Congratulations to Aidan Mendoza '21, who signed to play track and field for Southern Oregon University.

Mendoza, a senior who turned 18 years old on Tuesday, is an incredible student athlete and academic. With less than a year in training, Mendoza has impressed Serra coaches and collegiate scouts with his incredible talent.

"Track is an individual sport and you have to be intrinsically motivated; you have to want it and if you do it's gonna take you places," said Jim Marheineke, head track and field coach. "This commitment shows that desire and that he is completely bought into this sport," he said.

Mendoza has only been on the track and field team since his sophomore year and his junior year season was gravely impacted by the COVID-19 shut down that halted all sports.

"I think if you asked Aidan a few years ago, he would have said that he planned to play premier soccer somewhere but he stumbled on track and he found his passion," said Marheineke. "He began as a sophomore, so his training age is less than a year -- but he has found his passion and he has a huge, bright future ahead."

According to Serra Principal Charlie McGrath, Mendoza is an outstanding example of a great Padre.

"Aidan is an exemplary student -- exemplary academically and athletically, putting forth his best efforts in his school work and his athletics," McGrath said.

Congratulations to Aidan and best of luck at Southern Oregon University!

Go Padres!