Long Beach Poly Girls Soccer Makes History in 2025: A Season of Legacy, Leadership, and Unbreakable Bonds
When the final whistle blew on the 2025 winter season, the Long Beach Poly Girls Varsity Soccer Team had etched its name into school history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Angel Zavala, the team didn’t just have a great year—they delivered a once-in-a-generation season, packed with milestones, unity, and unforgettable memories. From reclaiming the Moore League title for the first time in nearly a decade to reaching the CIF Finals and making the State Regional Tournament for the first time in school history, this team set a new gold standard for what it means to wear the Jackrabbits jersey.
A Team Effort That Made History
Coach Zavala is quick to point out that this season’s success wasn’t built on the back of one or two standout stars—it was a true team effort. Though certain names rose throughout the season, the heartbeat of the squad was its collective drive, trust, and unity.
“Our team captains played a great impact,” Coach Zavala noted. “They made sure everyone was on point and gave that extra push out there. But really, it was about everyone doing their part.”
With 18 seniors on the roster, the team was rich in experience and leadership. Every senior brought her own energy and identity to the field, creating a diverse but tightly bonded group that left everything on the pitch. Wearing the Poly green and gold, these girls represented tradition and built a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
From Rocky Start to Dominant Force
The season began with a tough preseason schedule, including matchups against powerhouse programs like Troy and Los Alamitos. These early challenges, while daunting, were instrumental in preparing the team mentally and physically for what was ahead.
“Our preseason showed us that we were able to compete,” Zavala said. “We just had to put a little more work in every day to grow as players and as a team.”
And grow they did. The team developed a faster, more aggressive playing style as the season progressed. One turning point came during a home game against Wilson, where the Jackrabbits delivered a commanding performance. That game, Coach Zavala says, was when the team “woke up” and realized their full potential. They began to trust each other completely—and started to dominate.
Captains, Key Players, and Emerging Stars
While it was a true team effort, a few individuals shone with their growth and impact. The team’s captains led the charge, setting the tone with intensity and dedication. But two names stood out as players who truly came into their own over the course of the season: Aaya and Caitlyn.
“Aaya brought a visible energy shift when she was on the field,” said Coach Zavala. “Her presence elevated everyone around her.”
Meanwhile, Caitlyn showed remarkable development and toughness, improving with every game despite battling through injuries. Her resilience and consistency made her a reliable force when it mattered most.
A Senior Class to Remember
With 18 seniors, this year’s group was the heartbeat of the program—and the soul of the locker room. The impact they made can’t be overstated.
“They each brought their own energy to the team,” Coach Zavala said. “They made sure to leave their stamp on the field wearing that POLY jersey one last time. It was an amazing senior year for them—a memory they’ll carry forever.”
This class not only led the team to its best season in decades but also set an example for the younger players. Their leadership, commitment, and chemistry will be the blueprint for future Jackrabbits teams.
Breaking Barriers: League Champions and Beyond
After nine long years, Long Beach Poly was crowned Moore League Champions once again—reclaiming their spot atop local soccer. But they didn’t stop there.
For the first time in 30 years, the team advanced all the way to the CIF Finals. Then, in a school-first, they earned a spot in the State Regional Tournament, a stage no other Long Beach Poly Girls Soccer team had reached before.
“This season will forever be historic in my eyes,” Coach Zavala reflected. “It’s one for the books, and will be talked about for many, many years to come.”
The journey wasn’t just about wins—it was about learning to believe in one another, to fight for every minute, and to push the limits of what had been thought possible.
Eyes on the Future
While the departure of the senior class will leave big shoes to fill, Coach Zavala is optimistic and excited about what’s to come. The returning players had a front-row seat to what discipline, chemistry, and determination can produce.
“We’ll be a young team next year,” he said. “But they’ve seen what hard work gets you. I want them to continue building on what we’ve started and keep making history.”
With a focus on leadership development and continued growth, the future of Long Beach Poly Girls Soccer looks as promising as ever.
Building Bonds in the Offseason
As the team prepares for the next chapter, Coach Zavala is focusing on one critical component of success: team chemistry.
“One of our goals for the offseason is to have more team bonding events early in the year,” he explained. “It’s about building trust and believing in one another from day one.”
That early-season unity will be essential for a young squad stepping into leadership roles for the first time. And if there’s one lesson this year taught, it’s that teamwork and trust can elevate talent into history-making performance.
Tracking the Journey
For those wanting to relive this unforgettable season—or keep tabs on future Jackrabbit milestones—game results and individual stats can be found on MaxPreps and CIF Southern Section platforms. It’s a way to stay connected to the incredible story that unfolded this winter, and the ones still to come.
Final Reflections: More Than Just a Season
The 2025 Long Beach Poly Girls Soccer team didn’t just play soccer—they made school history. They overcame a tough start, developed into a cohesive unit, and set a new standard for excellence. With leadership at the core, and a culture of support, trust, and fight, this team will be remembered not just for what they accomplished, but for how they accomplished it.
Coach Zavala put it best:
“It will be talked about for many, many years to come.”
And rightly so. Because what happened on those fields this year was more than a season.
It was a legacy.
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