Faces off the field
What’s your favorite volleyball memory?
It’s when we won the Jason Landers Memorial Tournament my sophomore year. The tournament had always been known as the AISD tournament. Since it was the first year after he passed away, they renamed it after him. It was such a blessing to be a part of the team when we won the tournament as his girls, in his name.
How do you motivate yourself on days when you don’t feel like playing?
I listen to music and try to get as much on-the-court warm-up as I can. Music gets my blood pumping, and I love to be able to mentally prepare and visualize how I want my game to go.
If you had the choice of being valedictorian or all-state in volleyball, which would you choose?
Valedictorian. I value academics, and I believe that academic accomplishment and diligence is most important. It will ultimately decide your future and matter most in the long run.
If you could have dinner with any four people in the history of the world, whom would you invite?
George Strait, Derek Jeter, Pope Francis and my great-grandfather (Albert Mendez).
Why your great-grandfather?
He passed away when I was really little. My family would always tell me stories about him, and everything he did was extremely interesting. We would talk about my softball and his baseball career, but honestly just getting to know him is all I would want.
Which of your high school courses will benefit you the most after you graduate?
I believe that biology has and will benefit me the most. Because of this class, I have been able to grow an interest and want to pursue a career in the medical field.
Ifyou bought a car to match your personality, what would
it be?
A Ford Mustang because it’s fast, powerful and usually very good-looking.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I play the piano and have since second grade.
What do you consider to be the greatest invention of all time?
It would have to be foam rollers. Even though they can be painful, they help, and I’m sure a lot of athletes will agree.
What is your favorite food?
The pork or beef ribs at Salt Lick — with a side of their peach cobbler.