MISSION, TEXAS (December 10, 2025) – From the hallways of Mims Elementary to the national airwaves of CBS Sports and ESPN Radio, Mission CISD alumnus Alex Del Barrio has always followed his voice—and his dreams.
A proud graduate of Mission High School, Del Barrio’s journey into sports broadcasting started long before he stepped into a studio. As a student, he announced starting lineups for the basketball team while sidelined with an injury. That spark would eventually lead him to a career calling games on national television and radio.
“I knew I was never going to be an NBA superstar,” Del Barrio shared. “So, I knew if I wanted to get into sports, I had to take a different direction”.
Roots in Education and Opportunity
Del Barrio credits Mission CISD with the foundation—and the freedom—to dream big. From participating in the district’s Enhanced Learning Program (ELP) to writing for the high school newspaper under the mentorship of journalism teacher Mrs. Wilson, he found encouragement at every turn.
Even coaches like Coach Garcia and Coach Iglesias gave him real-world opportunities to build his announcing skills. “They saw I was determined and supported my passion,” he said.
From Local Games to Global Stages
Over the years, Del Barrio has traveled the world with the Harlem Globetrotters, worked for the WWE, and now brings live sports to millions as a play-by-play announcer for CBS and radio host on ESPN.
“I’ve accomplished multiple childhood dreams,” he said. “And I can attest that I had the educators and the people in my corner at Mission CISD that helped me believe those dreams were possible”.
Del Barrio’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. His advice to current students?
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them,” he said, quoting Walt Disney.
Del Barrio’s story serves as a powerful example of Mission CISD’s commitment to preparing students with the skills and confidence to thrive in a global society. From the classroom to the broadcast booth, Alex Del Barrio is living proof that when schools believe in their students, the possibilities are limitless.
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