Mandesa Milton (Benson, 1994)

Mandesa Milton-TindalMandesa Milton-Tindal

Mandesa Milton (Benson, 1994)
School: Benson Graduation Year: 1994

Year Inducted: 2020

Sports Played: Volleyball, Softball

High School Honors: 4 letters each in Volleyball & Softball. 3-time 1st team All-PIL Volleyball, 2nd Team All-State as a Senior. 3rd Team All-State as a Junior. Oregonian Prep Honor Roll of top performers. Benson’s Most Athletic Award as a Senior. Team MVP as Junior and Senior. Played for Portland Volleyball Club throughout Junior and Senior High. Starting 2nd baseman all four years; 2nd Team All-PIL as a Sophomore. Graduated with honors, Homecoming Queen and on Benson’s Prom Court and Rose Festival Court.

Post High School Career: Santa Clara University, BA degree in Communications. 1 letter in Volleyball as Freshman. Now a 22-year Motion Picture Marketing veteran at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. Presently works as Director of Worldwide Marketing and Communications for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Coached youth softball in Santa Clarita where her two daughters play.

Commentary:

Thank you to the PIL Hall of Fame Committee for considering me. It is a great honor to be included in this wonderful group of accomplished athletes and incredible citizens of the community.

I give great thanks and appreciation to my parents, Fred and Loretta, who supported me through every game, practice, tournament and all the highs and lows. They taught me and my siblings, Zalika and Hasani, how to work hard, and the importance of humility, integrity, fortitude and giving back. My father was a great athlete and an even greater human being who started the PIL Volleyball Club so young athletes in Portland had the opportunity to advance their skills and play the game they love.

A huge thank you to my amazing coaches at Benson for encouraging me and giving me the opportunity to play. I was barely 5’5” in a sport (Volleyball), where height was a major advantage. Even though I was always the smallest on my team, I never doubted myself. My coaches gave me the confidence to believe I could compete as an outside hitter —the position I loved most. I learned that being a team player, having the right attitude and staying hungry to learn and improve are some of the keys to success.

These experiences have helped me throughout my life and career. Even today, athletics plays a big part for my family. My husband (Cal) and I strive to give our two daughters, Kale’a and Kaia, the same opportunity to learn and experience all of the joys, friendships and challenges that sports has to offer.

Thank you again for this wonderful honor.

More Inductees from this School:

Ginny Folk

Ginny FolkGinny Folk

Benson ~ 1991 ~ 2-year letter winner as a sprinter, first as a freshman at Cleveland (PIL champion in 400m, school records in 200m, 400m, and 4x100 and 4x400 relays)

Photo of Joe Bushman

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Benson ~ 1989 ~ Football three-year letter winner; All-PIL Quarterback; team captain; member of 1988 State Championship team; QB for North in 1989 Shrine Game victory; Basketball two-year letter winner;