Loretto’s legacy

Loretto’s athletic program  prides itself on demonstrating how teamwork leads to success on and off the playing field, as well as instilling leadership skills in all  the athletes who take part in the various sports.

While searching for a new athletic director, it was evident that the school would need to hire someone with those same qualities. 

 With the new Athletic Director position open, Mrs. Maria Kennedy was the perfect candidate for the position. 

After  retiring from the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD), Mrs. Kennedy made the decision to temporarily step out of  that retirement to help Loretto Academy finish their athletic school year. 

She is the current Interim Athletic  Director of the school and has done nothing but positive things for all of Loretto’s athletes. 

High expectations     

Although Mrs. Kennedy has only been at Loretto for a short time, she has big plans for the school.

She hopes to see many of her future projects implemented in the sports program before the school year ends. 

Mrs. Kennedy said, “ I have future plans that I hope to bring to the school including new uniforms, a weight room, and reconstructing  the outside track.”  

Mrs. Kennedy began as interim athletic director on November 1st  and has been working hard with the athletes every day since. 

Mrs. Kennedy said, “Working here has been a different experience than what I am typically used to, but it [the experience] has been nothing but fun.” 

She has attended several basketball tournaments where she cheered on the Angels against their fierce opponents. 

Background 

Mrs. Kennedy previously worked for EPISD as the head Athletic Director where she learned leadership skills and perseverance. 

She was EPISD’s second female to hold the position of Athletic Director which meant she had to constantly work alongside her male counterparts. 

Mrs. Kennedy was able to shine in a field that is predominantly male. 

She also  served as the girls’ varsity basketball coach at Franklin High School for 11 years and has been awarded the Margaret McKown Distinguished Service Award. 

This is an award given to those who have made outstanding contributions to girls’ athletics in the state of Texas. 

Community response 

Mrs. Kennedy has worked endlessly to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for all the athletes  at Loretto Academy while also getting to know the administration around her. 

Assistant Athletic Director and Loretto’s soccer coach, Mr. Nieto said, ” I have learned a lot from her and she has been an amazing mentor for me. 

It’s been such a great experience working with someone as passionate and as  knowledgeable as she is.” 

Mrs. Kennedy is an outstanding role model for the  Loretto athletes. 

She has touched the lives of many people in the El Paso community and Loretto is excited to see where she leads the athletic program this school year.