Natalia Rivera Banuet / The SWC Sun
GOAL SIGHTS—Jaguars Midfielder Rebeca Perez prepares to launch a shot through City’s line, eventually winning 1-0.
The Southwestern College women’s soccer team returns this season as the 2025 Conference champions, ready to defend the title and dominate the pitch once again.
The team’s success comes from having discipline, grit, compassion, and a strong sisterhood. Coming into this season, the team has one goal in mind.
“We are here for the same thing, which is winning, and all of us hold each other accountable,” said defender and midfielder Natalia Gregorio.
To help the team continue to win, Head Coach Carolina Soto recruited a new batch of players. Soto prefers players who are “working really hard and won’t cut corners, especially who are good people.”
This is just one of the things that heavily contribute to their excellent performance.
“One of the reasons we’ve been so successful is because we play with so much heart, and that you can’t teach,” Soto added.
To prevent burnout and exhaustion, the coaches tweak routines depending on how players are feeling both physically and emotionally.
“Before anything, my players are human beings,” Soto said. “They’re young women who are going through a lot. It’s not easy.”
For the team, having a supportive and uplifting system is crucial. Soto noted that having a “healthy environment with no hatred” is what builds the team’s connection, which translates onto the field as they play as a team and not just for themselves.
This season has more freshmen and fewer returners, meaning this new team is younger than usual. However, this hasn’t heavily impacted their playing style.
“They mesh well together,” said Assistant Coach Jenny Rodriguez. “They are able to play with each other and understand each other.”
After being the conference champions of 2025, the women’s team feel a target on their back. They rely on their special bond to get them through tough times.
“We focus a lot on communication and try and stay composed,” said defender and midfielder Lynnette Baez. “We’ve seen how other teams get frustrated with each other and how it tears them down.”
Southwestern’s women’s soccer team will continue to use their strong bond, determination, and hard work to take on the season and defend their high standard of excellence.
