Administrative Staff

• Director: Sylvia Barrera
• Assoc Director: Robert Garza
• Office Coordinator: Irene Vela-Mendoza
• Strength and Conditioning Specialist: Aaron Garza
• Facility Operations/Intramurals Specialist: Manuel M. Flores III
• Strength and Conditioning Specialist: Victoria Davenport

Director: Sylvia Barrera
sylvia.barrera@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3016

Education:

Raymond & Tirza Martin High School – Laredo , Texas

Associate of Art Degree – Laredo Community College (Laredo, Texas)

Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology with Psychology as second teaching field – Texas Woman’s University (Denton,  Texas)

Master of Science: Kinesiology with specialization in Athletic Administration – Texas A&M University  (Kingsville)

Administrative Certification:  Principalship – Texas A&M International University

Professional Experience:

L.J. Christen Jr. High – Kinesiology Teacher/Middle School Coach

Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School – Kinesiology/Psychology/P.A.L. (Peers Assisting Learning) Teacher/Varsity Head

Basketball Coach, Jr. Varsity Assistant Volleyball Coach, Assistant Track Coach.

Administration:  Athletic Director / Assistant Principal

Associate Director (Intramurals) - Texas A&M International University

Director - Texas A&M International University

General Information

Born and raised in Laredo, Texas and take great pride in creating learning opportunities for students to enhance their campus experience.  Education and sports have always been my passion, and Recreational Sports/Intramurals is a platform that incorporates the two.  Opportunities for students to hone their leadership skills through participation, officiating and supervising generates a positive energy for our programs to ensure success.

Associate Director: Roberto Hugo Garza
roberto.garza@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3019

Education

BBA in Business Administration – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, Texas

Professional

Intramural Sports Official – Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX -  2005-2008

Facility Attendant – Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX – 2005 - 2006

Student Manager- Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX – 2006 - 2009

Facility Operations Specialist - Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - January 2010 - August 2011

Associate Director - Texas A&M International University

General Information

I was born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas but have been in Laredo for most of my life.  I like to spend time with my family and friends whenever I am not working or in class.  My goal is to one day have a masters degree in business.  My interest in the field began at a national conference in Austin.  It was then that I decided I wanted to make this my profession.   I am excited to be part of the student success team; and a great pleasure to be part of the Recreational Sports Department.  I enjoy spending time with the staff, and working out at the Rec, I hope to see you all here.

Office Coordinator: Irene Vela-Mendoza
irene@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3015

Professional:

Admissions Clerk, Office of Admissions- Texas A&M International University- Laredo, TX - 1996 - 1998

Staff Assistant, Office of Enrollment Management- Texas A&M International University- Laredo, TX- 1998-1999

Staff Assistant, Office of the Executive Director of Student Life- Texas A&M International University- Laredo, TX- 1999-2005

Staff Assistant, Office of the Associate Vice-President for Student Affairs- Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX- 2005-2006

Office Coordinator, Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - 2006 - Present

General Information:

I was born in Laredo, TX and have lived in Laredo all of my life.  I am married and have four children.  I enjoy time with my family whenever possible. 

I have almost 15 years now at Texas A&M International University, but have been with the Recreational Sports department for 4 years.  They have become like my second family away from home.  I work with 25 of the greatest student staff, wonderful professional staff and a great boss.  Rec. Sports is a growing department and I am looking forward to all the new changes and growth to come for us in the future.

Strength and Conditioning Specialist: Aaron Garza
aaron.garza1@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3013

Education

B.A. Fitness and Sports / Minor in Health - Texas A & M International University

Professional

United States Marine Corps Infantry Squads Leader: 2nd Bn 5th Marines 81mm Mortar Platoon -1994-1999

Personal Trainer - Fuel Fitness Center - 2006-2007

Strength Training Instructor - LCC – 2008-2009

Physical Education Instructor - ECHS – 2006 – 2008

Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach/ Strength Coach -  Texas A&M International University 2005-2008

Professional Basketball Player - Venados Club, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico – 2008-2009

Strength & Conditioning Specialist - Texas A&M International University - January 2010 - Present

General Information:

I was born and raised in Laredo, TX. I come from a big family; 8 brothers, 5 sisters. I am glad to be back and being part of the Dustdevil team. I’m a big basketball fanatic and hope to share my knowledge of the game to youths around town. Staying fit and being competitive is part of my nature. I also love spending my off time with my little princess, Julissa, and other nieces and nephews of course. I foresee a lot of good things coming to the university and Rec Sports as well, and I can’t wait to see TAMIU grow to its potential.

Facility Operations and Intramural Specialist: Manuel Flores III
manuel.flores@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3018

Education

B.S. in Fitness and Sports, Minor in Mathematics - Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX

M.S in Educational Administration – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX – IN PROGRESS

Professional

Intramural Sports Official – Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - 2007-2009

Intramural Supervisor – Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - 2009-2010

Intramural Senior Supervisor – Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - 2010-2011

General Information

I was born in Laredo Texas, but have lived in Zapata my whole life. I am a huge sports fan; which makes this career so satisfying. I enjoy playing sports and staying fit. I also take pleasure in spending time with my family and friends. My present goal is to receive a Masters Degree in Educational Administration with the hopes of receiving a Doctoral degree in Administration. I have worked with the Intramural Recreational Department for 4 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. Intramurals and the Recreational Center is a great place to have fun, meet new people, and have a good time. Hope to see you all out here!!!!!!!

Strength and Conditioning Specialist: Victoria Davenport
victoria.davenport@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3017

Education

B.A. in Business Administration, Minor in Marketing - Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX

Associate Degree in English - Blinn College, Brenham, TX

Professional

Student Promotions Coordinator/Marketing Assistant - Prairie View, TX - 2008-2009

Aerobics Instructor - Laredo, TX - 2010 to present

Certified in

• Zumba®
• TurboKick™
• PiYo™
• Hip Hop Hustle™

Certified Personal Trainer - Aerobics and Fitness Association of America - 2011 to present

Strength and Conditioning Specialist - Laredo, TX- 2012 to present

General Information

I was born in Houston, TX, but was raised in Prairie View, TX.  No one believes me when I tell them Prairie View is an actual town!  I am the eldest of three daughters and I absolutely love my family.  I enjoy teaching fitness classes, reading the bible, creating new choreography for my classes, and spending time with friends.  If you are at all interested in learning about nutrition, becoming a fitness instructor or personal trainer, the Rec Center is the place to be.  Our team is extremely passionate about making our TAMIU community a healthy community one person at a time.