Emily Mendoza joined the Concordia University Irvine cross country and track & field programs as a graduate assistant coach after graduating from Cal State San Marcos in 2026.
A former NCAA Division II distance runner, Mendoza brings eight years of experience in the sport and a passion for supporting student-athletes. She enjoys helping athletes pursue their goals and grow as competitors, individuals and in their faith.
During her collegiate career at Cal State San Marcos, Mendoza represented the Cougars at the NCAA Division II West Region Cross Country Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024. She also earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors in 2025.
Mendoza was a member of the Cal State San Marcos Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) from 2022-2025, where she worked with fellow student-athletes and helped plan team activities and events. She has also served as a summer camp counselor with Runners Workshop, encouraging developing runners and sharing her passion for the sport.
A native of Oceanside, California, Mendoza attended El Camino High School before continuing her running career at Cal State San Marcos. She graduated magna cum laude from CSUSM in 2026 with a bachelor's degree in marketing.
