SCHOLAR ATHLETES: Odessa High's Mendoza uses tennis as motivation for career goals
May 27—After juggling a loaded schedule, Odessa High's Rigoberto Mendoza is set to finish his high school career as valedictorian of his graduating class.
His list of academic accolades includes being an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate and receiving a scholarship through QuestBridge National College Match to continue his studies at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.
Mendoza quickly became a leader on campus through his actions and that carried through to the tennis program, where he spent four years as a varsity team member.
"He made everything a priority to him and didn't miss a beat," Odessa High tennis coach Katelyn Watts said. "So I give him kudos for that."
The process wasn't always easy for Mendoza, but he knew when he needed to prioritize certain aspects of his life over others.
His usual routine included focusing on homework assignments and other classwork after he got through with tennis practices after school.
Mendoza's work had a positive effect, as he set himself up to expand his knowledge in his field of choice when he moves to Atlanta.
The senior will study biology at Emory University then plans on going to medical school to become a pathologist.
"[Emory] is one of the best schools that has a medical program and it's what I want to go into," Mendoza said. "Not only that, but since it is a private university it has a smaller population of students.
"It kind of reminded me of the sense of having the community I have with [International Baccalaureate], there's a little bit of us and we have more time with the teacher in building bonds."
The QuestBridge program has connections with various top universities across the country, eventually matching Mendoza with an Emory campus that features a total enrollment figure of 15,000 students.
When Mendoza finishes his undergraduate studies and goes off to medical school, he plans on focusing on pathology.
Part of his reasoning for becoming a pathologist includes an instance when his family didn't get answers to one of their loved ones passing away.
His solution would include giving people the answers they need through autopsies.
In high school, Mendoza also found time to focus on other activities like orchestra, Meals on Wheels and worked as a counselor for Camp SIP.
He believes he balanced sports, school and extracurriculars well because of his natural ability to maintain a schedule.
A lot of it had to do with self motivation.
Mendoza doesn't want to play competitive tennis in college to focus on his academic responsibilities, but he will look to stay close to the sport recreationally.
He said leaving behind the aspect of being part of an organized sports team is bittersweet.
"Personally, my family was never inclined into sports and academics," Mendoza said. "It was all new to me, having to go to tournaments or being a part of a team and being involved in school.
"It was all new to me, so I got to experience that for myself because I wanted to."
Playing tennis for the Bronchos taught Mendoza how to find a community, which is a lesson he plans on taking with him when he moves to Atlanta.
Watts said all of Mendoza's teammates look up to him and set a strong example to follow.
"When he announced to the team that he was valedictorian, the team went crazy," Watts said. "They were hugging him, some of them were even crying because they were so proud of him.
"He is leaving really big shoes to fill and the team looks up and wants to be like him, so he has challenged everyone to step up."
Mendoza said finishing at the top of his class is an amazing feeling because it was a goal he was working to accomplish for a long time.
He enjoyed having a support system that was always ready to cheer him on and encourage him.
"I did do it for myself, but I couldn't have done it without all the support I've gotten throughout the years," Mendoza said.
RIGOBERTO MENDOZA
ODESSA HIGH
>> Academic Rank: No. 1 (Valedictorian) of 807
>> Sports: Tennis
>> Academic bio: International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate; Questbridge National Collge Match Scholarship recipient; Secretary for Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica; Vice President of National Honor Society; ECISD Awards of Excellence Science Award; National Rural and Small Town and National Hispanic Designated programs; ECISD representative at DLR Group Innovation Challenge; Straight "A's" in high school.
>> Athletic bio: Four-year varsity team member
>> Activities: Orchestra (vice president for two years); Texas Scholars; Meals on Wheels; Counselor for Camp SIP
>> College and major: Emory University (Biology)
>> Goals for the future: Bachelor's degree from Emory University and go to medical school to become a pathologist
>> Favorite subject: Biology
>> Favorite book: 1984 (George Orwell)
>> Favorite musician: Lana Del Rey
>> Role model: David Newman
