Enriqué Mendes On Football Ambitions
Enriqué Mendes hopes to become a part of the Bermuda national football team in the not-too-distant future by impressing for Saint Peter’s University Athletics.
Mendes has been in impressive form for the New Jersey-based NCAA Division I team this season and hopes to help them win the Metro Atlantic Conference.
The 19-year-old, a product of Somerset Trojans, started his football journey in the United States at Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby, Ohio.
“It was a programme for students who wanted to further their football while getting an education and gain exposure to colleges,” Mendes told Bernews.
A former Somersfield Academy student, Mendes spent his freshman year at Husson University in Bangor, Maine, whose football team compete at the NCAA Division III level.
He transferred to Saint Peter’s in the summer to test himself at a higher level.
“It’s a step up for me, so I need to take my opportunities,” said Mendes, who is studying for a business degree.
“There are a lot of Bermudians at this level such as Jace Donawa, who I played with as a youngster at Trojans.
“We’re hoping to win our conference – that’s the goal.
“I hope to have a strong season and get called up by the Bermuda national team.”
Mendes, who plays as a midfielder or winger, described himself as a “dynamic player” and said he has been inspired by senior Bermuda internationals Nahki Wells and Djair Parfitt-Williams.
Asked about the local coaches who have helped develop him into the player he is, Mendes credited Danvers Seymour Jr, of Somerset Trojans, Leo Burgess, of LB Academy, and Kenny Thompson.
