Victoria Mendez is currently leading the 17.1 team at RISE VBC. Now in her fourth season with the club, Victoria’s journey with RISE began as an assistant coach for the 15.1 team in 2021. Her dedication and expertise quickly earned her a promotion to head coach for the 16.1 team the following season, where she achieved notable success, including guiding her team to qualify for and compete in the USAV National Tournament in Las Vegas last year.

A native of Texas, Victoria’s love for volleyball began at a young age and fueled her ambition to play at the collegiate level. She pursued her dream as a Division II setter at Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma. However, a career-ending injury provided Victoria with a transformative perspective on the game. This experience deepened her appreciation for volleyball and shifted her focus toward coaching.

Now, as a Graduate Assistant at Southern Nazarene University pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling, Victoria combines her personal insights with professional expertise to inspire and mentor her athletes. Her coaching philosophy centers on communication, hard work, grit, and connection. She is deeply passionate about fostering team cohesion and building a positive, supportive culture all while drawing on the valuable lessons learned from her own journey through the sport. Victoria is striving to create an environment where athletes can thrive as a team.