Photo by Javier Jimenez
By Angela Brunk
As a senior at Wichita North High School, Jairo Mandujano-Lopez is stepping into his final soccer season with high goals and a clear vision both as a player and a team leader. Playing primarily on the wing or striker, Mandujano-Lopez brings speed, energy, and passion to every match.
“This season, I want to improve my communication with my teammates and be a leader,” he shared with Vype Magazine. On the field, his personal goal is to score at least 15 goals before the season ends, a mark he’s determined to hit.
One of his favorite memories was scoring the first goal against Wichita Southeast during a previous season. “Everyone cheered, and it made me remember why I like the sport so much. It’s exciting, intense, and makes me feel great.” Understandably, Mandujano-Lopez is again looking forward to the matchup against Wichita Southeast.
Mandujano-Lopez’s drive for improvement took him to Texas this past May, where he attended the highly competitive Alianza de Futbol camp. There, he nearly earned a shot to play against FC Dallas. Although Mandujano-Lopez didn’t make the final cut, he fondly recalled the experience.
While he’s still deciding on if to attend college, Mandujano-Lopez is already building for his future. He runs a small business on Amazon with help from a mentor who retired young and now helps others find success. Mandujano-Lopez is applying that same ambition and work ethic from the soccer field to his entrepreneurial journey, proving he’s ready for whatever comes next.
