Naomi Ros and DJ Mendoza have a lot in common. They're both sophomores at MacArthur High School. They're also two of the country's top high school racquetball players.
"I don't really have the words to explain how I feel when I'm playing. It's just amazing," said Naomi.
Naomi recently finished 1st place in the nation in the Girls Singles Division at the USA Racquetball National High School Championship. DJ placed 4th in the Boys Singles Division and the duo won gold in the Mixed Doubles competition.
DJ and Naomi have what it takes to be champions. That starts with embracing the sacrifice and grind that comes with going to school, practicing 20 hours a week and traveling for competitions. Both discovered their love for the game at a young age.
"I was in gymnastics and dance when I was little and I used to get pretty bored," said Naomi. "I could see the racquetball courts from my dance class and I told my mom I wanted to try it. A week later, the coach told me I had talent so I started to train every day."
Naomi's desire to be the best came with a great sacrifice. She moved from Mexico to San Antonio to live with her grandmother and chase her dreams to be the best racquetball player in the world. With multiple national titles and gold medals to her name, she's well on her way to achieving that goal. DJ is right there with her, matching her ambition stroke for stroke.
"In middle school, I played every team sport, but I really love the feeling of just having the pressure on you," said DJ. "It's one of the most amazing things about racquetball. There are very few sports where it's all on you."
DJ and Naomi both hope to pursue racquetball at the collegiate and professional level after high school. Naomi is threading a second dream. She's already designing, sewing and wearing her own original uniforms on the court.
"I want to be a fashion designer," said Naomi. "I want to own my own company and design player uniforms and outfits for racquetball."
Congratulations, Naomi and DJ!
