The Trojan boys’ varsity and junior varsity soccer teams celebrated the end of the season with a banquet Tuesday night at Yucca Valley High School. Coach Jorge Rodriguez began the evening by awarding players with the Scholar Athlete Award, given to those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Among those mentioned were Griffin Hildebrand, Seth Nazario, Josh Pierce, Carter Green, and Landon Gradilla. Varsity letters were also handed out.
Both Coach Jorge Rodriguez and Assistant Coach Adan Mendoza took turns reflecting on the season and thanking parents, students, family members and sponsors for their contributions. Assistant coaches Lee Slack and Arturo Gradilla also shared their appreciation.
Team captains Carlos Santos (varsity), Angel Ramirez (varsity), Carter Green (JV), and Shaun Neville (JV) were given the opportunity to take the stand, thanking their parents for their support, their coaches and teammates. “I want to thank the players,” said Varsity Captain Carlos Santos, “Even after we’ve yelled at each other, at the end of the day, we were still a family.”
Seniors shared a few words. “We were like brothers,” said Alan Campos, “I’m going to miss the brotherhood we had.”
Angel Ramirez, who’s been with the program for all four years of high school, praised his team and coaches, “This has been my best year. We took home the Elks Cup trophy and the West Shores Tournament Trophy!”
Coach Adan Mendoza made sure to mention his gratitude to the parents, “Whether you showed up to every game, or not. By just investing your time, money, and effort into having your child on this team is something we, as coaches, cherish and appreciate beyond words.”
Coach Jorge Rodriguez expressed his sadness in the season ending but offered encouragement for the next, “Why not us, why not now? That’s our motto for next year. We can and we will win! It just comes down to us believing we will.”
The coaches look forward to another year of development and progress for the YVHS boys’ soccer program, which begins again in August.
After food was served and speeches given, the team and family members were invited to take photos next to the two trophies won this year and to participate in the bake auction.
Team voted awards were given to the following players:
- Varsity MVP: Carlos Santos
- Varsity Defensive Player: Griffin Hildebrand
- Varsity Most Improved: Josh Pierce
- Junior Varsity MVP: Sam Tate
- Junior Varsity Defensive Player: Shaun Neville
- Junior Varsity Most Improved: Donny Benstead
