From being a 15-year-old exploring a male-dominated sport to becoming the leader of an all-female team, UTEP Rifle Head Coach Andrea Palafox carved her path in a sports world dominated by men.
Palafox’s shooting career began during her time growing up in Mexico. The passion and love that the men in her family held for the sport influenced Palafox’s own love for shooting but getting her foot t the door wasn’t an easy start.
“I had to basically beg my dad to let me do the same things that they were doing, and it was very difficult because he didn’t think that it was something for women, especially for a little girl,” Palafox said. “Back then at least, in Mexico, it was mostly a guy environment, not a lot of women and young kids were doing [rifle].”
Palafox said she was determined to follow in her family’s footsteps and pick up the sport even though she was discouraged to do so.
Eventually with her father’s guidance, Palafox joined her family in training even though she was younger and smaller than the rest.
“I couldn’t even lift a rifle and hold it, but he found ways to help me get stronger,” Palafox said. “Once he saw that I was interested and my effort grew, he was like, ‘Okay, let’s try this,’ and he started getting equipment for me. Ever since then, I can’t stop [shooting].”
During her time competing in events at the national level, Palafox’s skill caught the attention of former UTEP rifle coach, George Brenzovich, and was offered a scholarship to be a part of the team from 2009-2012. Throughout her time at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) as a student athlete, Palafox helped the Miners finish fifth in the 2012 NCAA Championships, a record that stands to this day.
“At first, I didn’t know anything about this type of opportunity. When he [Brenzovich] offered me a scholarship, it was something I wanted without even knowing [it] existed,” Palafox said.
Although she had to deal with a language barrier and the adjustment to university at UTEP, Palafox said the love for rifle and competition pushed her through the obstacles.
Palafox is one of two female head coaches of a sports team at UTEP, the other being women’s basketball Head Coach Keitha Adams.
“Just the fact that there’s only two, I feel like it’s a privilege to be able to be in this position, especially in a sport that people don’t know much about. A lot of times [it’s] like, going back to the point of that male-dominated environment,” Palafox said.
During Palafox’s first two seasons, she trained her team for resilience and determination. This year, under Palafox’s leadership, freshman Carlee Valenta was individually selected to compete in the 2025 NCAA Rifle Championships for air rifle.
Palafox’s experience as a rifle shooter and her strength as a woman, has helped nurture not just her team but her legacy.
Iziah Moreno is the photo editor and may be reached at [email protected].
