Texas Southmost College’s athletics aspirations will see a new addition soon in the form of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams, both of which are slated to hit the track and start training in late 2025.
Texas Southmost College, October 2024 – Texas Southmost College (TSC) is making significant strides in expanding its athletics program. TSC Board of Trustees unanimously approved the addition of both men’s and women’s NJCAA intercollegiate cross-country teams during the September Regular Board Meeting. This decision highlights the institution’s commitment to broadening opportunities for student-athletes in the Rio Grande Valley.
Texas Southmost College Trustee and Chair Adela Garza shared that she sees the expansion of athletics as a win for both students and the community. “The addition of cross country and the future possibility of baseball reflect the TSC board’s vision of expanding opportunities for student-athletes,” said Garza. “This is not just about sports; it’s about enhancing our campus culture and supporting student success in all areas.”
Athletic Executive Director Dr. Armando Ponce shared his plan for the program, stating that the search for a head coach will begin this fall. “Our goal is to have a coach in place by early spring, allowing us to begin the recruitment process right away,” said Dr. Ponce. “The teams will start training in August 2025, with competition beginning that fall.”
The new cross-country teams, each consisting of six men and six women, will compete in Region 14. While the region does not have a full conference schedule, the teams will have the flexibility to participate in meets across Texas, giving them the chance to qualify for the national meet. Cross country, a fall sport, will host three to four meets starting in August 2025.
Dr. Ponce highlighted the logistical ease of the transition, pointing out the availability of ample space for cross-country training and the collaboration with local high schools, which have offered to share their cross-country routes.
Soccer Success and Baseball Ambitions
In addition to cross country, TSC’s existing soccer teams have continued to grow. With 30 women and 36 men on the rosters, the soccer program includes 10 transfer students. “We are playing against nationally ranked contenders in soccer,” Dr. Ponce shared, underscoring the high caliber of the program. Both Scorpions men’s and women’s soccer teams made history by securing a spot in the playoffs during only their second year of competition. This remarkable achievement comes after a season filled with hard-fought battles, perseverance, and the determination to rise as a top contender in collegiate soccer.
The TSC Board of Trustees is also exploring the possibility of launching a baseball program, which would follow a similar trajectory to the cross-country team. If approved, the baseball program would likely begin competition in 2027, following a necessary field renovation and budget planning.
“Tremendous interest is already building among high school coaches and the community,” said Texas Southmost College President, Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez. “We are fortunate to have an incredible pool of talent right here in the Rio Grande Valley, particularly in baseball. There’s already excitement surrounding the program, with people inquiring about season tickets, which speaks to the enthusiasm and support for what we are building.”
With support from our secondary schools and growing enthusiasm from the local community, TSC’s expansion into cross country and potential baseball programs marks a new chapter for the college’s athletic department. These developments promise to enhance the college’s profile in the NJCAA and further engage student-athletes from the Rio Grande Valley.
