COACH MENDOZA SELECTED FOR OC SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME

Coach Marian "Speedy" Mendoza will be inducted into the 2026 Orange County Softball Hall of Fame on June 10 during this year's OC High School Senior All-Star Game at Deanna Manning Softball Stadium in Bill Barber Park.

Entering her 27th season with the Fullerton College softball program, Mendoza brings a wealth of experience as both a standout player and accomplished coach. She will be honored for her outstanding contributions to the sport throughout her playing and coaching career.

A three-sport standout at Garden Grove High School, Mendoza earned varsity letters in softball, basketball, and volleyball all four years. Softball quickly became her premier sport where she captured numerous awards, including All-CIF honors in three consecutive seasons. She also earned three all-league selections in both basketball and volleyball, solidifying her place as one of Orange County's top athletes in the Class of 1987.

Mendoza continued her success on the travel circuit competing with the 14U Panthers, 18U Inland Cities Raiders, and the Women's Open team, the Irocs, helping each team capture a national championship. She also made history as a member of the USA Junior National Team winning a World Championship in 1987 as part of the first Junior National team to bring home gold.

She went on to earn a softball scholarship to powerhouse Long Beach State where she helped lead the 49ers to a fourth-place finish at the 1988 Women's College World Series, while also helping the team to the 1990 and 1991 WCWS.

Following her collegiate career, Mendoza fulfilled a lifelong dream by playing professionally in 1998 with the Tampa Bay Firestix.

After her playing days, Mendoza transitioned seamlessly into coaching quickly establishing herself as a respected leader in the game. She began at the high school level at her alma mater, later coaching at Rancho Alamitos, and eventually founded "The Academy," a youth softball training program. She also served as a coach and mentor for the Cal A's Women's International Team, which competed internationally in Canada.

For the past 27 years, Mendoza has been a cornerstone of the Fullerton College softball program. She became head coach in 2011 and later shared the role with Lisa Bassi. Currently, she serves as Co-Head Coach alongside Crystal Aguirre.

Mendoza has compiled an impressive career record of 355-274 (.564) with two regular-season games remaining in the 2026 season, where the team is 25-13. Under her leadership, the Hornets have captured two Orange Empire Conference titles, made nine postseason appearances, and claimed a state championship in 2024.

She has also been recognized individually earning OEC Coach of the Year honors in 2019, 2021, and 2024, as well as State Coach of the Year accolades in 2019 and 2024.

Congratulations, Coach Speedy!