“I have grown into a mature, hardworking woman and, because of my experience at UMBC, I now know what I want to do with my life.”
Plans: M.A., Education
B.A., Psychology
Hometown: Huntingtown, Maryland
Mercedes is the most decorated women's track athlete in UMBC's history. After being named Female Athlete of the Year in both her freshman and sophomore years, she was dubbed America East Most Outstanding Female Track Athlete as a junior. In her senior year, she won the Most Outstanding Track Performer and Co-Coaches Award at the America East Indoor Championships and Eastern College Athletic Conference Most Outstanding Performer award. She has also broken several university records and credits the coaches at UMBC with helping her perfect her craft as a sprinter. Mercedes will pursue a Master's degree in teaching, with the goal of eventually becoming a head track and field coach or athletic director.