By Kristi Gentry
DEVINE, Texas — What began in 2024 as a way for a handful of local high school athletes to extend their track season has quickly grown into one of the area’s most exciting youth athletic programs.
Founded by Kristi Gentry, the Devine Speed AAU Track and Field Team started with just a few athletes looking to sharpen their skills beyond the UIL season and gain a competitive edge. In just two years, that vision has blossomed into a thriving program that serves athletes from across South Texas.
This season, Devine Speed welcomed more than 50 athletes between the ages of 10 and 18, along with several younger competitors under the age of 10. The team’s rapid growth reflects the increasing interest in year-round track and field opportunities for young athletes from rural communities.
The 2026 AAU Outdoor season concluded with an impressive list of accomplishments. 18 Devine Speed athletes qualified for the AAU Regional Meet, showcasing the program’s depth and talent.
Among the team’s standout performers, Brooklyn Saenz earned a coveted qualification to the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Iowa, one of the nation’s premier youth track and field competitions. Meanwhile, 3x UIL State Track Qualifier Rowdy Esparza qualified for and competed at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, competing against some of the top high school athletes in the country.
Devine Speed draws athletes from several surrounding communities, including Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Pearsall, Cotulla, and Carrizo Springs, creating opportunities for young competitors who may not otherwise have access to elite offseason training and competition.
The program offers both outdoor and indoor track seasons, allowing athletes to continue developing year-round while building confidence, discipline, and friendships across school district lines.
What started as an effort to help a few athletes improve has become much more—a program that is creating opportunities, building champions, and proving that small-town athletes can compete on the biggest stages.
As Devine Speed continues to grow, the team is not only developing faster runners and stronger competitors but also helping putSouth Texas Track and Field on the map, one race and event at a time.
A special thanks to our All Volunteer Coaches, Kristi Gentry, Matthew Saenz, Matt Martinez, Cynthia Calame, Candace Esparza and Jazmine Olivas.
John Steffens at the discus event.
Malia and Makenna Esparza.
Liberty Ritchey and Jazlyn Olivas are having a strong season for the Devine Speed AAU team.
Devine Speed’s 10U 4×100 team (left to right) Landrey Martinez, Ainsley Martinez, Brooklyn Saenz and Jolene Medina.
Warhorse Rowdy Esparza competed at Nike Outdoor Nationals.