OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary is pleased to announce that Monica Mendez has signed to continue her soccer career at the school in the 2025-26 academic year.

Mendez is the daughter of Carlos Mendez and Loren Lopez. She graduated from Ralston High School in 2024, where she participated in soccer, cross country and swimming for four years.

A left back on defense, Mendez considers winning the Trailblazer Conference championship in her senior year to be her greatest sports moment to date. She enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu in her spare time.

CSM Coach Jamison Parkhill is looking forward to adding Mendez to his program.

"Monica is a hard worker, on and off the field,'' he said. "We are excited to have her join us this fall and beyond. She is going to be a great ambassador for our school and program.''

Mendez said she immediately felt a strong connection to CSM.

"I like the small campus, and I felt welcomed from the moment they reached out to me,'' she said. "Making a personal connection was one of the main reasons I chose CSM. To me, a small community represents the foundation of a strong community of empowered women. On the athletic side, Coach Parkhill really made me feel like I belong, which helped with any doubt I had about continuing my soccer career. I felt seen and appreciated.''