After a hard-fought preseason, the girls’ varsity soccer team has begun their hopeful trek to the top of the Pacific Coast League, a journey that has already been filled with strengthening bonds, stepping up to difficult roles and lifelong memories.

After a tough finish in the league last year, the girls’ soccer team has set their sights on gold, hoping to bring home a championship this year. While there have been difficult patches, the team has worked through them to come out stronger than ever. 

“Our connection on and off the field is something that all the girls value and we try to have as much fun as possible with each other at practices and games,” Captain Riley Hertstein said.

Hertstein also commented on the younger girls on the team this year, with three freshmen stepping into key roles as first-year varsity starters. With this young core, they hope to leave their mark on the school at the end of the season.

“Our goal for the season is definitely to win the league and make it far in CIF,”  junior Carmen Cruz said. “We have a talented group and a real big shot at taking home the league championship this year.” 

While the season has been filled with tough matches and goal setting, it has also shown a new sense of community, with the girls’ soccer team hosting its first-ever community night. This included honoring Harvest Cup winners, a walkout with the youth camp girls’ soccer players and food trucks and vendors, as people from across Irvine came to watch the team’s win against Tustin.

“There was amazing energy and kids from all around Irvine came to support us,” Cruz said.

The girls’ soccer team will continue to bring this high energy as they look to place first in their league.

“The support is something I will never forget,” Herstein said. “I’ve never seen so many people at a game and the energy helped us so much to win over Tustin.”