Skidmore College Athletics

Powered by her competitive spirit, extraordinary talent, and unyielding resolve, Nataly Mendoza became one of the nation’s preeminent collegiate tennis players. A three-time All American (2012 doubles, 2013 doubles/singles), she is an eight-time All Liberty League First Team selection (singles/doubles 2010-2013). Named League Rookie of the Year in 2010 and Player of the Year in 2013, she received Skidmore’s Senior Athlete Award.

Mendoza was ranked as high as #6 in doubles after finishing fourth at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association fall nationals (Oracle Cup) her junior year. Part of the first Thoroughbred pair to qualify for the NCAA Doubles Championship since 2001, she finished 2012 with #17 national ranking in doubles. Mendoza concluded her collegiate career as the #17 ranked singles player and #8 ranked doubles player in the U.S. When she qualified for the NCAA Singles Championship in 2013, she became one of just four Thoroughbreds to compete in the NCAA individual championships and capture All American honors in both singles and doubles. Team captain for two seasons (2012, 2013), Mendoza led the Thoroughbreds to three consecutive league titles and four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, advancing to the third round in 2013. Her leadership was instrumental in elevating Thoroughbred Women’s Tennis from a national ranking of #30 in 2010 to #16 in the U.S. in 2013.

“Nataly helped set very high standards that define the program to this day,” observes Coach Curt Speerschneider. “She embodied resolve and perseverance. I don’t think she ever lost to an opponent twice. Because she learned from her mistakes, Nataly improved each year and allowed the program to improve with her. She was a true leader in every sense of the word.”