Eden Mahina, a 23-year-old senior offensive lineman for UNM’s football team, has a lot to juggle this year.
Between sports, charity work and a new baby on the way, it seems there’s hardly time for anything else. But despite a hectic schedule, Mahina had a few words to say of the challenges that lie ahead: “bring it on.”
A sports scholarship brought Mahina from Mt. San Antonio College in Southern California to UNM in 2014. Since then, he has been playing as an offensive lineman for the Lobos. Transitioning back into football after a two-year mission trip to Panama wasn’t easy, but he can now thank his position coach, Jason Lenzmeier, for boosting his confidence along the way, he said.
“Our relationship is good, even though he has pushed me really hard,” Mahina said. “Through his coaching I’ve been able to establish myself as a pretty good player.”
Mahina said he’s proud to be part of a “dominant offensive line” with impressive rankings. The team has had its share of injuries, but he said he’s optimistic about the games ahead. He couldn’t be happier to have his wife’s support as well, he said.
“We’ve been married for two years, and I wouldn’t change the world for anything,” he said.
Mahina and his wife, Candace, met in high school when they became involved with the same church. While he was in Panama fulfilling his mission to help those in need, Candace was waiting for him back home. They were engaged four months after his return.
The couple is now expecting a baby girl in December, shortly after the season is set to end.
While keeping up with religious activities, Mahina has extended his charity work to Joy Junction and UNM’s Reading with Lobos program.
“We take pride in our community and want to represent the football program as best as possible,” he said.
Shortly after arriving at UNM, Mahina heard about the reading program and jumped right into it. Every Friday, the team travels to preschools and elementary schools to spend some time reading with kids. Last year, Mahina went to Kirtland Elementary to read to students and show them basic football drills.
“It’s nice bringing a smile to their faces,” he said, “just seeing a UNM football player taking time out of their day to play with them.”
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As for future plans, Mahina said he’s heading back to California with his wife and a communication degree after graduation in the spring.
“Our families are out there and we want to stay close to home, especially with the new baby,” he said.
But first things first: football. This will be Mahina’s last season, and he’s hoping to score big, he said.
“This program hasn’t gone to a bowl game in a while, so that would be great for the community,” he said. “As long as we fight for every yard and every point, that’s all I can ask for.”
Jenna Stoff is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo.
