LeaAnn Mendoza Makes History as Nixon Boys Basketball Assistant Coach

Becomes first female varsity assistant boys basketball coach in Laredo history

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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LeaAnn Mendoza, who previously served as the Nixon High School girls' basketball coach for 16 years, has returned to the sidelines as a varsity assistant for the Nixon boys basketball team, becoming the first female varsity assistant boys basketball coach in Laredo history. Mendoza's son, Ayden, is a freshman on the Nixon boys basketball team, and the opportunity to coach alongside him has been a rewarding experience for both.

Why it matters

Mendoza's appointment represents a significant milestone for women in coaching, as she breaks barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her success could inspire more women to pursue coaching opportunities, particularly in boys' sports, and help pave the way for greater gender diversity in high school athletics.

The details

After stepping down from her head coaching position with the Nixon girls' basketball team two years ago, Mendoza was recruited by Nixon boys' basketball head coach Pete Solis to serve as his varsity assistant. Mendoza's wealth of head coaching experience and her strong rapport with the players have earned her the respect of the team. Prior to Mendoza, Clarissa Martinez served as the LBJ boys' freshman basketball coach in 2020, and Robin Colin coached freshman football at Nixon in 2019, but Mendoza's role as a varsity assistant coach represents a significant advancement for women in coaching.

  • Two years ago, when Ayden was in eighth grade, LeaAnn Mendoza stepped down from her head coaching position with the Nixon girls' basketball team.
  • This season, LeaAnn Mendoza returned to the sidelines as a varsity assistant coach for the Nixon boys basketball team.

The players

LeaAnn Mendoza

A former head coach of the Nixon High School girls' basketball team for 16 years, who has now become the first female varsity assistant boys basketball coach in Laredo history.

Ayden Mendoza

LeaAnn Mendoza's son, who is a freshman playing on the Nixon boys basketball junior varsity team.

Pete Solis

The head coach of the Nixon boys basketball team, who recruited LeaAnn Mendoza to serve as his varsity assistant.

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What they’re saying

“LeaAnn is a great person who brings a wealth of head-coaching experience. Her character speaks volumes. She's great with the kids and does so much for our program. I wasn't looking at gender—I was looking at whether you know the game of basketball, and she absolutely does.”

— Pete Solis, Nixon Boys Basketball Head Coach (lmtonline.com)

“Growing up, I was always at Nixon watching my mom coach the girls. I've always wanted to play for the Brotherhood because Coach Solis runs a great program. He pushes his players to be their best every day. Having my mom on the sidelines helping me is special.”

— Ayden Mendoza (lmtonline.com)

“It definitely took some time adjusting. Learning when to turn off coach mode and turn on mom mode isn't easy, but we've found a balance. At the end of the day, I just want him to enjoy the process and continue growing.”

— LeaAnn Mendoza, Nixon Boys Basketball Varsity Assistant Coach (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

As Ayden Mendoza continues his journey with the Nixon boys basketball team, his mother LeaAnn Mendoza will continue to provide her expertise and guidance as the varsity assistant coach, breaking new ground for women in coaching.

The takeaway

LeaAnn Mendoza's appointment as the first female varsity assistant boys basketball coach in Laredo history represents a significant milestone for women in coaching. Her success could inspire more women to pursue coaching opportunities, particularly in traditionally male-dominated sports, and help pave the way for greater gender diversity in high school athletics.