Former Pearl City Standout Continues To Shine At Chaminade
Sierra Mendiola is quick to admit that playing softball for Chaminade was not part of the plan when she first took up the sport.
“I started (softball) really late at 13 – I didn’t have a lot of experience, and I was really behind,” said Mendiola, a sophomore outfielder for the Silverswords and a Pearl City resident. “It took me a while. I couldn’t even throw the ball. I was behind and really had to put in my time.
“I remember working out every day after school with my dad (Ron),” she added. “He would always hit to me. I’d played basketball, and I knew I wanted to play (soft)ball in college.”
A solid season at Pearl City in her senior year of high school earned Mendiola an opportunity to play for Hawaii Pacific University. She transferred after her freshman year and quickly took to the close-knit Chaminade community.
“It’s a small school, and I like that,” Mendiola said.
“It’s good how your professors get to know you and know your name.”
Mendiola recently took some time away from the practice field and her studies to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My dad. He pushed me to be the best I could be. He’s been there for me through everything – on sports and in life. He always has my back.
What area of your game did you work on the most during the off-season? My hitting, for sure. If you can hit, they’ll find a way to put you in the lineup. My batting used to be inconsistent, so I wanted to be more confident.
What movie could you watch over and over? Benchwarmers. My sister (Taylor) and I used to watch it every night before we went to bed.
What item couldn’t you live without? My phone. It has everything, including my music.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Beyonce, and I like Lauren Hill and Kimie.
What is your least favorite household chore? Picking up dog doo-doo. We have seven dogs, and they are big dogs!
What website do you go to the most? Pandora. I’m always listening to music.
What road trip in the PacWest Conference are you looking forward to the most this season? Azusa Pacific (in California). My sister goes there this year.
When you have free time, how do you spend it? What are your hobbies? I like to play music. I play the guitar and the piano. I’ve been playing guitar since high school; piano is something I picked up not long ago.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully I’ll be happy and successful with a stable career, and I’ll be starting a family.
You are stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Pastele.
Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Beyonce.
jackster.1969@yahoo.com
