Edinburg Recognizes RGV Flames Volleyball Team After First-Place Finish

PHOTO BY ALEX RIOS

EDINBURG, Texas - The Edinburg City Council recognized the RGV Flames 11U Black volleyball team during a special meeting March 3 after the team won first place at the 7th annual Capelli 210 Countdown Classic Tournament in San Antonio.

City officials presented a proclamation honoring the team, which finished first among 96 teams competing in the statewide youth volleyball tournament.

According to the proclamation read during the meeting, the tournament brought together teams from across Texas, including San Antonio, Laredo, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley.

The RGV Flames volleyball and basketball club is based in Edinburg and owned by Charlie Lopez, who addressed the council following the presentation.

“I’m very proud of our 11U Black team,” Lopez said. “They’re first right now in the state.”

Lopez said the organization has operated in the community for 16 years and currently supports 12 traveling teams, offering training and development opportunities for young athletes.

“We provide service for the community in many different ways,” Lopez said. “We have programs for players from about 6 to 18 years old and focus on biomechanics, technique and understanding the game.”

Lopez also credited head coach Alexa Beltran and assistant coach Sydney Alvarez for their work with the players.

Team supporter, Alex Rios, who spoke at the meeting, noted that some of the athletes first began playing through the Edinburg Parks and Recreation youth sports programs before joining the club team.

“Three of these girls started in parks and recreation when they were four or five years old,” said Rios. “Some didn’t know this would be the sport they would fall in love with.”

Mayor Omar Ochoa congratulated the team and its families for the accomplishment.

“Thank you all so much for putting Edinburg on the map and showing the rest of the state what we have down here,” Ochoa said.

City leaders encouraged the team to continue competing and representing Edinburg in future tournaments.