Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Yakima, WA
School: Seattle Pacific University
Height: 5-9
Ray Mendez is a second year player with Ballard FC. Before becoming a falcon, Mendez played two years of Junior College at Columbia Basin College where he won all-conference honors twice and received all-region honors in his second year. Then, Mendez transferred to Seattle Pacific University in 2023. In his first season at SPU, Mendez scored 13 goals and assisted twice to earn himself First Team All-GNAC honors as well a GNAC Newcomer of the Year. Then after playing with Ballard FC in the summer, Mendez came back to SPU in fall 2024. His second season as a redhawk was even better, leading the conference in goals scored (13) and also dishing out three assists. His efforts earned him GNAC Player of the Year, Second Team All-Region, and First Team All-GNAC honors. Due to a recent NCAA rule change regarding Junior College, Mendez still has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining, but it must be at the Division One level. Therefore, Mendez is currently in the transfer portal.
With Ballard FC: Although hampered by injury, Mendez was still able to play 10 matches for Ballard FC in 2024, starting three of them. Mendez scored a goal in the home opener against Midlakes United, helping Ballard FC secure the 4-1 victory.
