University of Minnesota Athletics
Mendez Back for Another B1G Tournament
4/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
By Rachel Timmerman, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
The men's golf team is gearing up for another Big Ten Championship -- with a title to protect.
After losing two seniors this who were large contributors to the championship win last year, the pressure is high on the young team.
But another big contributor, sophomore Jose Mendez, is confident in his team's ability.
"There's nothing we can't do," Mendez said. "We're young but there's a lot of talent on our team. Last year they weren't expecting us to win. It's gonna be the same [this year]."
As a freshman, Mendez tied for first at the Big Ten Championship, making him Minnesota's first conference medalist since 2003. He also won two other tournaments last year.
"He certainly set the standard for freshmen last year," head coach John Carlson said.
But now, Mendez says he has even higher expectations for himself this year.
"Freshman year gave me high expectations, [but] I realized that I can do this. I can compete against the top players in college," Mendez said.
And other players in the Big Ten know that he is now a top competitor.
"When you set the standards so high the year before and you come back as a sophomore, people are gunning for you," Carlson said.
But Carlson says Mendez handles the pressure well.
"He's one of the best pressure putters I've ever been around," Carlson said.
With such an impressive first season, Mendez came into his sophomore year with a larger leadership role. This season, he was the only player to be in the Minnesota lineup for every tournament.
"He's developing into a leader on the golf course, which is really fun," Carlson said. "He's become a [crowd] favorite."
Although being a leader brings added pressure, Mendez says he enjoys the motivation to be better for his teammates.
Mendez says he hopes to get to NCAA Regionals all four years, and to Nationals with his team.
"I'm getting better everyday, so my expectations are growing every single day," Mendez said.
Off the golf course, Carlson says the Costa Rica native is an enjoyable person to be around.
"He's talented, humorous, and he's really classy," Carlson said.
After college, Mendez says he plans to play golf professionally.
"We're trying to soak up every minute [with Mendez] because he'll move onto bigger and better things at the professional level," Carlson said. "We can't wait to see the rest of his career play out."
Players Mentioned
