Former college athlete Coach Samantha Mendez brings 15+ years of coaching experience to the Arabian program. Hired by Devine ISD this Summer, she is excited to lead the Arabians into the upcoming season as the Head Volleyball Coach.
By Kayleen Holder Editor Coach Samantha Mendez will take the lead of the Arabian Volleyball program this season. Mendez has been coaching for 15+ years, and she’s really excited about what she’s seen so far from the maroon and gold. “I’ll tell you right now, we have a lot of talent here in Devine, girls who are hungry to win and hungry to carry on the tradition,” Coach Mendez said. “That’s something I definitely see in these girls, and I’m super, super excited to coach these athletes. They are eager to play, willing to learn and willing to work.” Mendez has coached at a variety of levels at San Antonio ISD, SA Memorial, Wimberley club volleyball, as well as Lytle ISD most recently. One of her favorite coaching memories was coined “The Memorial Volleyball Miracle” by the SA Report. In this historic turnaround, Coach Mendez led the San Antonio Memorial volleyball team to its first district championship in over 40 years. Coach Mendez says…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Two Divisions – JRs (3rd & 4th graders) and SRs (5th & 6th graders). Football sign-ups will be held this Sunday, August 2nd from 10am-2pm at 717 Tuttle Dr. in Devine. Registration fee is $100.00 and a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate is required when registering. If you have any questions, contact Jack Zimmerle at 210.215.4944.
Jerel Beaty The sound of whistles, squeaking shoes, and of course, volleyballs striking the court will return this Saturday as teams from across the state officially open their preseason workouts. August 1 marks the first day programs may issue equipment and conduct workouts, giving athletes their first organized opportunity to begin preparing for what all hope is a memorable and playoff-appearance making 2026 season. Like all schools, Devine, Lytle, and Natalia will not have long to settle in before competition ramps up. The first scrimmages are scheduled for August 7, followed by the first day for matches on August 10. Those early dates give coaches a short window to evaluate lineups, build rotations and prepare players for the pace of regular-season play. The regular season will build toward district certification on October 27 when playoff qualifiers are finalized. From there, the postseason begins quickly with bi-district matches set for October 29-31 and area-round play scheduled for November 2-3. The playoff road continues with regional semifinals November 5-7 and regional finals November 9-10. Teams that advance beyond their respective region will move on to the state semifinals November 14, with state championship matches scheduled for November 19-21. Best of luck to all Arabian, Lady Mustang, and Lady Pirate teams during their 2026 seasons!
This young lady, Gwyn Mia DeLeon has overcome a lot in her young life, and it is evident that she has touched and will continue to touch many lives along the way with her uplifting attitude, grateful heart, and her touching story. Photo by KK Calame.
By Kayleen Holder Editor Look at her go! Everyone smiled as Devine High School Class President Gwyn Mia DeLeon gave her speech at Warhorse Stadium Friday night. Due to time constraints, she wasn’t able to give the full speech she had written, so we are proud to present more of this bright young lady’s thoughts, born from a very grateful heart. This young lady has overcome so much, and it is evident that she has touched many lives along the way with her story. DeLeon thanked everyone who “made it possible for us to stand here today in our maroon caps and gowns.” And for Gwyn, these words carry more weight than they might for the average teen. Just a few years ago, as she was beginning her high school career, DeLeon’s family received devastating and completely unexpected news–her kidneys were failing. At the age of 14, DeLeon, who was a freshman at Devine High School at the time, quickly began dialysis, while her family prayed for a donor. The bright young woman has always been very active in school and church, and it was not long before the community rallied around her, with more than 100 people stepping forward to register to be tested to be on the living donor list on her behalf. Soon, Gwyn’s biological mother learned she was a match and donated her kidney in a successful transplant in November of 2023. DeLeon will be attending St Phillips College in San Antonio where she will study radiology. When she was awarded Student of the Month this past November, she stated,” I have always had a passion for the medical field and I plan to live that out helping those in need,” DeLeon said. In her address, DeLeon thanked everyone from parents and teachers and coaches, to those working behind the scenes such as staff, administrators, school board…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Devine had an astounding 14 student athletes make the South Texas Coaches Association All-Star game. Devine had multiple representatives across basketball, volleyball and football. The Warhorses who hit the field were Tyler Hinnant, Nate Martinez, Riley Gutierrez, Jackson Hagdorn, Trystan LaFond, Ty Sadler, Jeremy Steinbrunner, Mario Vicente and Derek Taylor. Photo from Devine Athletic booster club.
