Sylvia Cardenas spent 33 years with Harlandale ISD, including 28 seasons as the head volleyball coach.
SAN ANTONIO — A pep rally like no other was held at Harlandale High School on Wednesday. The community got together to honor a beloved coach, mentor and Harlandale graduate. The school gymnasium now proudly bears the name of Sylvia Cardenas.
Cardenas spent 33 years with Harlandale ISD, including 28 seasons as the head volleyball coach. She racked up more than 600 wins and led her teams to 25 playoff appearances, but those who knew her say her legacy goes far beyond the wins.
“She was just so involved and really cared about the kids,” said Richard Cardenas, her husband. “To some, she was like a second mother.”
After retiring eight years ago, Sylvia continued to support young athletes by running a summer league and volleyball organization. She remained active in the volleyball community until she no longer could. In late May, Sylvia was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. She passed away less than two weeks later.
“She lived a good life,” Richard said. “What she has done in life has really helped, and seeing the impact she had on kids, it means everything.”
Harlandale School District Athletic Director Rose Ann Martinez said Sylvia was a mentor to her.
“I feel like this is our time to give back to her, for all the sweat she put into this gym,” she said. “Sylvia truly cared. That’s one thing when you think about Sylvia, she truly cared about everything.”
The gymnasium was more than a workplace for Sylvia, you can say it was like her second home. And now, it will serve as a permanent tribute to her life and impact.
“She loved it,” Richard added. “You know the old saying: You never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you are doing. And she loved what she did.”
The gym renaming was a community effort, as more than 700 signatures were collected and presented to the school board.
