A Caldwell native and Olympic boxer received a warm welcome home Tuesday night after competing on the world stage.
CALDWELL, Idaho — A Caldwell native and Olympic boxer received a warm welcome home Tuesday night after competing on the world stage.
Alyssa Mendoza returned from the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England, where she represented Team USA. Although she lost her match against a Colombian Olympian, Mendoza said the experience was invaluable.
“It does hurt me a lot because I just don’t like losing at all,” Mendoza said. “I am going to come back home and reset and take my time and start training … so next year I’m an all-around better boxer.”
The city celebrated Mendoza’s homecoming at Indian Creek Steakhouse, where community members, friends and family showed their support.
“She just shows that if you put your mind to it anything is possible,” said Caldwell resident Suzii Rivera.
Others praised Mendoza for her work ethic and representation of her hometown.
“She’s a young woman that put in the hard work and dedication,” said Kristen DeWittie. “She’s a wonderful representation of Caldwell.”
Even staff at the Caldwell YMCA, where Mendoza trained, reflected on her commitment.
“She’s a hometown hero,” said Shellye Wilson, an administrative assistant at the YMCA.
Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner also attended the celebration and praised Mendoza for her achievements, saying he looks forward to her future accomplishments.
Mendoza said she hopes her journey inspires others to pursue their passions and dreams.
“Whatever they have in their heart that they believe they’re meant to do, they should go and follow their dreams,” she said. “Not let anybody tell them nothing less.”
Olympic boxer Alyssa Mendoza honored with homecoming parade in 2024