Patrick Henry Girls Soccer Makes History: A Championship Season to Remember
In the 2024–2025 winter sports season, the Patrick Henry High School girls soccer team etched their names into the history books. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jason Renfro, the Patriots not only captured the CIF San Diego Division I Championship, but they went on to win the California State Regional Division III Championship — marking the first State Title in any sport in school history, dating back to its founding in 1968.
It wasn’t just a season of success; it was a season of transformation, unity, resilience, and ultimately, legacy.
A Team Effort: Key Contributors Who Shaped the Season
The backbone of this extraordinary season was a deep and talented roster, featuring impact players across all grade levels.
At the forefront was senior Naima Castro, the team’s captain and emotional anchor. Described by Coach Renfro as “the player every coach wishes they had,” Naima embodied the program’s spirit. Her relentless play, leadership on and off the field, and shared vision with the coaching staff made her the team’s heartbeat.
Fellow senior Briahna Gieger was another critical figure — a tall, skilled presence who constantly drew attention from opposing teams. Her combination of size, technical skill, and drive created matchup nightmares and opened opportunities for her teammates.
Kathryn Mokhov, also a senior, stepped into the spotlight during the postseason. Her ability to anticipate plays made her a threat, especially on long throws and crosses, where she often found herself in scoring positions.
Among the juniors, goalkeeper Zoe Claisse emerged as a force late in the season. Earning the starting spot down the stretch, she made clutch saves during the playoff run that preserved the Patriots’ historic run.
Defensive stalwart Abby Weiss provided the pace and stability needed to shut down fast attackers, while Elizabeth “Lizzy” Barefoot anchored the defense with commanding presence and delivered lethal long throw-ins that led to multiple scoring opportunities.
Breanna Ivie brought critical offensive contributions, scoring decisive goals and using her physicality and pace to pressure defenses. Zoe Wehrman, labeled the team’s “everything player,” was an invaluable utility player — whether in attack or defense, she consistently stepped up when the team needed her.
The underclassmen also made their mark. Sophomore Emma Cunningham dazzled with her vision and shot-making ability, often finding teammates with pinpoint passes or unleashing stunning strikes. Fellow sophomore Jasmine Singletary became a regular presence on the field as the season progressed, showing off elite dribbling, passing, and shooting that bode well for the program’s future.
A Season for the Ages
Coach Renfro reflected on the campaign with a mixture of pride and awe.
“The 2024-2025 season was a very good season that turned into the most amazing season in school history,” he said.
Finishing third in a competitive league behind Cathedral Catholic and Our Lady of Peace, the Patriots entered the CIF San Diego Division I Playoffs as the #1 seed. There, they ran the table, lifting the division title and achieving a milestone that would have been enough for most programs.
But for Patrick Henry, it was only the beginning.
In the California Regional Division III Playoffs, the Patriots went on an even more dominant run — three straight wins, 12 goals scored, 0 conceded — culminating in the first-ever State Championship for the school in any sport.
The Turning Point: A Tactical Shift That Changed Everything
According to Renfro, the moment that redefined their trajectory came when the coaching staff changed the team’s formation. It wasn’t immediate, but as players grew more comfortable with the new system, their strengths began to shine.
“Every training session and game gave us all the opportunity to gain chemistry and enjoy one another’s talents and personalities,” he shared.
The new formation allowed key players like Jasmine Singletary and Zoe Wehrman to take on different roles that maximized their impact. The team grew tighter, and the chemistry and belief began to build.
From tryouts to tournaments, from league play to CIFSD, all the way to the State Final, the transformation was evident — a team becoming more than the sum of its parts.
Meeting Adversity with Grit and Belief
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Early in the season, the Patriots played well, but results didn’t always go their way. That led to tough conversations and moments of reflection.
“We had many conversations,” said Renfro. “I dug into my motivational vault and used a few speeches.”
The result? A team that believed in each other, trusted the system, and grew stronger through adversity. That belief became the foundation of their championship run.
Seniors Leave a Lasting Legacy
The success of the 2024–25 season was built on the shoulders of a remarkable senior class. Their leadership, work ethic, and character were on full display.
“These seniors were absolutely key contributors to our success,” said Renfro. “The years they spent in the program and the work they all put in is a representation of this year’s historic success.”
It was a fitting farewell for a group that helped the program reach new heights — not just by winning games, but by setting a standard that will inspire future generations.
Eyes on the Future: Carrying the Torch Forward
As the celebrations quiet and attention turns to the future, Coach Renfro remains both optimistic and realistic.
With the departure of many senior offensive leaders, the team will need to rebuild the attack. However, the defensive core and midfield remain strong, including three returning senior goalkeepers.
“We have to reset like we always do,” Renfro said. “We have to continue to work hard in the offseason and believe in each other.”
Another key focus will be helping younger players understand what it means to play “the Patriot way” — a philosophy rooted in selflessness, discipline, and passion.
Spotlight and Pressure: A New Chapter Begins
With a championship comes recognition. Local news outlets and youth sports organizations have spotlighted the Patriots’ rise. But that success also brings new challenges — namely, the pressure to repeat.
“It’s exciting to be recognized,” said Renfro, “but it creates distractions and places a target on us.”
That’s why the offseason will be so critical — not just to develop skill, but to maintain the culture that made history possible.
Final Whistle
From early uncertainty to playoff dominance, the 2024–2025 Patrick Henry girls soccer season was a story of belief, leadership, and legacy. The State Championship trophy may now sit in the school’s halls, but its true value lies in what it represents: a program built on unity, resilience, and vision.
As the next generation takes the field, they won’t just play for wins — they’ll play to uphold a legacy created by one unforgettable season.
Stats and season data available at: MaxPreps
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