The Lady Eagles Soccer Team Makes BSSCA Sports History

Written by Veronica Castro, BSSCA Student and Lady Eagles Team Member

My Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy (“BSSCA”) girls’ varsity soccer team made school history this 2015 season. Our coaches, Coach Espinoza and Coach Cobian, led our team to second place in the league, ending with a record of 15-7-2. Our defense was the best in LA CITY Division 5, only allowing 6 goals in league play and 15 goals total in the season! Our team ended as runner-ups in Division 5, and was invited to participate in the CIF State Championship Playoffs. In the playoffs we faced an unfortunate loss, but this was the first time in BSSCA history that a girls’ varsity soccer team has made it to the Championship Playoffs!

Every year, our coaches give out five awards to the team. This year, the Most Improved Player award went to freshman Laura Cruz, because, as stated by Coach Espinoza she “went from having speed and being stubborn to taking advantage of the playing she got and taking the coach’s advice.” The Defensive Player of the Year award went to senior Karina Lopez. Coach Espinoza said, “This was definitely the hardest award to give out, but at the end of the day Karina earned it because whenever I needed someone to shut down the opposing best player, I could always count on her to step up.” The Offensive Player of the Year went to sophomore Valeria Castro, who ended the season with 19 goals and 5 assists. The Eagle Award went to junior Jasmin Palacios, because “she had the most heart, never complained, and always had a positive attitude.” The Most Valuable Player went to junior Lincy Villatoro, because “she was the engine of the team and you could see a difference when she wasn’t on the field.” When asked about her feelings towards receiving the award, Lincy said, “I feel grateful for my coaches, but overall grateful for my team because they made me better as a leader, as a player, and as a person all in all.”

Lincy, Jasmin, and Valeria were chosen as three of the top 11 players in all of Division 5, which has over 20 teams! Jasmin was chosen as one of the top 22 players in all of the City Divisions, meaning she was chosen from approximately 100 teams!!

Coach Espinoza is already planning for next year. With 10 starters returning, he is excited and ready to make another run at a City Championship. “The girls know what it takes to win a championship, and I expect them to be hungry for it, to go about things with a purpose because you only get to be a champion being 100% committed and dedicated. It’s one game. You only get one shot.”

To follow our sports teams and see other exciting student achievements, like us on Facebook, or subscribe to our blog using the box toward the bottom of the right-hand menu bar!