Michael Mexicano '18 Recruiting Profile

When I was little, I enjoyed going to school.  But at that time, I didn’t have the best of grades because I simply enjoyed playing with my friends.  As I got older, educations was starting to enter my mind a lot more.  Heading into middle school and high school, I started to focus on my academic results as well as my sporting achievements.  Being in sports, grades were increasingly important to me because “no pass-no play” is what stayed in my head.  That rule is what kept me focused on my grades and continuously setting goals for myself, both academically and physically.

My parents also set an example and are a big part as to why college is important to me. My parents married at a young age and also divorced at a young age.  I saw them struggle with working while trying to take college classes to get ahead.  My mom would talk about the importance of a good education all the time.  Because of those childhood events, every day I tell myself ‘struggling’ is not something I will do.

While attending Pasadena Memorial High School, I knew football was a passion of mine. I felt like football was my way out of everything that could be a negative influence in my life.  It continued to keep me on top of my grades as well as keep me responsible about other things I have outside of sports and academics.  During high school, and through the football program, the activity that really brought me joy was volunteering for a new organization called the South Houston Trojans Youth Football League.  I had a wonderful opportunity to help kids to get where I am in life, and of course show them the proper techniques to play the sport.  I wanted to help them grow into young adults like football taught me.  It turned me into a young adult and I’m continuously grateful for all the parents, coaches, and teammates that have helped me get to where I am today.  To the kids in the program, I was able to be a positive role model like my dad, and all the great mentors I’ve had, have been, and continue to be to me.