Paul Mendes and one of his last captains, Luke Pelant. (Photo courtesy Coupeville Booster Club)
Most of the soccer world will be camped out in Coupeville Saturday.
Former players and students, fellow coaches and fans of every kind are invited to a block party to honor retiring Coupeville High School soccer coach Paul Mendes.
The shindig, which celebrates a soccer guru who compiled 32 seasons at various high schools, winning two state titles at Newport before building the Coupeville program from scratch, kicks off at 3 PM and winds up somewhere north of 7 PM.
A three-time All-American at the University of Washington, Mendes was drafted by the Seattle Sounders and played parts of two seasons before a devastating leg injury forced him to the sideline.
Once there, the Brazilian Bomber had a hand in college national titles, high school state titles and the development of hundreds of players, including some who currently play professionally.
The block party, thrown by wife Heidi Hennessey and Joanne Pelant, mom of Wolf soccer captain Luke Pelant, will provide hot food, soft drinks and dessert. Party-goers can bring a side dish and/or adult beverages if they like.
Hennessey is putting together a photo book for Mendes, which will include photos from the celebration. People are encouraged to bring photos from the past to be included.
For those coming from off the Island:
Directions from the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry to Heidi and Paul’s house:
Take Hwy 20 to Coupeville
Take Coupeville exit at the traffic light by going right on Main St
You will see the hospital on the right
Take a right on 3rd St, at St Mary’s Catholic Church.
Take a right on NE Albion St
House is one block up hill
Address is 208 NE Albion St
Coupeville Sports 
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