Holbrook High School boys basketball coach Raul Mendoza has been honored as the recipient of the seventh annual Spirit of Cotton Award. Phoenix Suns Charities honored Coach Mendoza during the Suns game against the San Antonio Spurs held April 25 at the US Airways Center. Over the past 33 years, Mendoza has coached high school boys’ basketball in Arizona. He has recorded more than 600 wins in his career and has led his programs to numerous winning seasons, including a state championship in 2011. Mendoza is a six-time Conference Coach of the Year, two-time Arizona Coaches Association Coach of the Year and was named the 2011 Arizona Republic Small School Coach of the Year. In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Mendoza is regarded by his peers as one of the most re-spectable coaches in the game. He has established himself as a leader in the Holbrook community through his work and mentorship of the city’s youth, both on and off the court. “I feel very fortunate to receive this prestigious award when there are so many equally deserving candi-dates,” said Mendoza. “This award was created in remembrance of a great man and to be associated with him tops almost everything I have accomplished in my career.” The Spirit of Cotton Award was created in memory of former Suns Head Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, who passed away in July 2004, and honors a high school coach in Arizona who consistently demonstrates the best qualities of a coach, educator, mentor and community leader. “Coach Mendoza clearly is a successful coach, but he is so much more than that,” said JoAnn Fitzsim-mons, wife of the late Cotton Fitzsimmons. “He has impacted the lives of his players and his entire commu-nity. He leads by example and that example truly reflects the Spirit of Cotton.” As part of the award, Coach Mendoza will receive a commemorative plaque and custom ring designed by Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers. In addition, Phoenix Suns Charities will make a grant of $10,000 to Hol-brook High School’s athletic department.