Faith, Family and Going for History: The Story of Alyssa Mendoza

“Being from Idaho challenged me,” Mendoza stated on possibly being the first Olympic boxer from Idaho. “Not many athletes come out of Idaho, and I always felt growing up it brought almost a disadvantage to have Idaho next to my name instead of like Texas or California.”

“I fought on my birthday during the Golden Gloves, and I remember winning and going straight to my room and praying.” A passionate Mendoza stated. “I felt like fighting on my birthday was a sign to me that I was born to do this and to be here in the spot I am today.”