Coupeville Sports

Wolf senior captain Luke Pelant (left) and CHS coach Paul Mendes share a moment. (Photo courtesy Coupeville Booster Club)

Coupeville High School has had some standout coaches, but few, if any, have achieved what Paul Mendes did in his career.

Two state titles during his time as boys’ soccer coach at Newport. Two national titles as a college assistant. A professional player hailed as one of the best in the country before a leg injury prematurely ended his career.

Then, he showed up on Whidbey Island and built a Wolf soccer program from scratch, taking three squads to the state tourney in a remarkably short time period.

His recent retirement will leave a gaping hole, and, having returned from having spent the past six weeks working at the Northwest Soccer Camp, he took a moment to talk about why now was the right time to step away.

After much deliberation, I have decided to step down as Head Soccer Coach of Coupeville High School.

I have been a Head Coach of high school soccer programs for the last 32 consecutive years. The decision to retire from coaching is one that I have thought a great deal about, and I feel that now is the right time.

I would like to thank the school for giving me the opportunity to serve. It has been a special experience for me, filled with many golden moments that I will cherish forever.

The  support given by parents and the community has also been first class.

I feel good about going out with a special group of seniors, who gave it their best shot, and represented their school very well.

There are also a lot of projects that I would like to get to, and I look forward to having more time to appreciate spring on this beautiful Island.”