The Burroughs senior brings talent, determination and a love of family to basketball and baseball.
Whether she is on the basketball court or the baseball diamond, Jessica Mena brings the same commitment: work hard, support her teammates and keep getting better.
The John Burroughs High School senior has spent four years competing in girls basketball and baseball, building a career marked by individual honors, team accomplishments and friendships that extend beyond the game. Mena made the varsity girls basketball team as a freshman and earned second-team All-Pacific League honors as a sophomore. Last season, she received honorable mention recognition while helping the Lady Bears reach the CIF Southern Section Division 5 championship game.
On the baseball field, she has competed at the freshman and junior varsity levels, earning Pitcher of the Year honors on both teams. Now, she looks to make an impact during her final year in both sports.
For Mena, that dedication began at home. Basketball and baseball have long been part of her family’s story. “I developed my love for baseball and basketball from a young age through my dad. He played both sports when he was in high school, and started to train my siblings and I in both of them from a very young age,” Mena said. “Playing these sports was a way that we spent quality time together as a family, always training together and making new memories in sports.”
Those early experiences gave her more than athletic skills. They made sports a lasting source of connection.“Playing sports is what brings my family together, as we all love playing together, and supporting each other in practices and games,” Mena said.
At Burroughs, Mena has found that same sense of connection with her teammates. She said building friendships has been one of the most meaningful parts of competing in both sports.
Bears center fielder and pitcher Jake Rauenswinder has seen her dedication firsthand. The two have been friends and played baseball together since they were 10 years old. “She’s a hard worker, supportive friend and teammate. It never surprises me when she’s successful because she’s one of the hardest working teammates that I’ve played with,” Rauenswinder said. “Jessica has always been positive and supportive.” Rauenswinder said he is excited to see what Mena accomplishes during her senior seasons. He also recognizes the example she sets for younger girls who want to play baseball at the high school level.
Her basketball coach, Vicky Oganyan, sees that same determination every day. “Jessica’s work ethic and determination is off the charts and has the will to be the best player she can be,” Vicky Oganyan said.Oganyan added that Mena pursues both sports without allowing other people’s opinions to define her choices. In doing so, she sets a positive example for young female athletes who want to follow their own dreams.
As her senior year unfolds, Mena has plenty to work toward. This winter, she hopes to help the Lady Bears make another run to the CIF championship game. In the spring, she aims to contribute to the varsity baseball team’s pursuit of another league title.
For Mena, those goals are rooted in the same things that first made her love sports: family, friendship and the chance to grow alongside the people who support her. Her final year at Burroughs offers another opportunity to make memories—and to show younger athletes what is possible when they pursue the games they love.
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