JACOB MENDEZ
GRIT AND GRIND: THE MENDEZ WAY
ACCESS U Alumni Spotlight | Texas A&M University - Texarkana '24
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Jacob's parents, both from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, came to the U.S. seeking a better life and made immense sacrifices. Despite significant challenges, including his father's lupus diagnosis, they worked tirelessly raising Jacob and his two older sisters, prioritizing academics over soccer. Jacob’s soccer journey began with recreational play alongside his sister, eventually transitioning to a goalie. In high school, he distinguished himself with notable accolades, including Second-Team All-State honors from Tasco Soccer for three consecutive years.
The ACCESS U Foundation played a crucial role in Jacob’s journey to Texas A&M University - Texarkana, providing mentorship, prep classes, and support throughout the college application process. Financial considerations led Jacob to choose Texas A&M - Texarkana, ensuring he could stay close to family and avoid student loans. His story exemplifies the perseverance, diligence, and cultural pride of Latino student-athletes, offering inspiration and advice for those who dream of enrolling in college.
Read the full interview below.
Family & Childhood
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Please tell us about your family and how your parents met.
​Both of my parents are from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. My mom moved to the U.S. in her twenties, planning to work here for a few years and then go back to Mexico. My dad moved here when he was 15 and went to work right after he graduated from high school. They both came to the United States in search of a better life, met here, fell in love, married and had me and my two older sisters.
Can you share an example of a significant adversity you and your family have faced?
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Growing up, my dad and mom were always working. We've been part of the working class our whole lives. Before any of us were born, my dad got really sick. He had lost all of his energy and was on bedrest for a year. He couldn’t do any physical labor and lost 40 pounds. His skin got really light and he always wore long hats, long sleeves, long pants and pretty much covered his skin because the sun was really bad for him. Many people thought it was cancer, but he eventually was diagnosed with lupus, for which there’s no cure.
Throughout my childhood, he would be sick often and in first grade, we had to stay with cousins. We have always been really close and he would say this was like God giving him a second chance. Two years ago, he had a heart attack while I was at college. It was around covid time and the hospital would only allow one visitor at a time. We had to alternate between my mom and siblings. He is a lot better now, but often won't feel good and will need to rest. His body gets tired quickly. If he does an hour of work, it feels like 12 hours to him.
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Your story with soccer: How did you start when you were little?
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I started playing recreational soccer with my sister (2 years older) and began as a forward before becoming a goalie. It was too difficult to play in Developmental Academy (DA) due to the commute being 1.5 hours one way (Dallas). It was too far for my parents - they worked a lot and also had to take care of my sisters - so even though I was invited, I could never commit.
I decided to play in a regular competitive league locally. How I became a goalie is a funny story. I got tired of my team losing. We were really bad and I took matters into my own hands. From there I started playing more competitively, then in high school and then transitioned into college.
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What sacrifices did you or your family make so that you could study and play at Texas A&M University - Texarkana?
​My parents were really dedicated and encouraged me to be the best that I could be. They sacrificed a lot to help me get into college. They always pushed me to do extra, whether it was academically or with soccer. From Monday to Friday after school, I was always training with my Club, then private training with Rafa Calderon (ACCESS U Scout and former LigaMX Goalkeeper).
They would work all day and then pick me up from school, pick up my siblings, cook dinner, and then drive 30-40 minutes to take me to practice, which lasted an hour and a half, and then drive back home, tired. The next day, they’d do it again. Now that I'm almost at the age where I think about having my own kids, I look back on it and think, “Wow, what they did was kind of crazy.
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​You were a soccer standout at Crowley High School (first soccer player to be named All-State for three consecutive years). However, your parents always stressed that your education was just as important. How did your family support your academic studies?
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At the time, I didn't pay much attention to all the recognition on the soccer field. My parents kept me grounded and prioritized school BIG TIME, always stressing academics over soccer. My sister graduated top 6 in her high school class, so she set the bar pretty high. My dad hired a tutor for me in high school to help with classes and college exam prep. In the summer, my dad would buy us a workbook for the next grade level and we would have to do 5 pages from it every day. I remember that being crazy, none of my friends did that. My parents knew we were capable in sports and academics, so they really pushed me and my sisters to do our best. ​​​
​ACCESS U & APPLYING TO COLLEGES​
How did you decide to attend Texas A&M University - Texarkana and what role did ACCESS U Foundation play in helping you achieve your college dreams?
