The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana
The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana
The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana
Julissa Vargas

Julissa Vargas, Staff Writer

Julissa is a sophmore and this is her second year writing sports stories for the Valley Ventana. Outside of journalism, Julissa plays for the girls varsity basketball team.

All content by Julissa Vargas
(Left to Right) Alyssa Reboulet and Hunter Starr earn All Star cast awards, while Katelyn Olivares earns Honorable Mention.

Theatre advances to Districts

Julissa Vargas, Sports Editor
March 26, 2025
As spring break is coming up, here are some safety tips and reminders.

Happy times and bright sunshine

Julissa Vargas, Sports Editor
March 10, 2025
The Valley Ventana is more than just a publication – it’s your gateway to everything happening around campus and beyond.

The legacy of the Valley Ventana

Lukas Haider and Julissa Vargas
March 7, 2025
The teams' bench celebrates as a three pointer is made against Wagner on Dec.20

Building for a new beginning

Julissa Vargas, Sports Editor
February 25, 2025
On Jan. 3, sophomore Izzy Sutherland dribbles the ball around her opponent. They won against Brennan 4-0.

Ranger Roundup

Julissa Vargas, Sports Editor
January 30, 2025
During the Wagner game on Dec. 20, senior captain Wayne Jurica takes command of the court. Known for his efficiency and scoring consistency, Jurica currently ranks as the second leading scorer in 5A Region IV District 26.

‘Relentless pursuit to improvement’

Julissa Vargas, Sports Editor
January 17, 2025
During Week 6, Vanderbilt faced off against Alabama. Vanderbilt was unranked, while Alabama was ranked number one. Vanderbilt pulled off the upset, defeating Alabama 40-35.

Top 5 college football upsets

Julissa Vargas, Sports Editor
November 13, 2024
Engquist makes a stylish entrance in her Bronco at the Comal County Fair Parade on Sept. 27

The queen takes her throne

Julissa Vargas, Staff writer
November 4, 2024
Junior Nicholas Shippee was a top scorer for the boys waterpolo team.

‘This year was about attitude and effort’

Julissa Vargas, Sports Editor
October 25, 2024
Millions are impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Non-profit organizations such as American red Cross, the Salvation Army, and more help those in need.

Hurricane Helene strikes: Over 137 lives lost as the storm batters southeastern states

Julissa Vargas, Staff Writer
October 1, 2024
As the 2024-2025 school year kicks off, 472 seniors, 550 juniors, 549 sophomores, and 550 freshmans have enrolled.

Back to school: Campus renovations, fresh starts accompany new year

Julissa Vargas, Staff Writer
August 28, 2024
Izzy Sutherland runs down the track during the 400m at region on April 19.

On track: Freshman to compete at state in 4×400

Julissa Vargas, Staff Writer
May 2, 2024
Newcomer sophomore Luke Williams pitches for the team averaging 7 strike outs per game, pitching for 5 innings.

Returners, new faces ready to play

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
March 8, 2024
Senior Bianca Shoquist will be another familiar face among other returners from this past season. Today the team will play home at 7:00 p.m. against Tivy.

‘We is greater than me’

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
March 5, 2024
Winning against Boerne Champion, the team embraces in a group hug of what was the seniors last time playing on their home court.

The last dance

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
February 12, 2024
Senior Allison Howe puts up a contested shot against her opponent.

Looking into the future

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
January 18, 2024
Texas State baseball commit Zach Gingrich screams on the sideline with joy during the Boerne Champion game.

‘You don’t want to say goodbye’

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
November 14, 2023
Last years team celebrating a three pointer made. Shown in the photo (left to right) is senior Bella Reyes, senior Sidney Smith, senior Sammy Carroll, sophomore Cyanna Cavazos, senior Izzy White, graduate Caroline Dyess, and senior Heavyn Carter.

Shoot for the stars, aim for playoffs

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
November 3, 2023
Sophomore Maddie Cuff skating on the rink, representing her team the Conroe Scallywags.

‘Roller Girl’

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
October 18, 2023
Senior Ryan Chaffin leads the baseball team as well as the softball team into the next rounds of their playoffs.

Fields of dreams

Julissa Vargas and Emilie Ramirez
May 17, 2023
Sophomore Alyssa Jones and Senior Favour Uduji are running in the 4 x 200m this weeken. Additionally Jones is competing in the 200m dash and long jump.

Eighteen competitors head to state

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
May 11, 2023
Three 400m dash runners place top Three at Regionals. Freddie Dubose placed first at (49.97) in the boys 400 m with Arthur Breault trailing .08 seconds in second. Kevin Uduji took third place.

Ranger Roundup

Julissa Vargas and Emilie Ramirez
May 10, 2023
After a rollercoaster of a season, baseball heads into playoffs.

Ranger Roundup

Sports staff, Julissa Vargas, and Emilie Ramirez
May 3, 2023
A state lawmaker has proposed expanding "pay-for-play" to qualifying high school athletes, a proposal athletic director Larry Hill calls "misguided."

Bill to allow ‘pay-for-play’ at high school level stalls in committee

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
April 26, 2023
Senior Rowan Olsen competed at state yesterday. With long rallies and a good match, he fell to the defending state champ.

