LatinX Heritage Month Coach Spotlight

Firstly, Javier spotlights assistant coach, Chucho Mendez. 

What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?

LatinX Heritage Month means I get to represent my culture with Pride and continue passing it on from generation to generation. It's a time to honor where we've come from and celebrate the traditions, values, and stories that make our community strong.

What do you like about the current state of the NWAC for Latinx folks?

I really like where the NWAC is right now for LatinX folks and for other cultures as well. The conference has grown so much over the years and continues to create opportunities for more student-athletes to come through its programs. The diversity within the NWAC is something special- It brings people together, builds understanding, and makes the competition stronger.

What do you hope to see change or improve for Latinx folks in the NWAC in the future?

What I'd love to see is more PAISANOS breaking generation stigma and stepping confidently into a ladder of endless possibilities. I hope LatinX student-athletes in NWAC continue push boundaries, chase opportunities, and show that their potential has no limits.

Has your culture influenced the way you approach coaching or teamwork?

My culture has shaped everything about the way I coach, play, and live. It's taught me to face the highs and lows with pride, passion, and resilience. I carry those lessons into every team I'm part of - because for me, it's more than just the game, it's about family and community

What lessons from your upbringing do you try to pass to your players?

"A lesson from my upbringing is that no one is perfect. We're all going to make mistakes, but what truly matters is how we respond to them. Are we going to hang our heads and let it define us, or lift them high and face it head-on? I also remind my players that everyone has different strengths- but with hard work, determination, and heart, you can reach any level you set your mind to"

What do you think schools or teams could do better to celebrate LatinX heritage month?

"One idea I've experienced myself in high school was bringing together groups from different schools at a central location for a day of activities. It gave students the chance to meet new people, share experiences, and hear each other's stories. I think schools and teams in the NWAC could do something similar to celebrate LatinX Heritage month- creating opportunities for connection, learning and community."

Who has influenced your coaching- whether it be one of your family members, artists, fellow coaches and how do you apply their influence to your style of coaching?

"The person who's had the biggest influence on my coaching career is Jason Jorgenson. He coached me at Mount Baker High School and later recruited me to play in Whatcom in 2015 when he got the job here. After graduating high school in 2014, I started helping him coach both the boys and girls teams, and after finishing at Whatcom, I never really stopped. Over the years, I've learned so much from him - not just about the game, but about leadership, patience, and how to connect with players. His influence has shaped the kind of coach and person I strive to be everyday."

LatinX Heritage Month Interview – Coach Christian Caro

What does LatinX Heritage Month mean to you?

To me, Latine Heritage Month is a moment of reflection and pride. It's about honoring our roots, our history, and the countless sacrifices made by those who came before us. For me, it's deeply tied to my Mexican heritage and the pride that comes with it—the food, the family gatherings, the music, and the sense of unity that lives within our culture. It's a time to celebrate how far we've come, to share our stories, and to recognize that our culture is rich not just in tradition, but in resilience and love.

What do you like about the current state for the NWAC for LatinX folks?

I've really enjoyed seeing how the conference has continued to grow in diversity and inclusion. There's a visible increase in players from Latine backgrounds contributing to their programs, both on and off the field. What stands out to me most is how soccer has become a bridge—it connects people regardless of where they come from. It's rewarding to see young athletes taking pride in their roots and representing their families and communities with honor. That's something truly special about the NWAC—it feels like a family, and within that, there's room for everyone's story.

What do you hope to see change or improve for the LatinX folks in the NWAC in the future?

I'd love to see continued growth in participation among Latine student-athletes, not only in numbers but in leadership roles as well. Representation matters—whether it's on the field, in the classroom, or within coaching and administrative positions. Sports have a powerful way of shaping character, and the lessons learned—discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—are the same principles that guide success in everyday life. My hope is that we keep providing those opportunities and that more young Latine athletes see themselves as leaders who can make an impact far beyond the game.

Has your culture influenced the way you approach coaching or teamwork?

Without question, my culture influences how I coach. I grew up in a traditional Mexican household where discipline, respect, and hard work were non-negotiable. Those values are deeply embedded in how I approach coaching. I'm firm when needed, but it comes from a place of care and belief in my players' potential. In our culture, "tough love" doesn't mean being harsh—it means you care enough to hold someone accountable because you know they have more to give. My goal is always to bring out the best in each player, not just as athletes but as people who will carry those lessons into life.

What lessons from your upbringing do you try to pass to your players?

My parents moved from Nayarit, Mexico, and my brothers and I are first-generation born in the United States. Growing up, our household revolved around three pillars—hard work, dedication, and above all, discipline. My parents taught us that motivation can come and go,but discipline is what keeps you moving forward when motivation fades. It's the foundation that allows you to stay consistent and see things through, even when it's difficult. That's what I try to instill in my players: success doesn't come overnight, and it isn't given—it's earned through daily effort, sacrifice, and belief in yourself.

What do you think the schools or teams in the NWAC could do better to celebrate LatinX Heritage Month?

I think one of the best ways to celebrate would be through storytelling. Schools and teams could highlight the journeys of their Latine athletes, coaches, and staff—sharing their experiences, their heritage, and what has shaped them. It doesn't require a big budget or elaborate event—just an intentional effort to connect, educate, and celebrate the diversity that already exists within our programs. Recognition and understanding go a long way, especially when it helps others see the strength and beauty of our shared culture.

Who has influenced you the most in your career of coaching, and how do you apply their influence to your style of coaching?

I've been incredibly fortunate to have mentors and family who have shaped me both as a person and as a coach. My father and older brother were my first examples of what it means to lead with integrity, humility, and purpose. My brother, Dr. René Caro, also served as an assistant coach here at Whatcom a few years ago, and he continues to inspire me through his discipline and relentless pursuit of excellence. Two coaches also had a profound impact on my journey—Ralph Black, who coached me at Crossfire Academy, and Darren Sawatzky, during my time with the Sounders U23. From them, I learned the importance of grit, professionalism, and character. They pushed me to demand more from myself while showing me that consistency and preparation define true success. Every day I step on the field, I carry lessons from each of them. My approach to coaching—demanding yet supportive, disciplined yet understanding—is a reflection of their influence. I try to lead by example, to hold players to high standards while reminding them that growth doesn't come from comfort. It comes from the moments you push past your limits and realize you're capable of more than you thought. Above all, I'm grateful. Every lesson, challenge, and mentor has shaped the coach and person I've become. And if I can pass even a fraction of that forward to my players, then I know I'm doing something meaningful.