Coach's Story
|
Coach Mendo has an incredible story of failure to success and gives God all the glory more… Coach Mendo had a very incredible upbringing full of challenges and experiences that have had a major impact on his life and future. Having a very special senior season of success on the court was a fascinating start to a promising and successful basketball career. However, the bright spot of his basketball career was on a parallel track to a double life full of bad choices that destroyed so much potential and almost took his life. Alcohol, drugs and poor decisions with the opposite sex contributed to dysfunction and trouble that caused a major loss of confidence, self esteem and deep depression. What hurt even more was witnessing a number of friends committing suicide due drug overdose and lives being destroyed because of poor choices.
Coach Mendo also had his near fatal moments with death. Realizing that continuing this pattern of living would only end in the same of fatality like so many of his friends and decided to start moving in a new direction. This pursuit of a new direction and truth led to a personal life changing decision to accept Biblical truth and receive Jesus Christ in his life becoming a Christian. This one major decision radically changed his entire life having a direct effect on his personal decisions and freedom from a host of addictions. Including a change in behavior there was a radical shift with his dreams, goals and focus in life. Coach Mendo is passionate about reaching out to those who are hurting and looking for answers; helping our youth not making some of the bad choices that he made with sharing his experiences, knowledge and practical insights to help others. “I thank God for His Mercy and Grace saving me and paying the ultimate price by suffering on the cross for my sins. I give Him all the glory for everything that He has saved me from and for all of His exceptional goodness that He has provided to me and my family”. Family Coach Mendo currently resides in Issaquah, Washington with his lovely wife, Teresa. A basketball family thru & thru Coach Mendo & Teresa have four children; Jessica, Tyler, Dominique and Alexandra, along with son-in-law, Jeremy, and three grandchildren, Jaedyn, Jazlyn and Kara. Coach Mendo is a very proud husband and father. Married for 31 years to Teresa who is not only his biggest supporter but is also a co-partner with Next Step Athletics and the Quick Handle basketball training business. She manages and organizes multiple program operations within these two outstanding platforms. Jessica the oldest daughter was a 4 year High School starter, All Northern California section, Co-MVP of the Cascade conference and an NAIA All-American. Tyler was a 2 year starter at Eastside Catholic and an honorable mention all league player; honorable mention all league freshmen player at Portland Community College and was been a solid contributor at Northwest. Dominque (Domi) was also a 4 year starter in High School, 2 years at Eastside Catholic selected as an all league player as a freshman and also receiving post season consideration at Issaquah High school leading her team to the semi finals of the state tournament. She played 4 years at Northwest University, receiving Cascade conference all-league honors. Alexandra (Ali) played high school basketball at Issaquah and Skyline High School. She is currently the head High School coach at Bear Creek High School and Administrotor assistant of Quick Handle basketball. The 2 Grandkids Jaedyn is 1o years old, a multiple sport athlete and a definite D-I Prospect along with Jazlyn a 7 years old with multiple athletic skills and Kara Lynn a 5 month beauty that is feisty and full of life. We are very thankful to God for His rich blessings upon our family. |
|
Back to: Vision