With some heavy losses to graduation from last year’s section championship team, everyone knew there would be large shoes to fill on the Berkeley High squad this past season. But while there were certainly a few seniors which stepped up and led the Yellowjackets, there was also a strong presence throughout the field from versatile sophomore Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, who helped Berkeley once again go unbeaten in league play and advance in the section playoffs.

Kossa-Rienzi’s sophomore season got off to a late start, but that was only because of his elite play outside of the high school campaign. Playing as a defender, he was selected for the West ODP team, which headed to Florida in early December and dominated the competition at an inter-regional tournament. Even while playing as a defender on that roster, he was able to showcase some of his offensive skills, finding the back of the net against some of the top players in his class.

Berkeley, meanwhile, relied more on his attacking skills, with the sophomore earning All-WACC Foothill honors as a forward, where he displayed an ability to set up his teammates and an equal ability to finish balls from either side of the net, with either foot. Throughout the year, Kossa-Rienzi displayed a strong work rate coming from the middle of the field without the ball, and a knack for winning one-on-one battles and finding open teammates. The sophomore was a challenge for any defender, with his speed on the ball, and equally when receiving a ball in or just outside of the box, where his finishing ability is polished.

In addition to his movement and play throughout the field, the emerging Berkeley standout kept defenses on their toes by displaying an ability to lace long-range shots. As a result of his play all season long, the Yellowjackets went 12-0-4 in league play, finishing a half-game behind eventual section champion Bishop O’Dowd, and beat Freedom in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Pittsburg in the quarterfinals. Along the way, they earned a key win against San Ramon Valley, a draw with Division I finalist Monte Vista, and a pair of draws with Division III champ O’Dowd.

For his efforts throughout the season, we are pleased to recognize Kalani Kossa-Rienzi as our North Coast Section Sophomore of the Year

Other players considered for this award include Kennedy-Fremont’s Sam Bauchou, De Anza’s Anthony Vazquez, and Rancho Cotate’s Alex Sandoval.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of NCS soccer.