Carlos Mendez honored with the
Charlie Castro Coach of the Year Award
March 11, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
A volunteer coach for the Santa Paula Youth Basketball Program recognized at the March 2 City Council meeting — and Coach of the Year Carlos Mendez was lauded for his dedication to guiding the girls to getting their championship game on.
Interim Community Services Director Ed Mount told the council that Mendez was the clear choice for the Charlie Castro Award.
Castro, who was killed in 2002 at age 46 in a work-related accident, had been a dedicated youth sports volunteer for years. The award was established in his name to reflect his dedication to children spending their time in a healthy and happy activity that builds not only their bodies but also their minds and self-confidence.
Castro said Mount, “Was a well respected youth basketball coach, a role model to many children and adults that went through the program … he exemplified,” being a coach and a mentor.
So dedicated was Castro that he would attend basketball clinics and watch videos to be a better coach and said Mount, “He was always clam when someone made a mistake, he never yelled at a player or an official His main goal was to make sure everyone participated and had fun. And he always had a smile on his face.”
Recreation Supervisor Dale Sumersille said Mendez has been involved with the youth basketball program for six years, as a coach for four years and two years as an official.
His Blue Pearls team is the Girls 8 to 10 years old Division Champions and also won the Sportsmanship Award.
Mendez, said Sumersille, “Is always very positive, complimenting the girls,” and getting along well with team members and other coaches.
“He is also a good role model,” and during the championship playoffs against Fillmore, when a Fillmore player didn’t make the first shot, one of Mendez’s players, “Went up, tapped her on the shoulder,” and urged her to make the next shot.
The incident was a reflection of Mendez’s core beliefs of sportsmanship and Sumersille said he has been proven to be “a true role model … ”
And a great coach: the Santa Paula Blue Pearls team beat Fillmore in the championship game 25-2
Sumersille thanked Mendez for “your dedication, enthusiasm, knowledge and sportsmanship,” that benefits the youth of Santa Paula.
“It’s great to be recognized for something I did as a volunteer,” said Mendez.
Role models such as Mendez are declining in numbers said Vice Mayor Martin Hernandez: “We need those … ”
And the need is great said Sumersille who noted this year saw 380 children and youth participate on 48 teams in six divisions in city youth sports.
“Without our volunteer coaches,” and high school students that also volunteer, “We couldn’t do it … ”
Also needed and appreciated added Sumersille are the facilities provided for the program at Isbell Middle School, Santa Paula High School and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley.
