College can be a scary thought, especially when it comes to the process of college application and deciding where to go. On top of classwork, senior events, and personal life, students must find the time to research schools, fill out applications, and most importantly, worry about the financial aspect of how to be able to pay for post-secondary education. For Xavier Mendez, playing his favorite sport got him out of some of these worries.
For a lot of high-school athletes, their playing days are over once they graduate. However, for some lucky few, their talent, perseverance, personality, and determination are enough to catch the eye of others. This was the case with Mendez, as he caught the eye of Reinhardt University who offered the baseball player a full ride scholarship, covering everything from tuition to board, beginning in the 2024 Fall School Year. “I think what made me stand out the most was my worth ethic,” Mendez said. “I was willing to work hard for it.”
Surrounded by his family, friends, teammates and school staff, Mendez signed a letter of intent with Reinhardt on November 15th, 2023. “I feel so great about today,” Mendez said. “I’m happy that everyone came out and showed their love.”
Reinhardt University is a private, non-profit located in Georgia. It’s more popular majors include business administration and Management, Sport and Fitness Administration and Registered Nursing. With an acceptance rate of 70%, the school has been ranked #34 in Regional Colleges South. The school is part of the NAIA, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics but mostly competes in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), it is ranked 24 in the NAIA. In terms of scholarships, many NAIA athletic scholarships are only partial, however, few receive a full ride.
In addition to the financial aspect, one of the most important factors in deciding what college to go to is the location/student-life. Mendez was able to discover these aspects for himself and what his life would be like when he visited the school during a trip for a game in Georgia and in an official visit to the school, accompanied by his mother. He immediately had a feeling that Reinhardt was the one for him. “I chose it because I love the East Coast,” Mendez said. “I love the community, everything about it.”
Playing since he was 3, he has earned a number of national recognitions throughout his baseball years. Playing on a travel team, he has won the Perfect Game All Tournament award in Sacramento, two national recognitions in Georgia and one in Southern California. His place in Reinhardt goes above just his playing skills as his personality has been a big part of getting him to shine in the field. “He has just a vibrant personality,” Coach Valenzuela said. “His personality in regular life comes across in the field really well. He brings such a good spirit on the field.”
Everyone around him, including friends, family, and teammates are proud of Mendez and know that he will be able to find a home in Reinhardt. “We are so beyond proud and excited for him,” Vanessa Mendez, his mother, said.
