The winter of 2025-26 is shaping up to be a remarkable season for girls high school soccer across Central Valley, Ohio, and California, as three storied programs—Central Valley, Ceres High, and Hudson High—gear up with renewed optimism, fresh talent, and a strong sense of community. From preseason anticipation in California's Central Valley to a historic state finals run in Ohio and a unique alumni celebration in Turlock, these teams are making headlines for all the right reasons.
At Central Valley High School, head coach Miguel Larranaga is feeling confident as his Hawks prepare for the upcoming campaign. "We’re in a good spot," Larranaga stated, reflecting on the depth and skill present in his 19-player roster. The team boasts an impressive mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, with seniors like Elia Hernandez, Aaliyah Jauregui, Marcella Larranaga, and Jocelyn Rivera leading the way. The Hawks lost four influential players to graduation, including Magnolia Tavizon and Mia Mendoza, but Larranaga remains undeterred. "We have a strong team. We want to win league so we get a good spot for playoffs."
Larranaga’s focus on technical skills is clear: "I look for skills like speed, ball control under pressure and passing more than anything. That’s how you get to know who your best players are." The chemistry among the Hawks is another asset. "Team chemistry is excellent," he said. "The girls want to be here. They like and respect each other. They’re like sisters." Leadership on the pitch is anchored by team captains Aaliyah Jauregui and Marcella Larranaga. Jauregui, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, was a first-team all-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) selection last year, tallying three goals and three assists from her center back position. Marcella Larranaga, a standout defender, earned second-team WAC honors with seven goals and four assists.
Supporting the captains are a host of all-conference honorees: Ashley Juarez and Ayleen Apreza made the WAC First Team, with Juarez contributing six goals and five assists as a left defender, and Apreza notching an impressive 12 goals and nine assists from midfield. Amirrah Cornielle, a versatile utility player, picked up second-team all-conference recognition, adding 14 goals and nine assists to the Hawks’ tally.
Central Valley is aiming for its third consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth and a second straight WAC championship. The Hawks finished last season with a dominant 20-4-2 overall record and a 12-1-0 mark in league play, before falling 1-0 to Gregori in the Division-I playoffs. "Our first goal is to win league," Larranaga emphasized. "We can definitely be a contender. Of course, we’re going to have to practice and do our best every game. It’s going to take a lot of discipline from the girls. If that’s there, I think we can make it happen."
Across town, the Ceres High Bulldogs are equally motivated under the guidance of coach Rudy Jimenez. With 14 players on the roster—including seniors Jessie Blevins, Stephanie Espinoza, Brianna Luna, and Evelyn Navarro—the Bulldogs are blending experience with fresh faces. Eight players graduated last season, but Jimenez is upbeat: "I got a mix of girls that are extremely talented, athletic and know the game." Team captains Luna, Navarro, and Giselle Zamora are tasked with steering the squad, and Jimenez is confident in their leadership. "They’re team players," he said. "They lead very well. All the girls respect them."
First-team all-WAC selections Braidynn Mott and Sharryah Cabellos are expected to play pivotal roles. Mott, the standout goalkeeper, recorded eight saves in a memorable scoreless tie against league-champion Central Valley last season. "She’s an elite player," Jimenez praised. "She has no fear. She’s very communicative back there. She takes charge. She does her job to the fullest." Cabellos, who logged six goals and four assists while splitting time between midfield and striker, also drew high praise: "She knows the game really well. She can use both of her feet. Moving forward, she’s going to get even better."
The Bulldogs are looking to extend their playoff appearance streak to 11 consecutive seasons after finishing 11-7-3 overall and 9-2-2 in league play last year. They closed the regular season unbeaten in their final seven games before bowing out 2-0 to Del Campo in the Division-III postseason tournament. "There’s no reason we can’t take first (in league)," said Jimenez. "Without a doubt, I believe we can make playoffs again. We have the talent to do it. We just have to play smart and communicate as a team."
The crosstown rivalry between Central Valley and Ceres High remains a highlight of the season, with matches scheduled for January 15 at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park and February 10 at Ceres High. Last season, Central Valley shut out Ceres High 2-0 in their first meeting, while the teams played to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the final week of WAC play. "Every time we play them, it’s a tough game," Larranaga said. "They always do their best against us. It’s exciting to coach those games. You want to win for the girls and school. There’s a lot of pride." Jimenez echoed the sentiment: "It’s a friendly rivalry. The girls respect each other. Nobody is out to hurt anyone. We’re looking forward to the games. If our girls play with the right mentality, we can win. We’ll see what happens."
Meanwhile, in Hudson, Ohio, the Hudson High School girls varsity soccer team captured the imagination of their community with an undefeated 19-0-1 regular season. Under head coach Josh Huettich, the Explorers swept through conference, district, and regional championships before reaching the OHSAA Division II state finals at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus. Although Hudson fell 3-2 to Anthony Wayne High School in a thrilling championship match, the season marked the program’s first finals appearance since winning the title in 2001.
Coach Huettich emphasized the team’s "team first" mentality and their defensive strength, achieving their preseason goal of conceding no more than 10 goals all year. Senior center defender Chloe Bigham was recognized as an all-American—the first Hudson girl to earn the honor in two decades. Seniors Ava Bell and Maya Lake, both committed to Division I collegiate programs, led the team in points over the past two years. Standouts Alyssa Maniar, Hannah Meese, Addie Frank, Molly Grady, and Abby Filipovitz also made significant contributions, with Bigham and Meese each scoring in the state final.
The Hudson community showed immense support, canceling school and organizing transport for students to attend the championship. "Of course, it’s not often you get to play at Crew Stadium and have an opportunity to walk into that building, jump on the field there and experience it and all the fans," Huettich said. As the team prepares for next season, Huettich will look to younger players to step up, with several senior starters graduating.
Back in California, Turlock High School staged its first-ever girls soccer alumni game at Joe Debely Stadium, bringing together 22 former Bulldogs—many with collegiate experience—to face the current 2025-26 squad. The alumni triumphed 2-1, with goals from Cylee Cowell and Emma Zamudio, while sophomore Mara Gemperle netted the lone score for the current team. First-year head coach Fernando Montejano organized the event to foster community and networking, with former coach Nicole Lonergan returning to lead the alumni side. "It’s great to see everybody out and want to be a part of this," Montejano said. "It’s great for our community."
As the new season approaches, anticipation is high. With talented rosters, supportive communities, and a strong sense of tradition, these girls soccer programs are poised for another unforgettable year. Whether it’s chasing league titles, state championships, or simply building bonds across generations, the future of girls high school soccer looks brighter than ever.
