With her high school playing career at Davis nearing its end, the reality is slowly setting in for senior Liliana Mendoza.
A shortstop who can also step in behind the plate when needed, Mendoza has already left a lasting impact on the program—even in a season that hasn’t quite met the high expectations set in years past.
One thing remains undeniable: her presence on the field is felt.
“Honestly, it hasn’t hit me yet,” Mendoza said. “There’s still time left to play here. I’m hoping to commit somewhere so I can continue playing after I graduate, but I know when my last game comes, it’s going to be very emotional.”
Mendoza’s softball journey began in an unexpected place—on the baseball diamond.
“I started playing baseball when I was 10,” she shared. “Most of my family is really into baseball, so I figured I’d try it out. I played Little League, then transitioned to Select ball.”
It wasn’t until her sophomore year at Davis that she officially made the switch to softball—a decision that would define her athletic career.
“At some point, I realized that this was what I wanted to do,” she said.
Her versatility has been key to her success. While Mendoza is a natural middle infielder, she’s spent most of her time anchoring the defense at shortstop.
“I’ve always played middle infield, so I’ve gotten pretty used to it and the role I have,” she said. “I like the position because you need to be aggressive and reactive—there are a lot of balls hit that way.”
As the team’s top hitter, Mendoza has been a driving force for the Falcons this season, even as the squad continues to rebuild.
But her value isn’t just in her stats—it’s also in her leadership and respect for the program.
“The coaching staff here has been my favorite part about playing for Davis,” she said. “They’re tough but fair. They invest so much in helping us grow as players and prepare us for the next level. They push us because they know it’s going to pay off.”
While Mendoza remains focused on the present, her dream of playing college softball is never far from her thoughts.
“It would mean I’ve taken the sport as far as I could,” she said. “I think it would make my parents proud. All the hard work, the practices, the traveling—it would all be worth it. Even if I don’t get to play, I still plan on going to college, but it would be a great experience to have.”
For now, Mendoza is making the most of her final chapter with the Falcons. No matter what the future holds, her legacy at Davis is already secured.