Memorable, joyful, and exciting are just a few words used by Harlandale’s Noel Serna and Brackenridge’s Ashlynn Cortinas to describe their time in San Antonio Sports i play! afterschool program. Both high school seniors were named San Antonio Sports All-Stars for their outstanding performance on the court throughout their high school career and are grateful for i play’s contribution to their love of the sport.
Memories hold significant value for Noel. He identifies his experience with i play afterschool as a pivotal moment in his youth, one that has shaped him both as a player and as an individual. Noel emphasized the importance of “cherishing the moments” he has experienced over the years and acknowledged the necessity of reflecting on his progress. His time with i play! afterschool contributed to his improvement in shooting skills and to friendships. His i play teammate Gabe remains his best friend to this day.
For Noel i play! afterschool “helped me discover my love for basketball” and discover his competitive side. The power forward was surprised that he was selected for the All-Star Game considering his own personal challenges leading up to his final season with Harlandale. Despite this, the graduating senior led his team in scoring and was named 28-5A First Team All-District for the 2025 season. “He’s done everything that we’ve ever asked from him,” says Harlandale’s head basketball coach, Eric De Los Santos. “He’s a great representation of what we do here at Harlandale.”
Like Noel, Ashlynn knows how vital a role i play! afterschool was in her development as an All-Star. “It helped me gain confidence and grow my love for basketball,” Cortinas says, recognizing the importance of being introduced to competitive sports at a young age. “It teaches sportsmanship and how to play as a team.” Ashlynn is no stranger to tough competition. She made the varsity squad as a freshman and has played a major role in Brackenridge’s program development, helping them reach two UIL playoff tournaments during her career.
“I think all kids should do i play afterschool,” Cortinas said. “It’s very fun and builds memories.” Ashlynn isn’t the only member of the Cortinas family who has been involved in the i play! afterschool program; her older brother also participated. Ashlynn shared her enthusiasm for the All-Star Game, hoping that the event will inspire kids to try new sports and, in turn, boost their self-confidence.
Both players exemplify the positive impact of i play! afterschool and embody the core values of San Antonio Sports. The program aims to ignite children’s passion for sports while teaching them valuable life lessons about character. The two players represented their schools and i play! afterschool very well in the 2025 San Antonio Sports All-Star Game.
By William Salony, San Antonio Sports communications intern