Meet the 2026-27 Sun Court representing El Paso
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Carrying more than 90 years of tradition, the Sun Bowl Association announced the 2026-27 Sun Court Saturday. Sun Queen Laynee Stokes, Lady-in-Waiting Karen Carillo and 12 new sun princesses will serve as ambassadors for the Sun Bowl Association and represent the city of El Paso.
The Sun Bowl Association organizes the annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game.
The Sun Bowl Association contestants are selected based on poise, appearance, personality, communication, and interpersonal skills. As well as the ability to demonstrate knowledge of El Paso and all Sun Bowl Association events.
The association also says this is a great time for young women to promote their city and to volunteer as community ambassadors.
“With a humble heart, I express my deepest gratitude for the city of El Paso,” said Sun Queen Laynee Stokes. “It is a privilege to give back to the city which I owe everything to.”
Stokes is a senior at New Mexico State University pursuing a degree in viola performance, the association said. She’s a guest performer with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and other orchestras in the region. She’s also a certified paralegal and enjoys volunteering with the community.
Lady-in-Waiting Carrillo is a senior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in music and minoring in education. The association said she’s on the path to become a certified music educator. She performed with the UTEP Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic and Concert Bands.
Below are the sun princesses making up this year’s court and the universities they attend:
Ayla Apodaca (UTEP) Aida Gallegos (Sam Houston State) Alex Gonzalez (UT Austin) Arihua Gonzalez (UTEP) Alaina Guerra (UTEP) Leah Herrera (UT Austin) Ali Lopez (Kansas) Yuky Macias (UTEP) Ryan Madrid (Notre Dame) Brianna Morales (UTEP) Candace Quintana (UTEP) Lauren Trejo (UTEP)
The Sun Court coronation has been part of the Sun Bowl since the first-ever game played in 1936. The association said the coronation played a special role in the Sun Carnival, a week-long pageant associated with the bowl game.
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