RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Head Coach Jay Ramey is in his fourth year as head coach for the Cordova Girls Soccer Varsity Program and he couldn’t be happier.  The last full season for Coach Ramey was capped off with the first ever league co-championship with West Campus. This year they are on course to hold on to their championship as they are currently undefeated in league play, knock on wood. The Cordova High School (CHS) girls’ soccer program has managed to mitigate and overcome the Covid crises.  Over the past two years, Covid has ravaged high school athletic programs.  CHS Girls soccer was no exception. Coming off the summer break and reaching out to returnees and captains, we put the word out, “CHS soccer is back”, and enough players answered the call to form both a JV and a Varsity Team this year.

At CHS Girls soccer, “overcoming adversity is our middle name,” said Coach Ramey.  As Covid protocols have caused players to isolate for extended periods of time, the varsity team has only seen the same starting lineup 3 times this year. The team consists of a wide variety of ages this year.  Presently they have 2 Freshmen, 2 Sophomores, 9 Juniors and 6 Seniors. With senior standouts Kyla Little, Captain Hannah Honts, and Captain Pavan Pooni, joined in their efforts by Junior striker (and team leader in goals scored) Maile Ford, along with Sophomore goalkeeper Sydney “AKA Thrasher”, the team has had four consecutive shutouts in league play.

Coach Ramey made note that the younger players have made immediate impacts to the team. With Sophomore Dejey Valdez being a steadfast vanguard, controlling the middle of the field as “center – mid.”  Ramey stated, “It is rare for a sophomore to take such a leadership role on the field at such a tough position.” Adding to the younger players joining the team is Freshman Madison Harder.  Madison plays as a central defender.  “Madison has picked up her position as though she has played that role for many years – she is a smart and intelligent player,” said Coach Ramey.  Adding to the starting line up is Freshman Savannah Fennell. Coach Ramey refers to Fennell as being the glue in the lineup. “She has played more positions than anyone on the team.  Wherever she is needed, you hear a “yes coach” and she seems to thrive on the adversity,” said Ramey.

Coach Ramey is looking forward to the second part of the season and watching his players grow in the classroom and on the field. When asked about an inspirational quote about his entire team he responded with a quote from the legendary UCLA Basketball Coach, John Wooden, saying, “The little things make the big things happen.” Coach Ramey added, “This year with Covid impacting every aspect of the team, we have made a focus of the little things.” As I’ve witnessed on and off the field, it is the little things that seem to be adding to the success of this year’s team and probably future teams. We have all learned to appreciate the little things a great deal more in these unprecedented challenging times.

The second half of the season starts Thursday, January 20th against Valley. The next home league matches will be January 25^th against Hiram Johnson, January 27^th against Florin and finishing off against Natomas on February 3^rd.  I invite you all to addend a match and highly recommend the last match of the league play versus Natomas.  There just might be the presentation of another Championship Banner, knock on wood once again. Game times vary so please call the school for more information. Go Big Red!