PREVIEW: SBCC Women’s Soccer Primed for 2025 Season
Santa Barbara, CA — SBCC Women's Soccer will kick off its 2025 campaign with its home-opening scrimmage against Westmont College on August 22 at La Playa Stadium, 5 p.m. The match will be the first look at a Vaquero team that blends proven experience with an infusion of fresh talent.
With early morning training already underway, the Vaqueros are building momentum with intensity, discipline, and purpose. Coming off another strong season, SBCC returns an experienced core and welcomes a talented incoming class featuring a mix of local standouts, California products, and recruits from across the United States. Now entering his third year, Head Coach Alexander Zermeno has the program poised for another deep run in the CCCAA.
"This year's group is deep, committed, and focused," said Zermeno. "We have proven leadership and a lot of exciting new players who are going to make an immediate impact."
All-Conference Leaders Return
At the heart of SBCC's 2025 squad is a group of battle-tested returners who earned postseason honors and bring leadership, experience, and high standards to the field:
- Cara Christopherson – A dominant midfield presence and emotional leader, Christopherson returns after earning All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors. She controls the tempo, breaks up play, and leads with purpose on and off the ball.
- Amalia Nolan – A cerebral and crafty center attacking midfielder, Nolan earned All-Conference honors for her creativity, vision, and ability to unlock defenses in the final third.
- Carolina Esparza – A versatile contributor and center back by trade, Esparza's intelligence, leadership, and ability to read the game make her a rock at the heart of the defense. She returns after earning All-Conference honors and continues to be a vocal presence on the pitch.
Roster Built from Local to National Talent
The Vaqueros' freshman class features local Santa Barbara-area products, top talent from across California, and standout recruits from other states, creating a balanced and competitive roster:
- Samantha Maytanes
- Natalie Gonzalez
- Leilani Sanchez
- Alexis Jurado
- Ava McGehan
- Sayln Cutler
- Gianna Giusto
- Tristan Chaussee
- Torrey Toman
- Izel Servin
- London Cespedes
- Karissa Terrazas
- Attiana Estrada
- Ruby Kruse
- Mara Keller
- Ashlin Gonsalves
- Sheila Begovic
- Olivia Del Castillo
- Giselle Najera
- Cassidy Rosenthal
- Holly Wilbanks
- Zoe Minnery
"We've brought in players who fit our culture and are hungry to compete," said Zermeno. "They've shown from day one that they're ready to challenge themselves and elevate the level of our program."
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