Coach Eddie Mendiola Selected for Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

Posted Date: 01/27/2023

UISD Adaptive Physical Education Coach Eduardo “Eddie” Mendiola has been chosen for induction into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame.

Coach Mendiola was born and raised in Laredo. He began his teaching career with United Independent School District in December of 2000 at Arndt Elementary School, where he taught first and fifth grade. In August of 2004 he was hired as an adaptive physical education coach. He has devoted the majority of his career working with special needs children and with the Special Olympics, where he holds sport certifications in athletics, basketball, bocce, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, soccer and Unified Sports. He also serves as a supervisor for UISD’s After School Adventures program, a Homebound teacher, and as an instructor at Laredo College.

He is a three time Texas Special Olympics Coach of the Year Nominee, and was the recipient in 2018. He is a four time Special Olympics Area 21 Tom Landry Male coach of the year, three time Trainer of the Year, and two time Outstanding Volunteer for Sports and Competition.  Over the years, he has led many Special Olympics athletes and Unified teams to earn Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in local meets, and to state competition for bowling and track & field. He was also an assistant coach at Lyndon B. Johnson High School for the girls basketball program from 2004-2008, helping the teams make playoffs every year. He started the first Special Olympics Young Athletes Day for United ISD with 6 schools represented. He continues to help plan and coordinate the yearly events with all District elementary schools. 

UISD is proud to congratulate Coach Mendiola for this magnificent achievement.