Historic Season ends in NorCal Championship

A Comeback for the Ages
With just seven minutes remaining in the championship match and trailing 2-1, our Gators showed remarkable resilience by equalizing and setting the stage for Senior Leah Lynch’s dramatic stoppage-time winner. This incredible finish capped off what has been a season of excellence and determination for our girls.

The road to this championship included a dominant run through the Central Coast Section Division V tournament, where we went a perfect 3-0 while outscoring opponents by an astounding 21-0 margin. This momentum carried into the NorCal Division IV Regional tournament, where we again posted a flawless 3-0 record, outscoring opponents 11-2 en route to making school history.

Head Coach Armando del Rio shared his thoughts on this historic achievement: “What these girls accomplished this season goes far beyond trophies and championships. The grit, resilience, and belief they’ve displayed from day one has been nothing short of inspirational. Even when facing adversity in the final minutes of the championship match, they never wavered in their commitment to each other and to our team principles. This group has redefined what it means to be a team, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating each success together. As a coach, I couldn’t be prouder of not just what they’ve achieved, but how they’ve achieved it.”

Excellence Beyond the Field
What makes this championship even more special is that our girls have excelled not only on the field but in the classroom as well. Their recognition as a CCS Scholastic Team underscores their commitment to true student-athlete excellence, balancing rigorous academic demands with athletic pursuits.

I am profoundly proud of our soccer program for their extraordinary accomplishments this season. Their historic NorCal championship represents countless hours of dedication, perseverance through challenges, and an unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field. The character they’ve displayed throughout this journey—supporting one another, responding to adversity, and competing with integrity—embodies everything we value in our athletic programs at Sacred Heart Prep.

This achievement would not have been possible without many individuals who contributed to the team’s success. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated coaching staff led by Coach del Rio, and Assistant Coaches Jake Moffat and Sandra Nolan, whose leadership and vision have elevated this program to unprecedented heights. Our team of Athletic Administrators, Strength Coaches, and Athletic Trainers have been instrumental in keeping our athletes performing at their peak while prioritizing their health and well-being. And to our wonderful parents and families—your unwavering support, from traveling to distant away games to cheering from the sidelines in all weather conditions, has created the foundation upon which this success was built.

In capturing this historic championship, our girls soccer team has done more than add a trophy to our display case—they have represented the values and spirit of Sacred Heart Prep with distinction. Their journey has inspired our entire school community and demonstrated what is possible when talent meets determination and teamwork.

Please join me in celebrating and congratulating these remarkable student-athletes on their historic achievement!

Go Gators!

Coach Armstrong