Monterey Trail Women’s Soccer Wraps Up Historic 2025 Season with Resilience and Record-Setting Finish
In a season filled with growth, grit, and breakthrough performances, the Monterey Trail High School women’s soccer team made its mark on the 2025 winter season under the guidance of Head Coach David Groves. From a fourth consecutive winning season to the program’s best-ever Delta League finish, the Mustangs showcased resilience and unity in the face of adversity, setting the stage for a promising future.
Despite dealing with injuries, a tough schedule, and limited depth, the Mustangs powered through with heart and teamwork, defining characteristics of this year’s squad.
Anchors and Game-Changers: Key Contributors Step Up
Success starts with leadership, and Jada Pinkney, the team captain, was the undeniable heartbeat of the Mustangs this year. Making the switch to center back, Pinkney anchored the defense and played every match with unwavering consistency. Her presence on and off the field earned her runner-up Player of the League honors, a testament to her influence and dominance. More than just a skilled player, Jada set the tone for the team’s attitude and work ethic.
Between the posts, goalkeeper Callie Neufeld was a standout. Despite having minimal formal training, Neufeld proved to be one of the best keepers in the region, often keeping Monterey Trail competitive against stronger sides. “Other teams may not respect our team that much,” said Coach Groves, “but they know she’s good.” Her ability to make clutch saves in high-pressure moments—particularly in three penalty shootout victories—was crucial.
Record-Breaking Moments and Season Highlights
The Mustangs’ 2025 campaign was marked by several unforgettable highlights. The team posted its best-ever finish in Delta League play—fourth place, a major achievement for a squad that has historically struggled in that conference.
A particularly thrilling moment came against Laguna Creek, where Hailey Yang netted the game-winning goal on the final kick—a storybook finish that perfectly encapsulated the team’s tenacity. The team also celebrated sweeps over both Laguna Creek and Elk Grove, rival teams they were determined to beat.
Additionally, Monterey Trail captured the Calvine Cup for the second time in three seasons, further proving their ability to rise in high-stakes environments.
Turning Challenges into Growth
This season was far from smooth sailing. Injuries to key players, including team captain Hannah Gill, tested the Mustangs’ depth and mental toughness. Gill missed significant time due to injury, a trip abroad, and illness, yet showed commendable perseverance by returning to finish the season strong.
What could have been a setback became an opportunity for other players to grow. Layliana Rios, a junior with little club experience, stepped in and proved invaluable, earning a starting role and showing remarkable adaptability. Her soccer IQ and relentless effort helped stabilize the lineup in times of need.
Another bright spot was freshman Teylor Haynes, who played out of position at outside back but did so with poise and effectiveness. Despite being new to the program, she took on her role without hesitation and earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
Meanwhile, Arianna Ramirez Cortez, one of the team’s most technically skilled players, found her voice this season. After previously taking a backseat, Cortez stepped into a key offensive role, leading the attack and asserting herself as a playmaker.
Leadership Without Drama: A Senior Class to Remember
Perhaps one of the most refreshing aspects of the 2025 team was the culture created by its senior class. In contrast to past years that included interpersonal challenges, this senior group led with maturity, positivity, and unity.
“For the first time in several years, there was no drama or infighting,” Coach Groves said. “That’s because the seniors kept a positive, supportive attitude.” Their leadership helped foster an inclusive and hard-working team environment that younger players will carry forward.
Future Bright with Talented Youth
Coach Groves has plenty to be excited about moving forward. One major reason is the incoming freshman class, which brought a wave of energy and promise to the program. A record four freshmen made varsity this season, including standout defender Haynes, signaling the rise of a new generation of Mustangs who can build on this year’s momentum.
With strong contributors returning and a foundation of grit and teamwork firmly in place, the Mustangs are well-positioned to climb even higher in the coming years.
Offseason Focus: Building Technical Confidence
Despite their accomplishments, the coaching staff is not taking anything for granted. As the Mustangs prepare for next season, the focus will be on refining ball skills, improving touches, and sharpening passing technique—the fundamentals that can elevate a good team into a great one.
“We really need to work hard in the offseason on our ball skills, touches, and passing,” said Groves. With these technical improvements, the Mustangs could close the gap with the league’s top-tier programs.
More Than a Season—A Culture Shift
What Monterey Trail accomplished in 2025 goes beyond wins and rankings. This season marked a cultural shift, a new era where the program proved it could compete, grow, and overcome adversity with class and character.
The team’s MaxPreps page reflects their upward trajectory in terms of results, but the true victory is in the spirit and identity they’ve begun to cultivate. With leaders like Pinkney and Neufeld setting the example, and under the steady guidance of Coach Groves, this team laid the groundwork for sustained success.
Final Whistle: A Team That Fought Together
In a year where depth was thin, injuries loomed, and the odds were rarely in their favor, the Mustangs never wavered. They competed fiercely, lifted each other up, and wrote a new chapter in program history—finishing stronger than ever before.
As they head into the offseason, Monterey Trail doesn’t just carry wins—they carry confidence, belief, and the kind of unity that builds champions.
And with a young core ready to rise, the best may be yet to come.
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