Alumni in Action: Ana Mayordomo
Ana Mayordomo, a 2018 graduate of Cherry Creek High School, has always been driven by curiosity, excellence, and a passion for growth. During her time at Creek, she challenged herself academically by taking Honors and Advanced Placement courses and immersed herself in the study of foreign languages — including French and German — which she remembers fondly. Growing up in Spain until age 14 before moving to the United States, languages connected her to culture, identity, and joy in learning.
“I always did the most, but foreign languages were pure joy,” Ana said. “My teachers — especially Frau Smith and Mr. Kronen — knew me, encouraged me, and helped me see that it’s not just about doing more — it’s about enjoying what you do.”
Her experiences at Cherry Creek taught her that ambition is important, but so is balance. Ana reflects on how easily driven students can feel pressure to do everything, and how meaningful it was to have teachers affirm both her efforts and her need for care.
“There will be times when it’s rough,” she said. “It’s great to push yourself, but you have to know your limits — and know it’s okay to rest.”
While Ana focused on academics early on, she also discovered an unexpected passion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during her senior year. Encouraged by a classmate to try a class at a local gym, she quickly found a love for the sport and built her schedule around training — all while graduating with enough credits, thanks to a flexible and supportive school environment.
Ana continued to balance her competitive jiu-jitsu training with college at the University of Denver, where she earned an extraordinary triple major — mathematics, computer science, and marketing — supported by a full merit scholarship as a Boettcher Scholar. She credits the sense of community she developed through her training and academics as grounding during the transitions of young adulthood.
“That continuity, that community, mattered so much,” she said. “High school and college are amazing years, but they’re also confusing at times — and having something constant helped.”
After college, Ana pursued full-time competition in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and quickly rose through the sport’s elite ranks. As a black belt under Coach Eliott Marshall, she won multiple championships in 2025, including the ADCC Europe, Middle East & Africa Trials, the ADCC North American East Coast Trials, and the IBJJF Pan and European No-Gi Championships. She also earned a silver medal at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship. Ana competes in the Peso Pena division and is known for her skillful closed guard and strategic approach to competition.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Ana continues to live out the lessons she learned in Cherry Creek.
“One of the most important habits I took with me is the value of an off-switch,” she said. “It’s important to honor your goals and push yourself, but it’s just as important to rest, recharge, and enjoy life.”
If she could send one text message to her high school self, Ana says it would be simple yet powerful: “Go to bed… now!”
Ana’s story exemplifies the variety of pathways a foundation in Cherry Creek Schools can support — from academic achievement and cultural connection to athletic excellence and personal balance.