Miguel Mendez

Two-time, All-state Bonners Ferry soccer player Miguel Mendez is headed to the 2009 U.S. Youth Soccer Region IV Championships in Lancaster, Calif.

The event from June 15-21 is a qualifier for the national championships in Lancaster, Mass.

Mendez, who graduated on Saturday with a 3.5 grade-point average, plays for Coeur d’Alene Sting Soccer Club.

The Sting was runner-up during the Idaho Youth Soccer Association’s State Cup tournament on Memorial Day weekend in Pocatello. The team lost 4-3 to top-ranked Boise after two overtimes and a shoot-out, yet qualified for the region championships as a wild card.

The regional event in California is expected to draw nearly 4,500 players and an estimated 10,000 spectators. Nearly 250 boys and girls teams, ages Under-12 through Under-19, will be represented from Alaska, Arizona, California North, California South, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Mendez began playing soccer 13 years ago and was a member of the Badgers’ varsity squad for four years. During each of those years, the Bonners Ferry boys went to the state tournament. During Mendez’s junior year, the Badgers won the 3A state title

He was named to the All-State and North Idaho teams during junior and senior years. As a sophomore, Mendez was named to second team for North Idaho.

He has received a $13,500 annual scholarship, which will be good for four years, to play soccer at University of Great Falls in Montana. Mendez will study business administration.

He is the son of Juan and Angelita Mendez.