by | Published
BANDERA, Texas - Bandera Independent School District has named veteran educator and coach Joel Sifuentes as the new head boys basketball coach at Bandera High School.
In addition to leading the Bulldogs basketball program, Sifuentes will serve as Bandera High School’s first Lead AVID Teacher, helping guide the campus as it expands its college and career readiness efforts.
Sifuentes brings more than 20 years of experience in education and athletics to Bandera. He most recently worked at MacArthur High School, where he continued building a career centered on student development, classroom instruction and competitive athletics.
District officials said Sifuentes’ experience as both an educator and coach will allow him to play an important role in the school’s athletic and academic programs.
As head boys basketball coach, Sifuentes will oversee the development of the Bandera program, including player instruction, team preparation and the continued growth of student-athletes on and off the court.
His additional role as Lead AVID Teacher will involve supporting Advancement Via Individual Determination, a program designed to prepare students for college, careers and other opportunities after high school. The position marks the first time Bandera High School has designated a lead teacher for the program.
Sifuentes and his wife, Leilani, have three children. Athletics and education are also part of the family’s background. Their daughter, Alaina, was recently named the head volleyball coach at Hondo High School.
Sifuentes said he is looking forward to joining the Bandera community and working with students, athletes, families and staff members.
His hiring gives Bandera High School an experienced leader who will contribute to both the Bulldogs’ basketball program and the district’s academic initiatives.
AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationally recognized college and career readiness program designed to prepare students for success in higher education and the workforce.
The program focuses on developing critical thinking, organization, note-taking, writing, collaboration and study skills that help students succeed in rigorous academic courses. AVID also emphasizes goal setting, time management and leadership while exposing students to college campuses, career opportunities and scholarship resources.
Originally founded in 1980, AVID is implemented in thousands of schools across the United States and in several other countries. The program is designed to support students who have the potential to succeed in advanced coursework but may benefit from additional academic guidance and structured support.