Ranger Roundup

Emilie Ramirez, Julissa Vargas, and William McWhorter
April 26, 2023
The boys golf team won the region tournament Thursday and is headed to state.

Ranger Roundup

Emilie Ramirez and Julissa Vargas
April 19, 2023
LSU's Angel Reese and Iowa's Caitlin Clark got different reactions when they made same hand gestures in heat of the Final Four tournament.

So unladylike?

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
April 18, 2023
Senior Elijah Hudson competes in the 4X400m relay March 4 at Ranger Stadium. Hudson is advancing to area in the 200mm dash, 4X100m relays and the 4X400 m relay.

Top track athletes advance to area

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
April 14, 2023
Kaili Castillo signed her letter of intent to play soccer at Newberry College.

Ranger Roundup

Emilie Ramirez and Julissa Vargas
April 12, 2023
Girls soccer took on Beorne Champion for the third time March 31 beating the Chargers 8-2.

Ranger Roundup

Julissa Vargas and Emilie Ramirez
April 5, 2023
For the first time in school history, the Student Athletic Trainers took home the Quiz Bowl Championship against Johnson.

Ranger Roundup

Emilie Ramirez and Julissa Vargas
March 29, 2023
Sophomore Mia Perez starting off the 1600m race at the Ranger Relays.

Determination leads to success

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
March 23, 2023
Junior Jaxon Maynard runs in the tire race at Ranger Relays.

Ranger Roundup

Emilie Ramirez and Julissa Vargas
March 22, 2023
After breaking records, girls and boys 4x4 relay teams celebrate top times in the state and U.S.at the Ranger Relays March 4.

Record-breaking kind of day

Emilie Ramirez and Julissa Vargas
March 7, 2023
Senior Zada Zimmerman jumps over a hurdle at last years Ranger Relays. Zimmerman set her personal record for the 100-meter hurdles at the Texas Relays last weekend.

Chasing records

Julissa Vargas and Emilie Ramirez
March 3, 2023
During baseball's media day Saturday, senior David DeHoyos belts one to the fences. He took first place by hitting three home runs in the finals.

Ranger Roundup

Emilie Ramirez and Julissa Vargas
February 22, 2023
Relay swimmers Catherine Frankson, Abby Miller, Vanessa Weatherford and Kelechi Nwaeze celebrate their win at the Region IV championships. The four paired to win silver at state on Saturday.

Swim team gathers hardware at state meet

Julissa Vargas and Emilie Ramirez
February 21, 2023
Ethan Gonzalez inked his commitment to play baseball at Blinn College.

Athletes to continue their sport careers

Julissa Vargas and Emilie Ramirez
February 8, 2023
Junior Dylan Gass Pins a state ranked opponent at the THSWCA state duals last Friday.

Pin for the win

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
January 26, 2023
Senior captain Caroline Dyess makes a move on a Veterans Memorial player.

Senior spotlight: Caroline Dyess

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
January 13, 2023
Sophomore Mia Perez dribbles down the court.

Ready to take on district

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
December 9, 2022
During playoff action Nov. 25, senior defensive end McLain Garrett pulls down the Fulshear quarterback, with assistance from junior defensive end Doug Lantz in the 31-13 win.

On the road to success

Emilie Ramirez and Julissa Vargas
December 1, 2022
Volleyball cheers as they win Co-District Champs defeating Canyon

Volleyball ends their season with an overall 37-8

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
November 9, 2022
The girls cross country team and Bradyn Youngdahl gather after the state sendoff on Nov. 4 in the main hallway.

Girls cross country places 6th at state

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
November 7, 2022
Volleyball defeats MacArthur making them Area Champs

Volleyball advances to round 3

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
November 4, 2022
2021-22 senior Morgan Abbott lobs the ball over a Wagner opponent.

Girls basketball ready to start season

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
November 2, 2022
Volleyball defeated Seguin at home 3-0 on Sept. 30.

Volleyball headed to second round of playoffs

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
November 1, 2022
Haley Barsky gets emotional during the Senior Night ceremony.

Senior celebration

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
October 25, 2022
Volleyball defeated Canyon Tuesday on their way to claim a share of the district title.

[Photo] Volleyball ties for first in district

October 19, 2022
Volleyball defeated Canyon Tuesday on their way to claim a share of the district title.

Volleyball ties for first in district

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
October 19, 2022
Volleyball ties for first in district.

[Photo] Ranger Roundup

Sports Staff
October 19, 2022
Teammates Lillie Johnson and Macie Mathis blocking a spike.

Volleyball on undefeated district streak

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
October 11, 2022
Senior middle blocker Lillie Johnson goes up against two Pieper players Sept. 9 at Pieper. Johnson and senior libero Brittan Fedyk were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American Watchlist, which recognizes the best senior volleyball players in the country.

Volleyball playoff shirt orders due today

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
October 11, 2022
Head Coach Melissa Miller talks to the team before their game against Pieper.

Coming together

Julissa Vargas, Sports Writer
September 30, 2022
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The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas
Julissa Vargas