ALL-NORTH COAST SECTION
Player of the Year
LEXI ZANDONELLA, CARONDELET
Each year, the East Bay Athletic League is a hotbed for girls soccer talent in Northern California, and 2020 was no different. With players committed to colleges such as Cal, Stanford, Notre Dame and UCLA, the depth of talent remains evident throughout the league. However, it was a player who entered the season largely off everyone’s radar who made the biggest plays down the stretch and kept her team steady in big matches, eventually pulling off the biggest victory of them all to finish the season.
Senior Lexi Zandonella was the only player on the Carondelet roster who never got subbed out during the Cougars’ 29-game season, and despite logging more minutes than any other Cougar, it was Zandonella who was also responsible for a handful of the team’s biggest goals. Her string of clutch scoring performances started late in the regular season, when Carondelet handed Monte Vista its first loss in league play. The Sonoma State commit not only scored twice in the match, but her second goal was a header in the final minutes to lift the Cougars to the 4-3 victory, one which would ultimately propel them to the EBAL title.
“Simply put, she won games for us,” said Carondelet coach Amy Apodaca. “She was a huge savior for us in the post-season, but she was covering 18 to 18 for us all year and was an overall optimal player. Not only was she a top scorer on the offensive end, but her defensive effort saved as many goals for us as she scored.”
Zandonella finished the year with 14 goals and three assists, but nine of those goals came in the final month of the season, including five in the post-season. She scored three times during the section playoffs, but saved her clutch moments for the CIF NorCal Division 1 regionals, where the Cougars entered the field as the eight seed after falling to Berkeley in the section semifinals. That meant a first-round date with Central Section Division 1 champion Clovis North.
A back-and-forth battle unfolded down in Clovis, until Zandonella’s game-winner in overtime sent the Cougars into the regional semifinals and regained some necessary momentum in the process. She produced offensively once again in the semifinals, adding a goal during a tense 3-2 victory over St. Francis-Sacramento. Carondelet would go on to defeat Archbishop Mitty, 1-0, for the regional title, as Zandonella used her skills at both ends of the pitch to keep the Cougars in control.
“If you want someone to win games for you, Lexi is that person. Her work rate is off the charts,” Apodaca added. “I had to actually get her to back off at times and save some energy, which was hard to do with her all-out mentality. She’s that player who is there at six in the morning to get in the weight room on the days when we did not have games, and then she plays all 80 minutes in the game the next day. She takes a lot of pride in her work ethic.”
While the Cougars ended up on top of the Northern California heap at the end of the season, there were plenty of doubters early in the season, especially when Carondelet lost two of its first three matches and then fell to Monte Vista in early January, leaving them behind the proverbial eight-ball in terms of what they needed to do in order to capture a league title. Through it all, however, the leadership of players such as Zandonella resonated and kept the Cougars on track.
“We had a big senior class, but we weren’t predicted to be one of the top teams this year. But as soon as we saw our team play and connect, we knew we were going to be a threat,” Zandonella said. “When games were close, and it came down to the last few minutes, every player on the team played their part and did what they needed to get done. We always stayed true to our style of play, even when it got chaotic.”
According to her coach, that late-game toughness was a reflection of their captain.
“Lexi is so tough and super unselfish, someone who finds a way to get the job done,” Apodaca said. “One small example is the number of balls she wins in the air, despite usually going up against taller opponents.”
Those final sentiments from Apodaca are reflected in Zandonella’s own reflection on the season.
“Honestly, I just feel blessed to play with and against the best players in the state,” Zandonella concluded. “It has allowed me to grow and also become a better player.”
For her efforts this past season, we are pleased to recognize Carondelet’s Lexi Zandonella as the Prep2Prep North Coast Section Player of the Year.
Other players considered for this award include Berkeley’s Leah Freeman, Monte Vista’s Julia Leontini, Monte Vista’s Megan Edelman, Carondelet’s Ellie Ospeck, Branson’s Eliana Prosnitz and Carondelet’s Jordyn Young.
Coach of the Year
SHANE KENNEDY, TAMALPAIS
Before making the move to the winter season, Tamalpais had built a girls soccer dynasty during the spring season, capturing its fourth title in eight years with a 3-1 victory over Branson in the 2015 championship game. The Red-Tailed Hawks now have their names etched permanently in the winter record books, after capturing a game for the ages, a 1-0 double-overtime victory against perennial power Maria Carrillo in the NCS Division 2 championship.
Tamalpais’ magical season began with an unbeaten run through the regular season of the MCAL, a 16-game grind featuring battles with marquee opponents such as Redwood and Branson, the latter of which would go on to capture a CIF NorCal regional title.
“This group came in four years ago, and we knew they were good,” said Tamalpais coach Shane Kennedy. “We have had issues staying healthy in the past, and we battled that type of adversity again late in the season. But we didn’t get outplayed by anyone this year. These kids are competitive, smart and know how to win.”
After going 14-0-2 in league play, the Red-Tailed Hawks faced that major adversity in the league tournament, losing standout midfielder Grace Gustafson for the rest of the season to injury while leading Marin Catholic by two goals in the tournament semifinals. Tam also played a long stretch of the match without top defender Jordan Cushner, though she returned late in the match. The Hawks saw their two-goal lead vanish before senior Thalia Greenberg scored in the final two minutes to earn the victory and a berth in the league tournament title game.
Despite losing Gustafson, Tamalpais continued its amazing defensive efforts in the MCAL title game, blanking Redwood. However, for a rare occasion, the Red-Tailed Hawks were also unable to generate the necessary offense, and ended up losing on penalty kicks to the Giants and standout keeper Mia Hamant in the tournament championship. The shootout loss would do little to derail Tam’s march towards a section title.
The next four matches would epitomize the play of Tam throughout the season, as the Hawks would not allow a goal during the section playoffs, culminating with that thrilling win over Maria Carrillo, as Greenberg once again played the role of hero with the golden goal. For the year, Tamalpais would wind up outscoring its opponents by a whopping margin of 68-8, and the final games were all handled without the presence of Gustafson, the top holding mid in the league.
“Losing Grace hurt us for sure, but we had to re-invent ourselves a bit,” