Cerritos Water Polo (2008): Served as a red-shirt…..

Paramount HS: Spent four years on the swimming team… As a senior, he won the San Gabriel Valley League championship in the 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard IM… Was ranked third in the CIF Division IV and went undefeated in the 100-yard freestyle in his high school career… Helped the team to the league co-championship as a senior… Was a two-time Coaches Award recipient… Also won the league title in the 100-yard freestyle as a junior… Named the league’s Most Valuable Player and earned the team award, as well… Named the Most Improved Player as a freshman…..

Personal: Most memorable moment was when he swam the anchor leg of a race against Downey High and came back to win after starting half a pool’s length away… Would like to transfer to either UC Santa Barbara or the University of California-Berkeley… Likes to go swimming in his spare time… Has four siblings – Joselin (16), Andria (11), Benjamin Jr. (5) and Guillermo (3)… Is the son of Benjamin and Julieta Melendez… Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala on June 7, 1990…..