Many years ago, Barbara Machado (second from right) was the executive director of the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association (SAHLA) when former San Antonio Sports Executive Director Susan Blackwood served on the SAHLA board. “Anyone who knows Susan also learns that to know her is to be involved in ALL of her projects!” remarks Barb. “In those early days, I worked as many of the events as I could squeeze in. I have done all of the Final Fours, girls volleyball, swimming, the Hall of Fame and too many special projects to list.” After Susan retired, Jenny Carnes represented San Antonio Sports on the SAHLA board. “I kept up the same commitment and helped whenever I could. I don’t think I was “officially” registered as a volunteer in those early years but I’ve always managed to stay involved.”
Barbara’s favorite event is the Final Four®. “I love the event, the participants, their families and their loyal fans. It’s a delight to work and be involved in every aspect of it!”
Her most memorable experience volunteering occurred during the 2002 Women’s Final Four. “I had the opportunity to meet and visit with Connecticut’s extremely large group of loyal followers,” she explains. “All of these folks were senior adults who signed up at the first of the season to follow their team to every game and came – en masse – to the Final Four! Not one of those charming fans had a relative playing on the team. But you would never know it. Their loyalty and dedication to the players and their enthusiastic involvement in the game was awesome. Now, so many years later, any time I watch a Connecticut basketball game on TV–be it men or women–I can spot those loyal white-haired fans in the stands. What an inspiration for their players and how very special it must make them feel!”
Barbara says San Antonio Sports has a tremendous dedicated volunteer group and feels it is largely due to the support of the staff. “It is a joy to be a part of any event or project sponsored by San Antonio Sports!” If you’d like to join Barb at an upcoming event, click here for a list of opportunities.