Eddie Aguilar-Mendoza was known as “Steady Eddie” on the soccer field.
He died on Sept. 10 after being placed on life support following a car accident.
A 2017 graduate from Sierra High School, Aguilar-Mendoza was considered a brilliant young man with a heart of gold.
Always positive in spirit, he had an extreme competitive side playing competitive soccer most of his life where he was very well known in the soccer world.
His talent soared on the field with various organizations; Monarcas Academy (Stockton  Sierra High School, and received a soccer scholarship to attend Ottawa University (Surprise, Az.).
Some of Aguilar-Mendoza’s accomplishments included: 65 goals and 21 assists (combined junior and senior year for the Timberwolves), Regional Championship 2013 with the Monarcas Academy, voted all-league player back-to-back years – 2016 and 2017, received team MVP award for 2016, best offensive player for 2017 and All-Star Preps Best of the Record 2017 Athlete of the year-Boys Soccer.
A college freshman, he was working towards his degree in Business and Sports Studies, aspiring to one day coach at the collegiate level.
Although Aguilar-Mendoza’s passion was soccer, his heart with at home with his family.
Even with his short time away he always made a point to call home just to say “I love you.” He truly loved his family unconditionally.
Aguilar-Mendoza always strived to his very best in everything he set forth in doing. His positive attitude and hunger for life never went unnoticed. Some of his favorite pastimes were hanging out with friends and playing X-Box.
Eddie Aguilar-Mendoza’s family is beyond proud of all of his accomplishments but most of all they are truly blessed that God gave them an amazing son, brother, nephew and grandson to love and cherish for 18 years.
He will be remembered for his beautiful smile, his positive light and his competitive energy. Eddie’s spirit will not only live on in their hearts but through others as his organs were donated to give the gift of life to many people who were in desperate need.
He leaves behind his family; mom Maribel Mendoza Villasenor, step-dad Miguel Villasenor, father Ramon Aguilar, siblings; Maricela Aguilar, Alyssa Aguilar Mendoza, Julian Villasenor, step-siblings; Miguel Villasenor, Laysha Villasenor and Eliseo Aguilar, grandmother Maricela Mendoza and great-grandpa Vicente Navarro.