The girl’s soccer team has been excelling in their games and are approaching the season with a positive attitude. Their high ambitions and trust in one another have motivated them to shoot for the league title again. Their wins have been consistent with victories against Sierra Pacific, Reedley, Immanuel, and Washington Union.
According to Irais Santos, senior and co-captain, Washington Union and Reedley have been some of their biggest competitors this year, but they are determined to win against them regardless. Since adjusting to the loss of last year’s seniors, changing positions constantly, and especially finding a strong kicker, their league games have been going well.
“We are improving daily due to the higher work rate and intensity at practices that the ladies are putting in to make sure that they get the best out of each other,” says varsity coach Luis Zamora.
Irais is also optimistic that their team will thrive if they utilize their strengths and stick together. Other players, such as junior Lilliana Huerta, convey similarly ambitious goals.
“What I’m most looking forward to this season is the opportunity to win the league again. I think it would be great to have won it twice in a row,” explains Huerta.
Girl’s Soccer made history by winning League Championships in the 2023 season. Before then, the girl’s soccer team hadn’t won since 2008. Last year, they were just one game away from winning Valley. They could have fought for a rematch, but Irais felt it best to accept and learn from their loss.
Being a good sport is not the only thing soccer has taught the players. Lily says she’s learned to balance being a student-athlete despite how it’s “easy to be the athlete, but it’s difficult to find the energy to keep up with school work after long games or practices.”
Being team captain has helped Irais develop her leadership skills and learn to step up for her team. Girl’s soccer has never had a stable captain until Irais Santos, America Ruiz, and Merlina Gutierrez started motivating each other.
“We have a great competitive group of girls that are self-motivated daily, so it makes it easier on the coaching staff to keep these ladies motivated,” Coach Zamora stated.
Along with practice and games, the girls even take the time out of their weeks to help out the people in their community and enjoy the fun of soccer. They are creating smiles on kids’ faces for nothing in return except motivation to continue their hard work for this season.
“Every year, we get invited by an organization called Exceptional Sports for Youth with Needs to help run their soccer season. These girls give up four Sunday afternoons to go out and volunteer and be one-on-one helpers with athletes that have special needs,” Coach Zamora describes. He also says he is “most proud” of them for what they have accomplished “off the field,” referring to the ESYN event.
In all, the girl’s soccer team radiates a powerful sense of teamwork, thanks to the efforts of their coach and captains, who are constantly motivating their players. As previously mentioned, the girls have won most of their games this season, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication towards being a stronger team.
Lastly, Irais shared what her coach is “always saying: it takes 11 girls to win but 11 girls to lose.” This highlights the importance of every team member’s contribution and how they should put in their best effort and dedication in order to improve together. The team’s ultimate goal is to see each player give their best and work towards achieving success.
