At South El Monte High School, senior Brianna Mendoza is known for more than just her athletic talent—she’s respected for her drive, leadership, and humble spirit. Whether she’s dominating on the volleyball court, running the track, or solving math problems in class, Brianna leads by example.
Brianna is a rare kind of student—the type who quietly builds success through consistency, hard work, and determination. Over her four years at SEMHS, she’s been a standout athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track and field, earning multiple awards in every sport. She’s a three-time captain, a multi-time MVP, and was recently named to the All 1st Team CIF in volleyball, one of the highest honors an athlete can earn in high school.
But Brianna’s greatness isn’t just about trophies or titles. It’s about the way she carries herself. “Although I excel in my classes, I always take time to help my peers and never put myself above them,” she said. It’s this humble attitude that has made her a role model for younger students and a trusted teammate on and off the court.
Brianna describes herself with three words: determined, hardworking, and humble—and each one is easy to see in her story. “When I start something, I push myself to finish all the way, even if I’m struggling,” she said. Despite her packed schedule, she finds time to give 100% to both her academics and athletics. She balances multiple AP classes, hours of practice, and leadership responsibilities without missing a beat.
Her favorite subject is math, and she’s currently taking three math classes in her senior year. While most students dread tough math courses, Brianna actually looks forward to them. “Something you might not always hear is that I am so excited for my senior year because it mostly consists of math classes,” she said. “Students tend to be upset they don’t have friends in their classes, but I’m completely fine with that because it helps me focus on myself and take better notes.”
Brianna’s love for learning started early. She remembers getting excited for school as a kindergartner and reading every morning before class. As she moved through the grades, her natural ability helped her succeed—but it was her work ethic that carried her through the challenges. When she reached AP Calculus AB her junior year, things finally got tough. But instead of giving up, she doubled down. “I didn’t let the struggle get to me. I studied with my teacher, made sure I understood everything, and never stopped pushing myself.”
That same strength shows up in her leadership. Brianna isn’t afraid to speak up when it matters. When she noticed things at school that could be improved, she talked directly with her counselor and the principal. She brought up how the AP program could be promoted better so more students would know about it. “Being open with the principal and speaking for myself also helps the school, because when students bring things up, it benefits everyone,” she said.
Her leadership journey wasn’t always easy. When Brianna first joined the volleyball team as a quiet freshman, she made varsity—but didn’t feel accepted. “My own teammates doubted what I could do,” she said. “That year was tough. They didn’t trust me on the court, and I started to doubt myself too.” But instead of quitting, Brianna came back the next season with a fire in her heart. “I wanted to lead, take charge, and be trusted. That experience helped define my character. I became the leader I am today.”
Outside of school, Brianna enjoys organizing her space, playing volleyball with her sister, and spending time with her family. She lives with her mom and younger sister and credits her family—especially her mother—as her biggest inspiration. “My mom is my hero. She’s been through a lot and still keeps fighting. She’s shown me that anything is possible and that giving up is not an option.”
Looking ahead, Brianna plans to attend Cal State Fullerton and major in something related to math, like statistics or analytics. She doesn’t know the exact path yet, but she’s excited to find it. “In ten years, I see myself with a degree, in a career I love, and living a stable, independent life. I expect big things. I will accomplish many things.”
From her quiet confidence to her relentless dedication, Brianna Mendoza is a shining example of what it means to be an Eagle—strong, smart, and ready to soar.
