Jesus Mendez, a senior at HHS, has practically been playing soccer ever since he learned how to walk. Jesus is one of two Herrin seniors on the Carterville-Herrin soccer team. After having a shortened season last spring, the team has been putting their all into this season. Jesus says that the team plans to go into regionals with a “positive mindset.” In preparation for two big rivalry games against Marion and Carbondale, the players are bringing their A-game to every game. Jesus hopes to secure a win over Carbondale because during his high school career, Herrin has never claimed the victory. 

Senior year is overwhelming to some, and Jesus is no exception. In regards to being a senior, he says that it feels “surreal.” In contrast with some HHS students, Jesus won’t be sad when graduation rolls around. He is looking forward to “seeing all my friends and peers and how far we’ve come along since the past three years.”  After high school, Jesus is planning on majoring in engineering and either attending SIUE, Wesleyan, or Missouri SMT. His goal is to continue playing soccer throughout his college career. Even with knowing his plans for his future, Jesus, like many, still feels unprepared because the “real world is scary.”