Midland ISD student-athletes interested in competing in sports during the summer will be given the chance. An athletic program has been established by the Young Women's Leadership Academy (YWLA) and will create a pathway for athletes to compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL) athletic events for their campus.
For the 2024-25 school year, the YWLA will compete at the 3A level, according to a Midland ISD news release. Cross-country, tennis, and swimming are the sports offered at the varsity level. Volleyball will be offered at the junior varsity (JV) level, and junior high student-athletes can take part in basketball, cross-country, tennis, swimming, and volleyball. Varsity and JV cheerleading teams will be facilitated by the schools attended by students.
"We are committed to building an athletics program that not only promotes physical fitness and teamwork," said YWLA Athletics Coordinator Coach Debbie Jones. "(It) also embodies the spirit of leadership and excellence that YWLA stands for."
According to the news release, the initiative is an expansion of a program that was offered to 6th and 7th graders starting in 2019 and added one grade class annually with input from the district’s athletic department. For the first time ever, seniors will be given the opportunity to participate. The objective is to provide student-athletes with more avenues to be successful in and out of the classroom such as a weight room for the summer program.
"We understand the importance of strong athletic programs in our students' overall development," said Jones. "This will provide opportunities for our young women to thrive in sports, learn valuable life skills, and build lasting friendships."