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ACCESS U helped a lot. I had monthly check-ups with the academic mentors, I took ACT/SAT prep classes, and I participated in Surf Cup twice with the ACCESS U team, which gave me the true student athlete experience with classwork sessions in the mornings and training in the afternoons. I’ve also known Rafa Calderon since the 8th grade and he helped me a lot throughout the process. As far as choosing which college to attend, I was highly considering Concordia in Texas, a Division III school. However, after talking with one of my ACCESS U mentors, we realized Concordia being a D3 school couldn't offer a soccer scholarship.
I didn’t want to take out any loans, have any debt or have my parents help me out. A high school friend had gone to Texas A&M - Texarkana and put in a good word for me, so I went on a visit, had a tryout and they were interested in me. Covid hit and slowed down the process. I had a lot of time to think about it with my family. Since the campus was only 2-3 hours from home, I was able to be near family, which was important to me given how close we are.
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Why did you choose to major in Business Administration and Management?
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​It was an easy decision because Business is very broad and I could go into different industries with this degree. I have a lot of experience in the construction industry and wanted to stay in the field because I like seeing things being built. When you have the tools and keys to build something, that's really cool to me. My dad also grew up doing construction and my mom cleans houses so we've always been a working family.
​*Alianza U was later renamed ACCESS U Foundation.​​​​
Texas A&M University​​
Congratulations on graduating from Texas A&M - Texarkana with honors! How does it feel to achieve your dream and who were your greatest supporters throughout your university career?​
Graduating with honors and a 3.5 GPA feels surreal. My family played a huge role. My sister and I went through college together, always checking in on classes, homework, or exams. My parents were my backbone, always supporting me. My mom called regularly to check on me, and my dad sent good luck texts before every game, reminding me, “If the game doesn't go your way, life goes on.” They helped me realize there was more to life than just soccer, which allowed me to enjoy college and be more successful.In addition to my family, Rafa Calderon and Sergio Bernal were invaluable supporters. They consistently checked on me, provided advice, and mentored me throughout my college journey.
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Being a student athlete in college can be demanding and stressful. How did you manage to successfully balance your classes and studies with your soccer responsibilities?
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I am really good with my time management. Two or three times a week, I would wake up at 6:30 am and work at a coffee shop for about two hours to get ahead on assignments for the whole week. A lot of times as student athletes, a lot of people just focus on just the athlete part and don't actually take into consideration that they're there for more than just sports. As a student athlete, you have double the responsibility than regular students.
It takes knowing what has to be done and hitting those deadlines because it's not easy, especially during the season when you're on an away trip and playing two games each week. You have to miss class for the rest of the week. Not physically being in class and always catching up definitely tests your time management and shows you the type of student you have to be.
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Career​​
After graduating from college, you started working at Tri Pointe Homes. Tell us about your role and how you found your job.
I started as an intern with Five Point Homes (a division of Tri Pointe Homes) in the summer of 2022. I was really interested in the field of construction management and wanted to get my feet wet and gain experience. I did a three month internship shadowing a construction manager, who showed me the ins and outs of what he does on a day-to-day basis and taught me what the role consists of.
When the internship ended, they asked me to come back the next year for another internship, which I did. They introduced me to different departments which gave me a feel for the industry. After my soccer season ended in November 2023, I went right back to work for them and finished my last three classes that were online while I was working. They promoted me to Assistant Project Manager and part of my day-to-day is to walk the job sites and see what needs to be done. I manage the scheduling, I talk to vendors and homeowners, and I'm also in charge of payroll and billing.
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Advice & Legacy
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What do you think is the quality or advantage that Latino student-athletes have to achieve their university dreams and what advice do you have for those who dream of enrolling?
Latino student-athletes possess resilience, a strong work ethic, and a deep sense of cultural pride, which drive them to excel both academically and athletically. Do not be afraid to seek help, there are many people that are willing to help students. You just have to ask and they will point you in the right direction. My advice for Latinos dreaming of enrolling in college is to dream big and stay on top of your academics. Embrace the challenges and work hard, your dedication will pave your way for success in college and after.
Professionally and athletically, what’s next for Jacob? What are your dreams now?
Athletically, I have stopped playing soccer, but my professional career has just begun. I am currently working as an Assistant Project Manager and I will continue to learn and grow everyday until I am a Project Manager. My dream is to have a family and buy my own house one day.