Senior Reilly Mendez, a resilient beacon of joy and optimism, balances her roles as a president of the Black Student Union club, a right side hitter for Mountain View Volleyball Club (MVVC), and member on the LGHS Girls’ Volleyball Team with admirable tenacity. Her ability to coordinate a variety of pursuits is truly inspiring, as she not only excels academically but also makes time to bake and connect with her family.
Mendez’s journey with the LGHS Black Student Union began in her freshman year, and she has been a consistent contributor ever since, rising to the position of club president. She described her experience with the Black Student Union as “a source of camaraderie and community building,” a testament to her leadership and commitment to fostering a supportive environment for students on campus.
Mendez also plays volleyball, a sport she has been committed to for eight years, four of which she spent in competitions, after “my mom got me playing, and I fell in love with it.” Mendez played a significant role in LGHS Girls’ Varsity Volleyball success in years past, reaching second place in the 2023 Central Coast Section Division 1, flourishing through tournament triumphs, and leading the team to an Open Division appearance in 2024. When asked about LGHS volleyball’s impact on her, Mendez explained, “I feel like the team is such a supportive group, and we all have so much fun together. Everyone brings something unique to the team and is encouraging and close on and off the court.” For Mountain View Volleyball Club, previously, her team competed at a Las Vegas Qualifier achieving a second-place finish. “Tournament travel is always so fun and exciting, and each person has special traits that make the team’s bond tighter,” Mendez commented, reflecting on her memories from her last year at the club. “MVVC has been a true family to me.”
When she’s not showcasing her athletic talent, Mendez love for baking and cooking takes center stage. Her culinary skills reveal the warmth and care she puts into everything she does, especially when preparing her family and friends’ favorite chocolate cookies. Mendez stated that she enjoys baking because “it gives me a chance to unwind and focus on the recipes, letting go of the stress from school work.”
Despite her numerous extracurricular activities, Mendez excels in her academic pursuits, taking Business, Economics, US Government, English 12 Social Justice, Statistics, and Agroecology. Her favorite subject, English 12 Social Justice, is particularly meaningful to her as her teacher, Tiffany Hamm, relates social justice topics to current events, inspiring Mendez to think critically about social issues.
As Mendez navigates whether to continue volleyball in college, she remains focused on her future aspirations in the medical field. While she has “not yet committed to a university,” she has a clear vision for her primary and career path. “I hope to pursue nursing because I love to help people,” she explained. Her inspiration comes from her grandmothers, both of whom were nurses, and she strives to follow in their footsteps.
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