El Paso High School volleyball coach Yesenia Alarcon-Ortega has been officially inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing more than two decades of excellence and leadership in high school athletics.
Alarcon-Ortega has led the El Paso High Varsity Volleyball team to an impressive nine district championships, 13 bi-district titles, and four area championships. Under her leadership, the program has won over 465 victories, cementing her legacy as one of the most successful volleyball coaches in the region.
Out of 118 nominated coaches, Alarcon-Ortega stood out and was ultimately voted into the Hall of Fame.
“I was super excited because as a young coach, I would walk around Don Haskins and look at the plaques, wondering if one day I’d be there,” Alarcon-Ortega said.
With a career spanning 26 years, Alarcon-Ortega began coaching both volleyball and basketball before dedicating herself fully to volleyball. Her philosophy has remained consistent throughout her career.
“Being consistent for 25 years and never settlingfor being average—that’s been the key,” she said. “We never settled for something that wouldn’t improve the level of play at our school or across El Paso.”
Her players have felt the impact of her dedication firsthand.
“Her coaching for a long time, and her dedication towards the sport, the girls, and the whole program itself is inspiring,” Isabella Hernandez, a student-athlete under Alarcon-Ortega’s guidance, said.
Coach Alarcon-Ortega is an inspiration for many of her players.
“She’s impacted me by making me a better person and a leader both on and off the court. She made sure I took care of my responsibilities and helped guide the other girls too,” Hernandez added.
Despite her many achievements, Alarcon-Ortega remains humble, crediting her players for the team’s success.
“Without the players on the court, none of this is possible,” Alarcon-Ortega said. “They had to believe and do it. It took hard work and sacrifice for this to come true.” 
