SACHS Student-Athlete takes State Title in Track and Field Event

Laura Sierra Shows you can Succeed On and Off the Field

San Antonio – May 8, 2024 - “I love track and field because of the challenge and the opportunity to improve myself continuously.”

She is only in her junior year at St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) and Laura Sierra has already accomplished so much in the sport of track and field representing the SACHS Yellow Jackets. A three-time district champion in the shot put and two-time regional champion, Sierra knew there was one more step to take. That happened on Friday, May 3 in Waco when Sierra realized her dream and won the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) State Championship.

“I have been competing in track since my 7th grade year at Folks Middle School,” says Sierra. “I enjoy working harder every day to improve myself mentally and physically. I also love my coaches and the relationships I make along the way.” 

“Laura embodies what it means to have Jacket Pride,” says St. Anthony Coach Justin Humphries. “She truly dedicated herself to improving in any way she could, and the results followed. She is the most deserving state champion, and we are all extremely proud of her.”

But the accomplishment did not come easy. Driven by her past success, but just coming up short, Sierra worked even harder throughout the off-season. And those closest to her could see that the drive was paying off.

“As her parents, we are so very, very proud of what Laura has accomplished by fulfilling one of her goals,” says Sierra’s mother, Regina Sierra and her father, Juan. “We watched Laura set her goal a year ago when she placed second at this event. She decided at that time she was going to go back and win. That is when she set her strength and conditioning workouts to 6 a.m. all summer long, working with Coach Sean Hobdy on the weekends and then working with Coach Humphries and Coach Kirby at St. Anthony. We know, as long as she sets her goals, she will always accomplish whatever she sets her mind to.”

And what she has set her mind to next is continued success, both on and off the field. Sierra currently takes dual credit classes at St. Anthony and at the University of the Incarnate Word.

“I want to pursue being a Physical Therapist and get a master’s degree,” says Sierra. “I would love to continue track and field in my undergraduate years in college.”

But for now, Sierra says she is grateful for all the love and support that have led her to this point. And she says she feels blessed to be doing it at an institution steeped in the tradition and history that is St. Anthony Catholic High School.

“St. Anthony is a special place to me because of the opportunities they provide me,” concludes Sierra. “St. Anthony has allowed me to play volleyball, basketball as well as track and field. Along with the athletic program, the dual credit option at St. Anthony has given me the opportunity to get ahead in my education and better prepare me for college as well as allow me to earn college credit. The community at St. Anthony is very welcoming. I feel that St. Anthony has taught me more about my faith and brought me closer to God.”