CNMI’s Deseha Mendiola receives two UOG Triton Awards

CNMI daughter Deseha Mendiola has earned two Triton Awards at the University of Guam, recognizing her leadership, work ethic, and contributions as a student-athlete.

After four semesters competing in both basketball and volleyball, Mendiola earned a Triton Award in each sport for the 2025-2026 school year. It adds to her list of accomplishments at UOG, where she also earned a volleyball Triton Award in 2024-25, was named Best Defensive Player in basketball, and selected as an All-League volleyball player.

Mendiola said this year’s award meant more to her, especially in volleyball after switching from middle blocker to outside hitter. The change meant adjusting to a new role and putting more focus on defense, which she said has always been a weak point. While her height helps her on offense, she said her biggest growth came from becoming a more consistent defender.

She also said she took on a bigger leadership role this season. “I was definitely busting my butt on the court a lot more,” she said. “When my volleyball coach gave me the award, she said this was one of the first seasons I was more outspoken—not just for myself, but for my teammates too.”

In basketball, she credited her coach for pushing her to improve. “She’s such an encouraging coach,” Mendiola said. “Every practice and game, she’s always telling me ways I can get better and reminding me how far I’ve come since I first got here.”

Mendiola, who was born on Guam, lived on Rota, and graduated from Saipan Southern High School, moved to Guam in 2024 to continue her studies and athletic career. She also continues to play soccer and represents the CNMI as a goalkeeper, her main sport. She said adjusting to Guam’s level of competition was not easy.

“When I got here, the playing style was a lot more competitive,” she said. “Back home, a lot of players play more for fun, even if they’re good. Here it’s more serious. At first it was a shock because I didn’t really know what I was doing. I’m still learning, but I’ve gotten more comfortable during games and practices.”

Despite her busy schedule, Mendiola said school comes first. “I understand I’m a student first and I’m here to get my degree, not just play sports,” she said. She said she is proud to represent the CNMI and hopes younger athletes back home stay motivated and keep pushing through challenges.

Looking ahead, Mendiola has joined the University of Guam's ROTC program and plans to pursue a military career after graduation. She then credited her family for her successes, dedicating her achievements to her parents, siblings, and friends who continue to support her from home.

She is the daughter of Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola and Ana Mendiola.