WATTS, CA – Verbum Dei Jesuit High School is excited to announce a renewed commitment to our athletic program, beginning with the launch of the Coach Lalo Athletics Fund. This initiative embodies our dedication to developing “men for others” who embrace the Jesuit values of academic excellence, leadership, service, and faith.

On September 23, 2024, we made the difficult decision to suspend the football program for the remainder of the season, prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of our players—a decision rooted in our values and faith. Since then, the incredible support from alumni, parents, students, friends, and supporters has shown the strength and resilience of the Verbum Dei community.

A Vision for Excellence: In and Beyond the Classroom

At Verbum Dei, we believe education extends beyond the classroom. Our commitment to academic excellence is evident through our rigorous curriculum and innovative Corporate Work Study Program. We also recognize that athletics are vital for shaping character, fostering teamwork, and teaching valuable life skills.

We are pleased to confirm that Verbum Dei will bring back its football program next year.

As we rebuild our football program and strengthen all our athletic offerings, we remain committed to upholding the same standards of excellence and values that define our academic and work-study program. Our plan for moving forward includes a comprehensive approach:

• Strength and Conditioning: We will establish a program led by qualified coaches and trainers to ensure safe and effective athlete development, with regular fitness assessments to track progress and support growth.
• Leadership and Team Building: Athletes will participate in activities that foster teamwork, communication, resilience, and leadership skills.
• Community Engagement: Athletes will be encouraged to engage in community service, reinforcing the values of giving back and becoming "men for others."
• Spiritual Growth: Aligned with our Jesuit values and Catholic faith, our program will offer opportunities for spiritual reflection, helping students develop a strong sense of purpose and belief.

This holistic approach provides even more opportunities for our students to grow into well-rounded leaders who are prepared for college, careers, and life.

Introducing the Coach Lalo Fund

We are proud to introduce the Coach Lalo Athletics Fund, established in memory of a coach who made an indelible impact on our community. This fund ensures his spirit continues to inspire future generations. Coach Lalo was a legendary figure at Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, dedicating 23 years to shaping student-athletes both on and off the field. Under his leadership, Verbum Dei achieved remarkable success, winning five CIF championships—two in football and three in track and field. His football program reached historic heights, securing back-to-back state championships in 1981 and 1982 with an undefeated 26-0 record.

Contributions to the Coach Lalo Athletics Fund will provide essential resources for training, coaching, nutrition, equipment, and travel opportunities—everything needed to help our athletes succeed on the field and in life. This effort will ensure that our athletic programs are a true extension of our educational mission, fostering the development of well-rounded, resilient young men.

To kick off the fund, the Loyola Jesuit Community has generously made a leadership gift, providing a strong foundation for building a vibrant and successful athletic program.

A Message from the Mendoza Family

“On behalf of the entire Mendoza family, we are honored to see our brother Lalo’s legacy live on through The Coach Lalo Athletics Fund. Lalo dedicated his life to serving the young men of Verbum Dei and the entire Watts community. He believed that through teaching and coaching, he could make a lasting impact, helping shape his players into the people God intended them to be.

Lalo and his fellow coaches painted ‘The Strongest Shall Survive’ in ten-foot block letters outside the Field House. The strongest in the weight room, the strongest from the Dallas Mile, the strongest in the classroom, and most importantly, the strongest in their faith in God.

It is my prayer that football will return to Verbum Dei stronger than ever in the fall of 2025, continuing for many years to come. If you are able to contribute, please do so in honor of the past and to build a better future. The Eagles have an amazing history that has brought joy to so many. Let’s help the Eagles soar on the gridiron once again.

One of Lalo’s favorite sayings was Venimus, Vidimus, Vicimus—‘We Came, We Saw, We Conquered.’ Together, we can conquer this challenge too. Verbum Dei is worth our commitment, and the community needs it to continue serving the kids of the neighborhood, and to remain a place where the Divine Word is honored."

With love,
Kiki Mendoza
Ball Boy, 1974-1981
Proud brother of Lalo

A Call to the Verbum Dei Community and Alumni

We invite the entire Verbum Dei community—most especially our alumni—to join us in shaping the future of Verbum Dei athletics and amplifying our vision. Your support, enthusiasm, and involvement are essential in creating a program that honors our proud history while laying the foundation for an exciting and successful future.

For more information or to contribute to the Coach Lalo Athletics Fund, please visit https://www.verbjesuit.org/coach-lalo or email advancement@verbjesuit.org.

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