CARLSBAD — La Costa Canyon girls’ soccer won the CIF-San Diego Section Division II championship last season under first-year coach Jake Rowley.
Now competing in Division I with a tougher schedule and higher expectations, Rowley believes the Mavericks’ “togetherness” could carry them even further.
“I know the relationships are a lot stronger than last year because we had a full year together to understand each other,” Rowley said. “They understand my way of working better, and I understand more about them as people. That’s allowed our group this year to be even more tight-knit.”
Continuity has been key, with only three players graduating from last season’s championship roster.
“We have pretty much the same team from last year,” Rowley said. “We added a few players — one a transfer and another pulled up from the JV team. When I first take over a group, the biggest thing is building a culture on and off the field, and that takes time. This season, we’re ahead of where we were last year in understanding what that culture needs to look like for success.”
Sophomore Elle Cooper made an immediate impact in her varsity debut, scoring the decisive goal in La Costa Canyon’s 3-2 season-opening victory over Eastlake.
“Elle has been a standout because she’s the only player moving up from the JV team,” Rowley said. “She’s taking it in stride, looks right at home, and has put in three solid performances, capped by an impressive goal in the opener. She’s also been our most consistent performer so far.”
Rowley also praised senior captain Devan Carmen for her leadership and experience.
“She’s led the team in a really positive way,” he said.
The Mavericks head into winter break with a 2-1-1 record, carrying the momentum of a 5-0 rout of San Diego High School.
“We played against three very competitive teams,” Rowley said. “Eastlake and Westview were both in the mix last season. Even though we didn’t play at the level I expect when league play starts, I felt comfortable with how the team performed in each game.”
Cellia Pfeiffer leads the Mavericks with three goals, while sophomore McKay Gresik is the team’s other multi-goal scorer. Senior goalkeeper Paloma Platas has added 14 saves.
Rowley recalled a defining moment from last season that spoke to the team’s confidence.
“I remember vividly sitting in a room last year when a girl said, ‘The plan this year is to win CIF,’ and we weren’t in our best form. I sort of sat there thinking, ‘Really? What do I want to say to that?’ We let it sit, and it came true,” he said.
The team is also motivated by moving up to Division I.
“Obviously, everyone wants to replicate last year’s success,” Rowley said. “At any level, it’s tough, and there can be outside pressure. But within our group, the girls are hungry to continue the way they finished. Last year, playing Division II wasn’t ideal. Now we get to compete in the Division I open playoff bracket, and that’s even more motivating for us.”
La Costa Canyon returns from winter break on Jan. 3 at San Marcos before opening Coastal League play Jan. 20 at Torrey Pines.
