Deloha Mendez has been tabbed Moore Catholic’s new boys’ soccer coach, the Advance/SILive.com has learned.
The announcement was made by Moore athletic director JC Albano.
Mendez replaces Tom De Lacy, who stepped down from his post after three seasons due to work obligations last month.
Mendez, a Costa Rica native who grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, brings a wealth of soccer experience to the Mavericks’ program as he’s been around the game his entire life.
“Our conversation with Deloha was flowing and natural and we felt he was someone who could come in and continue what Tom (De Lacy) started for us three years ago,” said Albano, who made the decision to hire Mendez with assistant AD Sue Shepherd. “There are certain things we expect from our coaches and Deloha checked all the boxes (in that aspect).
“We like the vision he has and believe he has the experience and knowledge to lead the program.”
Mendez, who, along with his wife Carol, has four children (Kayla, Haley, Zoey and DJ), was pleased to be offered the position.
“I’m very excited for this new venture and I’m looking forward to making a difference with Moore’s boys’ soccer program,” said Mendez. “After coaching girls for a while, I’m very excited to be working with boys again.
“After learning I got the job, I actually couldn’t sleep for a few nights thinking about what skills and regiments I wanted to go over once I got together with the boys and I’m looking forward to this opportunity.”
Mendez played soccer and graduated from Washington Irving HS in Manhattan and also played on the pitch while attending Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn.
The Rosebank resident continued playing after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, including a long stint with GJOA. He was then a personal trainer with Staten Island United’s program before coaching with St. Charles Soccer Program and Silver Lake Soccer Academy. In fact, he was director of the girls’ program while at SLSA.
Mendez was also Xaverian High School’s girls’ JV coach for a season before Covid hit.
Knowing Moore’s varsity team finished 14-2 and advanced to the CHSAA B division title game a year ago, he’s not planning major adjustments as he takes over the Mavs.
“I’m not changing anything,” said Mendez, noting he’s aware Moore played a 4-4-2 formation. “Gradually, I’d like to play more aggressively and work on soccer IQ in terms of where (you’re positioned) and how you distribute the ball.
“It’s also important to me for everyone to contribute on the pitch. You win as a team, not as an individual.”
“Deloha’s philosophies and style of coaching is something the boys will benefit from,” added Albano. “We believe he’ll help them improve as individuals and, ultimately, as a unit.”
Mendez’s daughter, Kayla, is a star striker for Susan Wagner’s girls’ team. Kayla, who scored 18 goals in PSAL a year ago, is entering her senior year for the Falcons.