Thorndale ISD

Angel Raines is a proud Thorndale alum whose journey is a powerful example of how strong roots and meaningful relationships can shape a lifetime of impact. During her time at Thorndale ISD, Angel was actively involved in NHS, volleyball, basketball, cross country, and track. Through these experiences, she developed a strong work ethic, competitive drive, and a commitment to excellence that would continue to guide her long after graduation.

After graduating from THS, Angel attended Sterling College in Kansas, where she played softball while pursuing a degree in Sports Management. During this time, she began to recognize a passion for working with students and athletes that would ultimately lead her back home. Encouraged by one of her former coaches, she shifted her career path and returned to Thorndale ISD to begin her career in education and coaching.

Angel spent eight years serving TISD as a junior high ELAR and Social Studies teacher, Head Volleyball Coach, and Assistant Softball Coach, along with many other roles along the way. Those years were filled with growth, challenges, and some of the most rewarding moments of her career. She had the opportunity to build programs, mentor student-athletes, and create lasting relationships that continue to impact her today.

During her time at Thorndale, Angel also built her family. She and her husband raised three children who spent much of their early years in the gym or on the softball field, fully embracing life as coach’s kids. The balance of family, teaching, and coaching created a unique and meaningful chapter that she continues to value deeply.

After earning her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas Tech University, Angel transitioned into campus leadership. She served as a Secondary Associate Principal at Milano ISD and now leads as the Elementary Principal at Milano Elementary School. In her current role, she continues to pour into students and staff, carrying forward the same values and expectations that were instilled in her during her time at Thorndale.

Many of Angel’s most impactful memories from THS come from her time in athletics—not just the success, but the lessons learned along the way. She credits Coach Dickerson and Coach Betak for shaping her mindset, instilling mental toughness, perseverance, and a standard of excellence that she still holds today. Their influence continues to guide the way she leads, coaches, and supports others.

Advice to Students:

“Set high expectations for yourself and don’t accept mediocre results. Go after what you want, regardless of your circumstances. You have the choice to either rise above challenges you face or fall to them, but you will never regret choosing to rise above.”

Angel shares that much of who she is today, both personally and professionally, is a direct result of the teachers and coaches at Thorndale ISD who invested in her along the way. She is incredibly grateful that her own children now have the opportunity to attend school and grow up in a community that values academics, athletics, and character development so deeply.

We are proud of Angel’s continued leadership and the difference she is making in the lives of students and educators. Her journey is a true reflection of what it means to grow through Thorndale ISD and give back in meaningful ways.