Athlete Of The Week: Areth Jaimes-Mendez

The Eastern Wayne boys’ soccer team needed a goalie, and Areth Jaimes-Mendez stepped up to fill that role.

Jaimes-Mendez typically plays as the Warriors center defensive midfielder, but he has no problem helping his team fill out a crucial role.

“I had to step up for the team.”

The junior had a standout performance against C.B. Aycock on Wednesday. Jaimes-Mendez withstood a barrage of shots from the Golden Falcons and posted a clean sheet.

After a few tough losses, Jaimes-Mendez and teammates were proud to earn a draw against the Golden Falcons, and they plan to use the positive energy they gained from that game going forward for the rest of the season.

“It was a tough game, and they’re a really good team,” Jaimes-Mendez said. “My sweeper kept it tight for me, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.

“We worked as a team. That’s all I can say.

This season, Jaimes-Mendez is especially happy to be back on the pitch because the Warriors did not field a boys’ soccer team last season.

“We’re looking good,” Jaimes-Mendez said. “We have talent, and we have something out. We’re just passionate about the sport.”

Jaimes-Mendez said losing a year of his favorite sports was difficult, but he is looking forward to the challenge of rebuilding the Warriors’ soccer program.

“It was bascaily a year off,” Jaimes Mendez said. “Other teams had a team last year, and they have the chemistry, and we don’t have that yet, but we can build it.

“It’s only up from here.”