played for four years. One of her biggest accomplishments was being part of the undefeated district championship team in 2019-2020. In addition to the championship win, Cardenas received a WildCat logo plaque as a senior, symbolizing her commitment to the sport and her team.
Cardenas’ coaching journey began at the Boys and Girls Club in Weslaco. In her first year of coaching, her team finished with a 5-5 record, but her leadership earned her a Coach of the Year award and a medal. That experience solidified her desire to continue coaching and mentoring young athletes.
“Being a coach is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. I love seeing how much the kids grow, both as players and as individuals,” she said.
Cardenas also credits her success to the support she’s received from faculty members at South Texas College. In particular, she remembers Janice Ponce from the Kinesiology department, who motivated her to push past self-doubt and work hard in both the classroom and the weight room.
“Mrs. Ponce always pushed me to do my best, even when I didn’t think I was good enough,” Cardenas said. “Her encouragement helped me earn a B in class, and that was a huge accomplishment for me.”
Looking ahead, Cardenas is focused on graduating and continuing her coaching career. She’s grateful for the opportunities she’s had and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” Cardenas said. “I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”
