SAN ANTONIO — Jesenia Casanova is vocal on and off the volleyball court. 

“I would say I’m a leader. I love to talk. I’m always talking all of the time, even if I get subbed out,” Casanova said. “You’ll hear me on the bench. I’m jumping up and down screaming.” 

What You Need To Know

  • Consolidations resulted in West Campus High School in San Antonio closing

  • About 500 West Campus students are now attending South San Antonio High School

  • One of the initial concerns from student athletes was their eligibility status

  • UIL, Texas’ governing body for regulating extracurricular activities, said students wouldn’t lose a year of eligibility because of the unique circumstances of a school closure

She transferred to South San Antonio High School for her senior year. It wasn’t Casanova’s choice. Her high school, West Campus, closed this past summer following consolidations made by South San Antonio ISD because of budget constraints and declining enrollment. 

She is now one of 500 students who are new to the school. 

“So my senior year I didn’t want to feel alone at a new school,” Casanova said. “I wante to be around people I grew up with, so coming to South San was just more of the right way.”

One of the initial concerns from student athletes was their eligibility status. UIL, Texas’ governing body for regulating extracurricular activities, said students wouldn’t lose a year of eligibility because of the unique circumstances of a school closure. 

Despite being eligible to play, another concern quickly brewed.

Isahia Hinds says he and his teammates who transferred worried they wouldn’t get a fair shot to start or play on their new team. 

Those worries went away as soon as he met head football coach Phil Barron. 

“Coach Barron has been welcoming, he always checks up on us, he makes sure we are doing good,” Hinds said. “If we need something, he says to ask. He’s a great coach.” 

Barron says the transition started last March when they shuttled West Campus football players to South San during spring ball.

“The South San students have done an excellent job of welcoming these kids with open arms and making them feel part of the South San community,” Barron said. “They (West Campus athletes) haven’t been shy, they’ve stepped in and have taken over some jobs and it is what it is.” 

Barron says it’s a big family, and that’s why the team shirts say “brotherhood” on the back. 

Casanova feels like she’s part of the family. 

“Yes, it has been easier on me. I came in and I didn’t expect it to be that welcoming, but I love, the love we’ve gotten here,” Casanova said. 

Casanova says even though she’s a Bobcat, she will always be a West Campus Cougar. 

 “We made as much memories at West Campus before it closed and we just left it there. We are going to carry that in our hearts forever, being there at that school,” Casanova said.