To be successful, teams need players like Mundelein senior forward Dulce Hernandez.
One of seven siblings ranging in age from 13 to 26, Hernandez is used to putting others first.
“When it came to things I wanted or even sometimes needed, I learned that sacrifice for the ones I love was more important and even more rewarding,” she said. “Having a big family taught me to be more of a team player and help everyone around me.”
In Hernandez’s first season as a varsity starter, she has helped the Mustangs (17-10, 7-4) record their most North Suburban Conference wins in more than a decade. Among her contributions, the 5-foot-6 Hernandez goes toe-to-toe with opponents down low.
“I grew up playing against older cousins and brothers, so I’m used to playing against people bigger than me,” she said.
That reflects Hernandez’s willingness to do whatever is needed, according to Mundelein coach Sarah Teipel.
“She shows constant toughness and does all the little things,” Teipel said. “She always gives her best, whether it’s rebounding, screening hard, deflecting passes, diving after loose balls or constantly cheering on her teammates.”
Hernandez has emerged as a leader for the Mustangs too.
“It has been special watching her develop as a leader,” Teipel said. “She is someone who everyone wants to be around, is always positive and pushes those around her to be better. She works hard and pushes her teammates to work hard.”
Senior guard Casey Vyverman, a Western Michigan recruit who holds Mundelein’s all-time scoring record, agrees that Hernandez is essential to the team’s success.
“Dulce brings us energy, no matter if we are up or down in a game, and she is always looking to set up her teammates,” Vyverman said. “Leadership-wise, she holds everyone accountable and brings the team back together every time we are struggling.”
Mundelein junior guard Grace Dunigan echoed Vyverman.
“Dulce pushes us to talk, raises our energy, and whether on the bench or on the floor, she’s always the loudest and most hardworking,” Dunigan said. “Those might not show in stats, like how many steals she got or blocks, but how she treats her teammates and how much effort she gives will always show.”
Mundelein’s Dulce Hernandez passes the ball during a nonconference game against Cary-Grove in Mundelein on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (Brian O’Mahoney / News-Sun)
Hernandez, who also plays flag football and runs sprints in track, has steadily climbed the ladder in the girls basketball program from the freshman/sophomore team to the junior varsity team to the varsity team.
“She has improved so much because of all the time she has put into her game,” Teipel said. “She has a constant desire to keep getting better.”
Hernandez, who said some of her relatives have played sports at Mundelein, Stevenson and Buffalo Grove, is proud of her improvement since last season.
“I feel like my junior year I was just looking to prepare myself for my senior year,” she said. “This year, I’m excited to put all of that on display and show my craft all year. I’m excited to help the team. I’m putting it all out on the floor.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
