Manny Mendoza will begin the next chapter of his life on July 29 when he moves from California to Illinois.

The 2024 Ceres High School grad earned a football scholarship to NCAA Division-III Concordia University Chicago.

“I’ve always wanted to play at the next level,” said Mendoza, a 5-foot-11 162-pound receiver. “I finally get the opportunity. It wasn’t something I got overnight. It was a long process. It wasn’t easy. It was years of hard work—blood, sweat and tears. I’ll try to shine every opportunity I get.”

“Moving away from my family is really tough,” he added. “It’s for a good reason. It’s a huge next step. I’m prepared.”

Mendoza originally planned to play football for University of Redlands but changed his mind after Concordia-Chicago offered him a full scholarship.

“Everything is covered,” he said.

Mendoza toured the campus, virtually, via FaceTime prior to signing with Concordia-Chicago on June 21.

“I talked with the recruiting coordinator,” Mendoza said. “I got to talk with my position coach as well as the head coach. They told me they were impressed with my film and highlights. It will be like a job interview every day at practice. It’s another level. I have to take advantage of every opportunity I get to shine.”

Mendoza will join a program that has a new head coach.

Chase Hankins was promoted in February to rebuild Concordia-Chicago, which compiled a 1-9 overall record and tied for last place in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (1-7) last fall.

He served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach the previous two seasons.

“They have a really good coaching staff,” Mendoza said. “They try to build you into the best version of yourself whether it’s on or off the field.”

“All I got to do is focus on improving in football and keeping my grades up in the classroom,” he added. “They have a great support system. You can balance them (athletics and academics) equally.”

Mendoza is looking forward to competing in a new environment.

“Once the season starts, it gets really cold,” he said. “Hot or cold, I play the way I play. Weather doesn’t impact my performance. I think it’s going to be a really cool experience.”

Mendoza earned six varsity letters during his prep athletic career, including four in track and field and two in football.

He was voted Bulldog Male Athlete of the Year for 2023-24.

He was also named Ceres High’s Western Athletic Conference Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in without coach (Brett) Johnson,” Mendoza said. “He was my football and track coach, and my teacher. He helped me grow and see things in a more positive way. He was there from the beginning to the end.”

Mendoza was an all-conference performer in both sports senior year.

“I set goals for myself in the beginning. Senior year, I went above and beyond. I made some great memories.”

A standout receiver in football, Mendoza hauled in 49 passes for 785 yards and eight touchdowns while leading the Bulldogs to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-V playoffs this past fall.

He earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors. Mendoza ranked first in the WAC in receptions, receiving yards and yards per game, and second in receiving touchdowns.

He totaled 319 yards and four touchdowns on 15 receptions as a junior.

A standout sprinter, Mendoza enjoyed his best season to date during his final year of track and field

Mendoza advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Meet for the first time this past spring.

He set a personal record while taking third in the 400 (51.11) at the Division-IV competition.

He finished first in the 400 (52.57) at the Western Athletic Conference Championships.

Mendoza ran a leg on Ceres High’s runner-up 4x400 relay team (3:35) at the WAC Finals.

“Getting recognized with medals, plaques and awards is nice, but the memories you make with people you love means more. That’s what counts.”

Mendoza had a cumulative grade-point average of 3.9 at Ceres High.

He took a total of three advanced-placement classes, including two this year and one as a junior.

“I always knew I had to get my work done in the classroom. As a reward, I was able to play sports. It was very challenging. There were a lot of long nights where I had to stay up and study. I got it done.”

Mendoza plans to major in broadcast communications at Concordia-Chicago.

He wants to become a sports commentator.

Mendoza will become the second person from his family to graduate from college.

“I’m not satisfied yet. The job is not done.”