Once a Mustang, always a Mustang.
Norco College celebrates Melanie “Mel” Moreno, a trailblazer who helped lay the foundation for Norco College Women’s Flag Football and is now taking the next step in her academic and athletic journey at Azusa Pacific University (APU).
Moreno transferred to APU to pursue her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, with an emphasis in clinical exercise science, as she continues her education toward a career in nursing. At the same time, she continues competing in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, women’s flag football.
Moreno’s impact at Norco College went far beyond the stat sheet.
As a member of the college’s first-ever women’s flag football team, she became the program’s first Defensive Player of the Year. She was also selected as the recipient of the GRIT Award, an honor that represents the athlete and person she became during her time at Norco.
Grit. Toughness. Commitment. Resilience.
Moreno competed with all of them. She showed up. She worked. She competed. She accepted challenges. Most importantly, she helped establish the standard for every Mustang who will wear the uniform after her.
Being first meant there was no blueprint. Moreno helped create one.
Her journey is an example of what college athletics can be: a vehicle to earn an education, develop as a leader, create new opportunities, and continue pursuing bigger goals.
Now, Moreno has the opportunity to represent what she helped build at Norco College on a new stage. From becoming one of the pioneers of Mustang Women’s Flag Football to continuing her education and playing career at APU, her story is still being written.
Norco College will be cheering her on as she continues to compete, grow, and show what Mustang GRIT looks like at the next level.
Learn more about Norco College Athletics at athletics.norcocollege.edu.