McCollum softball alum hired as school’s new coach

“It has been exciting,” said Sanchez, a 2013 graduate who had been a volleyball and track assistant. “It definitely happened so fast. I wasn’t expecting Alessia to leave. But, when I saw that the position was open, I thought there was no better time than now to apply.”

Gallegos will serve as an assistant to her high school coach, Brian Sandera, at Sotomayor. She said the change was necessary for health reasons.

“Brian knew I was looking to change positions and he gave me the opportunity,” said Gallegos, who played for Sandera at Holmes. “He’s practically like a father and mentor to me.

“I loved the girls and I loved the program at McCollum. It’s just that for my family and taking care of myself, it’s just a great opportunity to be at Sotomayor and help to build a legacy.”

In three seasons under Gallegos, the Cowboys posted a 46-21 overall record and a 19-15 district record. They were 13-2, 6-0 when COVID-19 canceled the season in 2020.

This spring, McCollum qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and became only the second Cowboys team to reach the Region IV semifinals. They took an eight-game winning streak into the fourth playoff round.

“This year, it all came together,” Gallegos said. “I found out in the middle of the season about my health issues and it made it very hard to come to terms with the situation, but it also was very rewarding. Myself and my staff did everything we could to bring out their best.”

Sanchez was a McCollum softball assistant from 2017 to 2020, when Gallegos was hired.

“Softball was what I wanted to do from the beginning,” Sanchez said. “I eventually wanted to make my way back to coaching softball.”

Sanchez played under former McCollum coach Larissa Cover and was inspired by her passion.

“I’ve learned from all of the coaches at McCollum,” Sanchez said. “The whole coaching staff works together. It’s been there since I was there.”

She said McCollum volleyball coach Valerie Vieyra and her predecessor, Harlandale ISD athletic director Rose Ann Martinez, had been mentors.

“I got to see how two really great coaches come through McCollum,” Sanchez said, “and they’ve definitely prepared me.

“I have the inspiration to go back where I played and have success for the school,” Sanchez added. “I went them to be great, and they are great.”

Although McCollum graduated three key seniors, the Cowboys will return a solid core of experienced players.

“I proved to myself that I can be a successful head coach and influence a lot of the girls,” said Gallegos, who hopes to run a program again when her health improves. “It’s a bittersweet feeling (to leave), knowing where McCollum was at my first year and where they are now.

“They’ve made a name for themselves, not only at McCollum but on the Southside.”