Mariana Mendez Mendoza '25 Recruiting Profile

Running was always just a hobby to me before I entered high school. It was, and still is, an after school activity I looked forward to because of the strong bonds I was, and am, able to create with teammates and coaches. Through running I was able to compete and grow as an athlete while also gaining effective skills which are prominent in my work ethic both academically and athletically. I began to take competitive running seriously by seventh grade year and by eight grade year I realized I wanted to continue running in high school while still playing soccer. I prepared for my 9th grade year to hopefully gain a spot on my high school varsity cross country team. But once I entered high school I felt the atmosphere change. I realized how dedicated each one of my teammates were as they pushed themselves to be a top performing athlete and it set a spark within me. This spark would later diminish due to mental barriers holding me back from succeeding that season due to lack of confidence and passion for the sport. As I entered my sophomore year back in 2022 it came to a surprise that a new set of coaches were assigned to coach that upcoming season because the year prior the cross country team was coached by a basketball coach. At the time I didn't know that those coaches would later re-enlighten my diminished spark. They pushed my limits and brought the love and passion I had long forgotten prior to meeting them. My confidence was reestablished and lead me to a successful season winning 9th place in that years conference championships. Although 9th place may not sound as appealing as winning the championships the medal I was presented demonstrated the dedication, disciple, and hard-work during that season paying off. Eventually I made a decision to join the indoor track team that year in which I was able to meet another prominent coach who continued to push me to success. Later that season I was presented with a second place metal for the 1000 meter race during championships. After the indoor season ended I shifted to play on the varsity soccer team after playing junior varsity the year prior. I was able to accomplish this while also working hard to keep my grades up all year around. In present time I am a rising junior setting the tone for the upcoming season while also balancing academics and other after school activities. I hope to find a university that suits my needs both academically and athletically as I am on the path to one day study medicine. Running is no longer a hobby to me instead it has become a teacher. It has taught me to be patient and endure through obstacles even if that is running up a steep hill or getting through the last rep around the track.