The Cabrillo College women’s soccer team has had its share of ups and downs this season, but one thing is certain: these Seahawks never back down. With an overall record of five wins, 13 losses, and one tie, the team has faced challenges head-on, showing determination, resilience, and plenty of heart along the way.
The team’s dedication is clear in the effort they put in every day.
“It’s definitely a lot of work, and everybody’s there, giving their best to be ready for each game,” says center forward Savannah Cresswell.
From heavy lifting and intense practices during spring training to pushing through long days on the field, the Seahawks give everything they’ve got, always working to get better and support each other.
Despite the season’s struggles, Cresswell has nothing but admiration for the coaches.
“Our coaches are great,” she says. “They put in a lot of time and effort into making us the best team we can be. They really care about us as players and are always working to help us be mentally and physically ready for future challenges.”
Despite multiple attempts to reach Coach Gladys Mondragon for comment, she was unavailable for an interview.
One of the biggest obstacles the team has faced this season is a lack of players. With fewer than 20 field players at the start of the season and injuries further reducing their roster, many games were played with only one or no substitutes.
“Having lower numbers puts much more mental and physical stress on everybody,” Cresswell admits. “But at the same time, it puts everyone in that mindset of you have to be prepared for the game because you know you’re going to be playing at least an hour of the game, and you have to be really locked in mentally.”
Through it all, the team has remained united. A standout moment for Cresswell came in a game against Las Positas, where the Seahawks fought hard despite being down a player. “
In that game, I feel like everybody realized we all have a connection, and if we work together, great things can happen,” she says.
Many players, including center midfielder Leila Nite, have felt the emotional toll of the season.
“It’s hard when you’re in the game and you’re missing players, and you yourself are tired,” she says. “I know I must show up for the team and the coaches. You’re not playing just for yourself, but also for everyone else.”
Nite remains hopeful, saying, “I hope we can continue to push through and grow. It was hard this season losing players and games, so I hope next season we can have a turnaround.”
Winger Hailey Medina has also come to understand the level of commitment required to be part of a college team.
“Before I joined, I didn’t realize how much time and effort goes into this,” she says. “There’s a lot of dedication involved in being on the team.”
Despite all the challenges, Medina remembers the fun moments that kept the team’s spirits high. “We used to have Halloween practices, where we’d dress up in costumes. It was a great way to have fun and bond as a team,” she laughs.
Looking ahead, Medina hopes the team can make it to the playoffs.
“I hope in the future the girls can make it through to the playoffs and improve from what we’ve done these past years,” she says. “Playing my last game was bittersweet because I realized time is moving so fast, and I am almost done with my time here.”
Through the highs and lows, the Cabrillo women’s soccer team has shown incredible heart. No matter the challenges, they’ve kept pushing forward, their optimism carrying them through. With the support of their coaches, teammates, and fans, they’re ready to take on whatever comes next.
