YOLANDA “MARGARITA” DELGADO

As an Olympian, Yolanda “Margarita” Delgado played volleyball at the highest level, representing her native Peru in the 1996 Sumer Games in Atlanta.

As a player at Miami Dade College, she won a national title in 2002 and finished second in 2003.

With her outstanding background, it is no wonder why MDC Coach Kiko Benoit hired her as an assistant, starting with the 2022 season.

“(Delgado) was an outstanding and versatile player for many years, primarily as a middle blocker and right-side hitter,” Benoit said. “She helps our players in a multitude of ways, especially with their blocking and hitting skills.”

In her first year as an MDC assistant coach, the Sharks finished second in the nation.

That was quite a debut season for Delgado, but it should come as no surprise for a person who has been playing volleyball since the age of 14 back home in Peru.

She got so good at her sport that she represented Peru on the indoor national team for more than a decade (1985 to 1996). She also played for Peru in beach volleyball.

Due to Delgado’s unwavering dedication and her overall commitment to excellence, she earned scores of awards, including a prestigious honor from the former Peruvian President. 

Throughout her illustrious career, Delgado participated in numerous international tournaments, including five World Cups held in Japan, China and Peru.

She also competed twice in the U.S.-based Goodwill Games. She played in six South American Cups across Brazil, Argentina and Peru, and she competed in the Pan-American Games in Cuba.

Delgado’s commitment to volleyball has extended beyond her playing days. For five years, she dedicated herself to running a successful volleyball academy in her native Peru. Through her guidance, several girls discovered their potential and progressed in their volleyball careers, leaving a lasting legacy.

Delgado’s coaching experience includes more than a decade with the Wildfire Volleyball Academy as well as time with The Sagemont School and Franklin Academy. Throughout these coaching roles, she honed her ability to build strong, competitive teams, passing on her wealth of knowledge to the next generation. 

Her contributions to the sport as a player and a coach have left an indelible mark on the volleyball community, inspiring future generations to reach for greatness in the world of sports. 

DELGADO HIGHLIGHTS

Hometown: Lima, Peru

High school: Nuestra Senora del Rosario in Lima, Peru

College: Miami Dade College

Playing highlights: She played for Peru’s national indoor team from 1985 to 1996. She represented Peru for indoor volleyball in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. She also represented Peru in beach volleyball.

Coaching career:

2009-2012: High school head coach at Sagemont, located in Weston

2013-2015: High school head coach at Franklin Academy, located in Pembroke Pines

2012 to present: Travel team head coach at Wildfire Volleyball Academy, located in Sunrise

2022 to present: Assistant coach at Miami Dade College