Jerel Beaty Staff writer For many high school athletes, the final game or meet of their senior season marks the end of a journey years in the making. But for 14 Devine High School seniors, the opportunity to compete one more time became a reality after earning selection to one of the prestigious South Texas Coaches Association All-Star Game in Floresville on May 14. The honor serves as both a celebration of their accomplishments and recognition from opposing coaches who witnessed firsthand the impact these athletes made throughout their careers. Selections to an all-star event are never handed out lightly. Coaches across South Texas evaluate athletes not only for statistics and performances, but also for leadership, consistency, sportsmanship, and the ability to compete at a high level against strong competition. For Devine, having 14 seniors chosen speaks volumes about the caliber of athletes the Warhorses and Arabians placed on the field and court for their final taste of glory during the 2025-26 school year. The selections also reflect the respect these seniors earned from rival programs throughout the region. Week after week, Devine athletes competed with determination and pride, often elevating the level of play around them. Whether through clutch performances, relentless effort, or simply being dependable teammates, these seniors left lasting impressions on their own coaches as well who now have the privilege of watching them compete one final time, but this time, as fans…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Devine had two Arabian seniors participate in the South Texas Coaches Association All-Star game. Bella Flores and Cami Carroll got to hit the hardwood one final time in Floresville. Photo from Devine Athletic booster club.
Arabian Abriella Kayl will be attending Bryant & Stratton College. In her senior season Kayl had 13 plate appearances, nine at bats, one run and one RBI. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Congratulations to all the students furthering their athletic careers!
Warhorse Jackson Hagdorn signed to the United States Coast Guard. Hagdorn earned All-District honors in his last season at Devine. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Warhorse Riley Gutierrez signed to Schreiner University. In his final season in Devine, Gutierrez led his team in total runs at 17 and earned an honorable mention on the All-District team this year. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Warhorse Rudy Castillo signed to Arlington Baptist University. In his senior season, Castillo earned All-District first team honors with a .333 batting average, 13 hits and 27 K’s. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Warhorse Ryan Weinkam will be attending Texas A&M University- San Antonio. Weinkam was a force on the track this season. He and his relay team broke multiple school records and punctuated his senior with a trip to the State track and field meet in Austin. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Warhorse Tanner Davis will be attending Texas A&M- Kingsville. During a meet in Kerrvile this season, Davis won three gold medals and contributed 30 points to Devine’s 73 total. He took first place in High Jump, Pole Vault and the 400m dash. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Warhorse Trystan LaFond will be attending Wayland Baptist University. In his senior season at Devine, LaFond had 124 rushing yards while leading his team in total conversion points. Photo by Brigid Howard.
Warhorse Ty Sadler will be attending Bethel College. In his final season on the diamond, Sadler made the Academic All-District team. Photo by Brigid Howard.
LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Warhorses Ryan Weinkam, Mikey Rodriguez, Rowdy Esparza, Zach Guerra and alternate Alex Garcia competed at the State Track and Field meet in Austin. They participated in the 4×400 relay race and came in 9th place with a time of 3:21.71. Photo from Diana Ruiz.
