As a sophomore, Yesenia Menchaca has already made her presence felt at Ponca City High School. A defensive specialist and libero on the volleyball team, as well as a member of the drill team, Menchaca balances a busy schedule with determination and pride in representing her school.
“What motivates me is to make my family and I proud,” Menchaca said. Her parents, whom she calls her biggest role models, have shown her the value of dedication and effort. “They both put in a lot of hard work into everything they do, and that inspires me.”
In the classroom, one teacher has stood out in shaping her high school experience so far. “My freshman math teacher had the biggest impact on me because anytime something happened in my life, I would tell her, and she would share her opinions and guidance,” she said.
Menchaca knows the mental side of sports is just as important as the physical. “To be successful in my sports, it genuinely took a lot of mental health and determination to be as good as I know I can be,” she explained. That determination has led to moments she’ll never forget, including one special highlight. “A highlight moment in my career would be being able to dig way older and more experienced players,” she said.
She credits her teammates for making the game even more enjoyable, especially her setter, Kenzington Bivins. “She’s one of the teammates I really enjoy playing with,” Menchaca said. She also feels that hitter Emerson Hill deserves more recognition. “She has good hits, and I feel like she should get more credit for what she does.”
Outside of school sports, Menchaca stays active with club volleyball and competitive dance, showcasing her love for athletics in multiple ways. Away from the court, her favorite social media follows are families and couples raising children. “I just love to see people happy while creating a family,” she said.
Balancing it all takes discipline. “It’s a lot of hard work and putting time into situations you know you can get done, as well as no procrastination,” Menchaca explained.
For Menchaca, representing Ponca City is about effort and heart. “When I play, I want people to see that we’re dedicated to this sport. I just set my heart out and go for every ball.”
