The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros head women’s basketball coach Lane Lord announced on Friday that Ronnie Cantu, who spent the 2024-25 season as the program’s graduate student coach, has been elevated to the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations role.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to be named the next Director of Basketball Operations. It’s incredibly rewarding to be moving up within the program, and I’m fired up to be doing it here at UTRGV,” Cantu said. “There’s truly no better place to be right now, and I’m grateful for the trust and belief that has been placed in me. I’m confident I’m ready to take on a new role with greater responsibilities, especially with the experience and leadership of a great staff behind me.”
During the 2024-25 season, Cantu was able to gain an understanding of the inner workings of a basketball program. Along with fulfilling coaching duties, such as instructing individual workouts and assisting with practice, she was able to aid Victoria Pena, who spent the last seven years leading basketball operations and will now focus on her role as assistant coach, with day-to-day operations.
From team and staff communication to preparation for opponent arrivals to helping coordinate travel, Cantu was able to watch and practice the tasks of an operations director to prepare for her next chapter. She learned the importance of time management, effective and purposeful communication, attention to detail and problem-solving.
“Ronnie did a wonderful job as our graduate student coach. Working alongside Coach Pena, Ronnie gained valuable experience and knowledge with the duties of the director of operations position. We expect Ronnie to have a smooth transition to her new role,” Lord said. “Ronnie’s outgoing personality and attention to detail have been evident to our players and staff all year. We are all excited to bring Ronnie into our women’s basketball family full-time!”
As the DOBO, Cantu will oversee travel plans, budgets, scheduling and act as a liaison between the program and athletics staff to ensure the program runs smoothly.
“I feel confident and prepared stepping into this position because I’ve been exposed to these responsibilities during my time as the graduate assistant. It also gives me peace of mind knowing Coach Pena is still on staff. Her experience as the previous DOBO will provide valuable guidance as I continue to grow into this role,” Cantu said.
Cantu joined the Vaqueros program after playing for St. Edward’s in Austin from 2020-24. She earned her bachelor’s in kinesiology with an emphasis in physical therapy. She played in 94 games and made 31 starts for the Hilltoppers, averaging 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. She earned the Topper True award, which is given to one student-athlete each year who embodies what it means to be a Hilltopper.
Cantu hails from Mission and was a standout while playing for her father, Rafael, at Mission Veterans High School. She was the district and RGV Basketball Coaches Association (RGVBCA) All-Valley Newcomer of the Year in 2017, the district co-MVP in 2019, and the district and RGVBCA MVP in 2020. She also earned The Monitor’s All-Area Co-Offensive Player of the Year, All-Region IV and Class 5A All-State honors from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) as a senior.
“I’m feeling especially grateful at this point in my life. The transition from student-athlete to professional life is no easy task. It comes with a lot of uncertainty, and that can be scary. But with the continued love and support from my family, friends, and co-workers, I’m positive I’m exactly where I’m meant to be,” Cantu said. “I want to thank Coach Lord for the opportunity, his ongoing mentorship, and the constant support he has shown me on this journey. Home is where the heart is, and I’m proud to call UTRGV home!”
