Pasco High School Varsity Girls Soccer 2025 Recap: A New Era Begins Under Coach Mutombo
When Coach Merseigne Mutombo stepped into the role of Head Coach for the Pasco High School Varsity Girls Soccer team just two weeks before the 2025 season kicked off, expectations were modest. With no preseason, a squad that hadn’t won a single game the previous year, and tryouts held just days before their first match, the path ahead looked steep. Yet, from those uncertain beginnings emerged a story of resilience, rapid growth, and the birth of a new era for Pasco Girls Soccer.
A Season That Defied Expectations
In 2024, the Pirates finished with a disheartening 0-12-2 record. But Coach Mutombo brought with him a fresh mindset and a simple goal: win at least one game. That message became the rallying cry for a group of girls who were tired of being defined by losses. The result? A 4-11-3 finish, including competitive draws and a few heartbreakingly close matches, most of our losses came against top programs, and, aside from maybe 2 or 3 games, they weren’t particularly close. Far beyond just numbers, the season marked a cultural shift within the program.
One of the most significant highlights came in the form of a 9-2 win over archrival Zephyrhills, a match that not only showcased Pasco’s scoring prowess but also their confidence and chemistry. But perhaps the defining moment came during the district semifinal playoff game against Hernando High. Having been beaten twice during the season by Hernando, including a 6-0 thrashing in the opener, Pasco entered as heavy underdogs. But in a game that would go down in program lore, the Pirates came back from a 3-1 deficit to eventually lead 5-4 before conceding in the final minute of extra time and ultimately losing 6-5 on penalties.
Despite the heartbreak, Coach Mutombo called it the defining game of the season. "That performance gave me hope and utter confidence heading into the upcoming 2025–26 season," he said. "We’ve laid the foundation, and now it’s time to build on it."
Leadership That Carried the Team
Key to Pasco’s turnaround was Captain Peyton Wheatley. Wheatley was not only responsible for approximately 80% of the team’s goals, but also embodied versatility and leadership. Jennifer Cruz is a junior. Natural strikers, they willingly shifted to midfield and defensive roles when needed, showing a team-first attitude that inspired their peers. Coach Mutombo praised their ability to "create moments of magic out of nothing" and credited them with carrying the team through several crucial games.
While Peyton narrowly edged Jennifer in the goal count, both players were instrumental in setting the tone for the program’s rebuild, on and off the pitch.
Emerging Talent and Key Contributors
Beyond the headline names, several players grew significantly over the course of the season. One standout was Callie Ellis, who began the year developing fundamental skills but quickly grew into a vital piece of the defense. When starting right back Keira Langley had to step away, Callie stepped in and owned the position, showcasing relentless effort and coachability. Her development represented the team’s larger trajectory: one of transformation through hard work.
Meanwhile, Isabella Aponte, Jaslene Gonzalez, and Lindsey Hartwig also left their mark and gave Coach Mutombo plenty of reason for optimism as the core of the team returns next season.
Also, love to give a shoutout to Junior Grace Stott. She didn’t get to play this season due to an injury, but she was an ever-present figure around the team, always showing up to games and cheering us on. I’m really looking forward to working with her this upcoming season. She’ll bring a great boost and impact to the group.
Seniors Who Set the Standard
Although the team had only three seniors—Micky Owens, Yarisvet Valdovinos, and Carlee Sheets—their impact was deeply felt. Micky, a pillar in defense, brought intensity, grit, and dependability to the backline. Her leadership through action anchored the team during some of the season’s toughest stretches.
Yarisvet, though not a frequent starter, contributed in less visible but equally vital ways. Her positivity, consistency, and supportiveness created a welcoming and motivated environment. Even without regular playing time, she remained fully engaged, offering encouragement from the sidelines, supporting her teammates, and bringing cohesion to the squad.
Carlee’s season was unfortunately cut short due to injury, but her spirit and leadership continued to influence the team from off the field.
Learning Through Adversity
Pasco’s journey wasn’t without growing pains. A key turning point came early in the season when, after a humbling 6-0 loss to Hernando, the team rebounded with a dominant performance against Fivay—only to see a 3-0 lead slip away in a 3-3 draw. For Coach Mutombo, it wasn’t just about the blown lead—it was the emotional reaction of his players afterward that stood out.
“The disappointment in their eyes told me everything,” he said. “That silence on the bus ride back—it wasn’t from apathy. It was because they truly cared. They wanted to win. That’s when I knew we had something special.”
Coach Mutombo also emphasized the importance of unity and off-field bonding. After tough road losses, the team would often stop for meals together, using those moments to reset, reflect, and reconnect. Those simple rituals helped reinforce a sense of family, a central theme in the coach’s long-term vision.
Looking to the Future
What excites Coach Mutombo most isn’t just the talent returning, but the mindset his players are bringing with them into the next season. "The belief is growing, the culture is changing," he said. “This season felt like just the beginning.”
He’s confident that leaders like Peyton, Jennifer, Isabella, Jaslene, and Lindsey will continue to raise the bar. The players are hungry, motivated, and more unified than ever.
The offseason focus is crystal clear: fitness, conditioning, and grit. Competing against powerhouse programs like Sunlake and Wesley Chapel means outworking them physically and mentally. “Soccer isn’t always about who’s the most talented—it’s about who wants it more,” said Mutombo. And that’s a message that has clearly resonated with his players.
A New Identity for Pasco Girls Soccer
Though the 2025 season may not have ended with a championship, it marked a turning point for the Pirates. In a few short months, a team that hadn’t tasted victory in over a year became a competitive, cohesive, and confident squad. They played for each other, pushed through adversity, and laid the first bricks in what promises to be a lasting legacy.
As the program looks toward the 2025–26 season, one thing is certain: under Coach Mutombo’s leadership, Pasco Girls Soccer is no longer just trying to survive—it’s learning how to thrive. And with belief, leadership, and a relentless work ethic as their foundation, the best is yet to come.
Stats for the season can be found on MaxPreps.
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