KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- After a year of recovery from knee surgery, Senior Airman Bianca Mendoza not only secured a coveted National Powerlifting Title, but also shattered an astonishing eight New Mexico state records and will represent the United States in the upcoming Military World Championships in the United Kingdom.
Mendoza, a member of Team Kirtland, returned to the competitive platform under the guidance of strength and conditioning coach Dee Hernandez-Avalos, who trains Airmen as part of the Operational Support Team at Kirtland Air Force Base.
“Bianca’s comeback has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Hernandez-Avalos. “From post-surgery rehab to standing at the top of the podium—she showed resilience, discipline and grit every step of the way.”
Mendoza competed at the 2024 USA Powerlifting National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. It marked her return to competition and her first national title since beginning her powerlifting journey. Mendoza also broke a staggering eight powerlifting records for the state of New Mexico.
“There were days when her recovery was tough—when the pain was real,” said Hernandez-Avalos. “But she kept showing up, kept pushing. That’s what champions do.”
As a powerlifting coach and former national competitor, herself, Hernandez-Avalos programmed a personalized training plan for Mendoza and trained alongside her in preparation for the championship. Hernandez-Avalos also earned a national title at the same event and will coach the U.S. military team in the Hands Across the Sea competition this November in the UK.
“Being able to represent the U.S. in a different light is an incredible opportunity,” said Mendoza. “I’m proud to compete—not just for myself, but for Kirtland and everyone who supported me.”
Mendoza’s success is part of a growing culture of performance and readiness within the 377th Security Forces Group, where Hernandez-Avalos has helped drive physical training and injury prevention since joining Kirtland in late 2023.
“Our goal is to build a culture of strength physically and mentally,” Hernandez-Avalos said. “Bianca’s journey shows that with the right mindset, nothing is off-limits.”
As Mendoza prepares for the world stage, she hopes her story inspires other Airmen—especially women—to embrace the challenge and start their own fitness journey.
“Start where you are, and don’t rush it,” Mendoza said. “Progress takes time, but with the right support and the right goals, you can achieve more than you think.”