Jerel Beaty Staff writer For a small town, moments like these carry a little extra meaning. On May 14 at the UIL State Track and Field Championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium, Devine was represented proudly as Rowdy Esparza, Karter Brown, Bo Wheeler, Rylie Wells, Zach Guerra, Ryan Weinkam, Mikey Rodriguez, and alternate Alex Garcia-Castillo achieved something many high school athletes only dream about as they competed on the biggest stage Texas high school track and field has to offer. Earning a trip to Austin is never accidental. It takes months of early mornings or late evenings training on their own, long practices, sore muscles, and unwavering commitment. For these Warhorses and Arabian, the journey reflected not only athletic ability, but also resilience, teamwork, and belief in themselves. From district competition all the way through the regional meet, Devine’s athletes continued to rise to the challenge and proved they belonged among the state’s best as many set school records along the way. While medals and times are often what people remember most, the experience of reaching the state meet is something far greater. Walking into the atmosphere of the UIL State Championships and competing against elite athletes from across Texas is a memory that will stay with these young student-athletes forever as just earning the right to step onto that track places them in rare company. The performances in Austin also reflected the strength of an entire community. Behind every athlete stood supportive families, dedicated coaches, teammates, teachers, and fans who helped make the journey possible. Devine has long taken pride in athletes who compete with heart and represent their town the right way, and this group did exactly that throughout the season. Rowdy, Karter, Bo, Riley, Zach, Ryan, Mikey, and Alex represented Devine with class, determination, and pride and poured their heart and souls into giving Warhorse and Arabian fans a reason to cheer all the way through the final race of 2026…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Warhorse Karter Brown participated in the State Track and Field meet last week in Austin. Brown competed in the Shot Put event and placed eighth overall. Photo from Alison Brown.
Arabian Riley Wells participated at the State Track and Field meet in Austin last week. Wells competed in the Triple Jump event where she placed 9th overall. Photo by Pamela Wells.
Devine will be sending 8 athletes to the State Track and Field meet on Thursday, May 14th in Austin at Mike A. Myers Stadium. Representing the Warhorses: Karter Brown, Rowdy Esparza, Bo Wheeler, Alex Garcia-Castillo, Zach Guerra, Mikey Rodriguez, and Ryan Weinkam. Rylie Wells is the sole representative for the Arabians. Pictured above are the athletes heading off with their manager Brooke Dubose. Good luck, go make Devine proud!
Lytle will be sending 3 athletes to the State Track and Field meet on Thursday, May 14th in Austin at Mike A. Myers Stadium. Pictured above are: Jewell Hicks, Sebastian Garcia and Jacob Cantu. Good luck to the athletes!
Devine will be sending eight athletes to the State Track and Field meet in Austin at Mike A. Meyers stadium on Thursday, May 14. The eight athletes heading to State are: Karter Brown, Rowdy Esparza, Bo Wheeler, Alex Garcia-Castillo, Zach Guerra, Mikey Rodriguez, Ryan Weinkam and Rylie Wells. Esparza, Rodriguez, Weinkam, Guerra and Garcia-Castillo (altername) will be competeing in the 4×400 relay. Esparza will also be competing in the Long Jump event. Wheeler will be in the High Jump event, Brown will compete in Shot Put and Wells will be in the Triple Jump event. Pictured above is Mikey Rodriguez(right) preparing to hand the baton to Ryan Weinkam (left). Photo by Moose Lopez.
Jerel Beaty Staff writer The 2026 UIL State Track and Field Meet for Class 4A is Thursday, May 14th in Austin at Mike A. Myers Stadium. Gates open for admission at 7:00am. Devine High School sends eight student-athletes as seven from the Warhorse side of things make the trip as does one Arabian. Representing the boys side is Karter Brown, Rowdy Esparza, Bo Wheeler, Alex Garcia-Castillo, Zach Guerra, Mikey Rodriguez, and Ryan Weinkam while Rylie Wells is the sole representative for the Arabians. Best of luck to all participants and their coaches! Class 4A Session #1 9:00am High Jump-Bo Wheeler, High Jump-G, Shot Put-G 9:30am 3200m-G 9:45am 3200m-B 10:30am Shot Put-Karter Brown 10:45am Long Jump-Rowdy Esparza, Long Jump-G 1:00pm Discus-G, Pole Vault-B 2:45pm Triple Jump-Rylie Wells 3:00pm Discus-B, Pole Vault-G Session #2 5:00pm 400m Relay 5:20pm 800m Run 5:45pm 100/110m Hurdles 6:05pm 100m Dash 6:40pm 800m Relay 7:00pm 400m Dash-Rowdy Esparza 7:35pm 300m Hurdles 7:55pm 200m Dash 8:15pm 1600m Run 8:45pm 1600m Relay-Rowdy Esparza, Ryan Weinkam, Zach Guerra, Mikey Rodriguez, Alex Garcia-Castillo
