Oakdale High Girls Soccer 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Journey of Resilience, Leadership, and Ambition
The 2024-2025 season for the Oakdale High School Girls Soccer team was one defined by resilience, leadership, and near triumph. Under the stewardship of Head Coach Kico Monares, the team pushed themselves hard to reclaim the pinnacle of their sport in their region, coming agonizingly close to the ultimate prize. In this comprehensive season recap, Coach Monares shares insights into the key contributors, defining moments, challenges overcome, and exciting prospects for the future of Oakdale Girls Soccer.
Leadership Anchors the Team’s Success
At the heart of the team’s dynamic was a potent mix of youthful energy and experienced leadership. Coach Monares immediately highlights two pivotal players who carried the season on their shoulders:
Dakota Burford, a sophomore captain and offensive powerhouse, emerged as the team's standout. As the leading scorer and assist provider, Dakota was not only the team’s MVP but also earned first team all-league honors. “The whole offense went through her,” Coach Monares notes, “our game plans revolved around her ability to create and finish scoring opportunities.” Dakota’s natural talent and leadership as a sophomore exemplify the promising future for Oakdale’s offense.
Lyndee Cox, a senior captain anchoring the defense, was a stalwart presence throughout the season. Her defensive mastery was critical in allowing only four goals against league opponents. Recognized as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year and also first team all-league, Lyndee’s contributions were vital to the team’s identity. “She was the staple in defense,” Monares explains, underscoring her importance to the squad’s overall success.
Together, Dakota and Lyndee formed the pillars on which Oakdale’s season was built—offense and defense synchronized by leadership and excellence.
Season Review: Near Glory and Valuable Growth
When asked how the season unfolded, Coach Monares calls it a “success” but one that left them hungry for more. The ultimate goal was clear—to win the Section Championship and bring home the Blue Banner. The team fought valiantly, making a deep playoff run and earning a coveted spot in the Section Championship game, only to fall short in a narrow 0-1 loss.
“It was tough to come so close, but we were proud of our journey,” Monares admits. The highlight? Securing an automatic bid to the Nor-Cal Regionals, an achievement that reflects the team's high level of play and competitive stature in the region.
Stepping Up When It Counted: Emerging Leaders
Oakdale’s success this season was not just about the stars; it was about the entire team rising to the occasion, especially when called upon. Coach Monares singles out three players who stepped into bigger roles and exceeded expectations:
Freshmen Kaia Cox and Ceci Cotton, both of whom made significant contributions in their inaugural high school season. Their ability to adapt quickly to varsity competition was a bright spot that bodes well for the program’s future.
Junior Noelani Meza, whose performance continued to grow, solidifying her role as a key contributor on the squad.
“Without these three stepping up,” Monares remarks, “our season would not have been as successful. They brought energy and skill that helped the team overcome obstacles.”
Overcoming Adversity: The Team’s Grit
The season was marked by several significant challenges that tested the team’s resolve. Early in the season, senior captain Kyra Binstock suffered a dislocated shoulder, ending her season prematurely. This loss was a blow not just to team performance but to leadership presence on the field.
Additionally, the team faced a tough loss against Sierra, which cost them the league title, and the suspension of two players for six games by CIF added another layer of difficulty.
Yet, the Oakdale team refused to be derailed.
“Our players handled adversity really well,” says Coach Monares. “The coaching staff kept pushing the girls—no one got comfortable.” Using tools like game film analysis, strength and conditioning in the weight room, and tactical training, the team stayed focused and prepared.
Starting the season with such obstacles and still making it all the way to the section finals is a testament to the team’s grit and the coaching staff’s leadership.
Senior Class: The Backbone of Oakdale’s Success
Leadership from the senior class was a critical ingredient in Oakdale’s recipe for success. With five seniors committing to college soccer programs, the experience and dedication they brought to the team was immense.
Four of these seniors served as captains, leading by example both on and off the field. “They were amazing mentors to our younger players,” Monares emphasizes, noting how their energy and performance helped unify the team.
This senior group’s influence extended beyond just game days—they set the tone for work ethic, discipline, and team culture that will benefit Oakdale for years to come.
Looking Ahead: Bright Futures and High Expectations
The future of Oakdale Girls Soccer looks very promising. With a young, talented group returning, the team is poised to continue growing and competing at a high level.
“The future is bright and we are young,” says Coach Monares. “Our expectations are higher than ever—we want to win the league championship and the section championship.”
That ambition is rooted in both confidence in returning players and the program’s culture of hard work and resilience. Embracing competition and building on the foundations laid this season, Oakdale is ready to chase championships with renewed vigor.
Offseason Focus: Building Strength and Skill
While Coach Monares did not provide specific offseason goals in the interview, the underlying theme throughout the season was preparation and improvement.
Given the challenges faced and the young talent involved, offseason work will likely focus on strength training, tactical development, and skill refinement—all essential components for climbing to the top in high-level girls’ soccer.
Follow the Oakdale Girls Soccer Journey
Fans and supporters looking to follow Oakdale’s progress and statistics throughout the season can find up-to-date information on MaxPreps, a go-to platform for high school sports coverage.
Conclusion: A Season to Build On
The 2024-2025 Oakdale High Girls Soccer season was one of remarkable achievement and resilience. Led by standout sophomores and senior captains, the team navigated injuries, suspensions, and tough losses to reach the brink of championship glory.
Coach Kico Monares and his players showed that with leadership, unity, and a commitment to growth, Oakdale is a program that not only competes but thrives. As the team looks forward to the coming seasons, their story is one of promise and passion—a journey that is far from over.
For more Oakdale Girls Soccer news and updates, keep an eye on their MaxPreps page and follow the Warriors as they strive to bring home the Blue Banner next year.
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