Who is Alyssa Mendoza? All about the 20-year-old who will represent the U.S in boxing at the Paris Olympics

Alyssa Mendoza is a 20-year-old boxer who will represent the US in the 57 kg weight class at the Paris Olympics. She is the first person from the state of Idaho to have qualified for the Games in boxing.

After a stellar run of performances in 2023, Mendoza qualified for the marquee event in June this year, at the Second 2024 Olympic Games World Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand. Now, as the youngster gets ready to make her debut, here is everything you need to know about her, in and out of the ring.

Alyssa Mendoza's family and hometown

Mendoza was born to JR and Wendy Mendoza on August 17, 2003. She has six siblings, three sisters and three brothers. The 20-year-old picked up the sport from her father, who himself had learned from his father, Jose Mendoza, who used to be a boxer in the 1970’s.

Mendoza was raised in Caldwell, Idaho, but moved to Colorado Springs by herself in 2022 in order to practice at the U.S Olympic Training Centre.

Who is Alyssa Mendoza's coach?

Mendoza is coached by her father, JR. She has often credited him as the reason she is a successful boxer, telling the KTVB after qualifying for the Paris Olympics:

"Would not be here (without him), not at all.”

JR Mendoza is similarly in awe of his daughter and protege, saying in the same interview:

"There's not a better feeling or joy than to work mitts with her. There's no better feeling than to be there for her. I am extremely proud for what she has accomplished, but I am more proud for who she is."

When did Alyssa Mendoza start the sport?

Mendoza picked up the sport at the age of 11, having spent her time roaming around in her family's gym. She got into the ring with her father, who was immediately impressed at her power.

Alyssa Mendoza's education

Mendoza studied at Middletown High School, from where she graduated in 2022. A record of the boxer's collegiate education is unavailable.

Alyssa Mendoza’s career highlights

Mendoza has proven to be an absolute force in her career at the 57 kg weight class. In 2019, she won the Eastern and Western Regional Championships, as well as the National PAL Championships. She was also crowned USA Boxing Youth National that year.

In late December of 2019, Mendoza made her way onto the USA team, and won bronze at the USA Boxing Elite National Championships just a year later. 2022 was a spectacular season for the boxer on the domestic circuit, as she stormed to the top of the podium at the USA Boxing Elite National Championships, the USA Boxing Summer Festival, and the 2022 National Golden Gloves.

In 2023, Mendoza extended her dominance to the international circuit. She won bronze medals both at the Strandja International tournament as well as the Gee Bee International tournament, and took silver at the Czech Republic Grand Prix.