The Los Gatos High School girls soccer team is looking to make another incredible run to State this season.
Coach Jessica Ingram says they’re hoping to improve on last year’s performance, when the squad had just arrived back in Division A.
“We made it into CCS, as an at-large bid, and ended up winning CCS, but lost in the semi-finals at the State tournament,” she said in an interview with the Los Gatan. “Last year, we had a bigger senior class, which was great—this year (the senior class) is a little bit smaller.”
Team officials say the squad is well-positioned because last year’s freshmen players are bringing a wealth of Division A experience from last year.
Having a young team can be a challenge in the high school sport world, but—so far at least—this team has stuck together to prove they’re more than capable.
“We are doing really well this year,” Ingram said, referring to their impressive record (9-2-5 overall and 6-0-2 in league). “Results-wise, as a team the girls have really come together. It is a much larger team than we have taken in the past, but it has worked in our favor.”
Coach Ingram says the LGHS administration tries its best to support its athletes, both on and off the field.
“As a coaching staff, we brought on a few different coaches to help navigate the different personalities, and we also brought on a mental strength coach to help with the girls,” she said. “Our coaching staff really tries to get the girls to take the experience of high school sports and apply it to their daily life.”
If there was one turning point in the season, the coach and players agreed it would have to be the Archbishop Mitty game.
“It was probably the best game that we have played,” Ingram said. “This was the first year that our team has taken on private schools in the pre-season.”
She said it was a hard-fought game. The team worked together on defense, were extremely disciplined, and created plenty of offensive opportunities for each other.
“This game really showed our potential, but it ultimately showed the girls that they can reach anything they want if they just put their mind to it,” she said. “The Mitty game resulted in a 1-1 score. It was tied 0-0 for the longest time and we actually were down 1-0. But, we came back to tie it up in the last few minutes of the game.”
It was Alessandra Munneke who got the lone goal for the Wildcats.
Abby Nelson, a sophomore captain who plays right back and forward, said they knew Mitty was going to be a really tough opponent, so they really focused on keeping up.
“After our game against Mitty, I felt optimistic about our team’s future success,” she said. “I think overall, the team had more confidence and hope for what we could do in the future.”
Munneke said, going into the game, they knew we were underdogs with something to prove.
“It showed me that we have the heart and mentality to play any team and get results, and it also grew our team’s confidence,” she said. “All the hard work throughout the game came down to one moment for me.”
She knew it would be her last chance to take a shot.
“The goal felt exhilarating,” she said. “Even if I was the one that scored, it was a team effort throughout the game.”
Munneke credits the Wildcats’ defense and midfield for doing their part to allow her contribution to mean as much as it did.
“This team truly has the teamwork, work ethic, and drive to make it far,” she said.
Keep a look out for the Los Gatos High School girls soccer team as they look to continue their season in the days to come—all the way to State.
