Emiliano Mendoza Merlos '21 Recruiting Profile

"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing "-Pele. This is a quote I live by and it is a quote that inspires me every day and every night to fuel my passion and love for the sport. I started playing soccer when I was 7 years old, growing up in a Hispanic environment futbol is everything. Since then my desire and passion to improve have grown exponentially. 

Winning the Division 1 CIF Championship and playing in the State Finals as a sophomore taught me that with hard work comes reward. However, in my junior year, when I became captain I truly learned how to be a leader and fight every day for my teammates and for myself. I learned the value of teamwork, commitment, sacrifice, and leadership that year without a finalist or championship. Although we started out that season with a losing record, the obstacles and adversity were what helped me re-focus and lead my team into the Open Division with a great winning record. That experience helped me grow as a person and allowed me to have the experiences needed to be capable of playing at the college level. That year I earned 1st Team-All Palomar and got the most assists in the entire division of San Diego.

I know I have the skills and capability to play at any level and I am looking for a program that will be academically and athletically beneficial for my development. I believe I have the talent, leadership skills, work ethic, and mindset necessary to play and have a positive impact on your team.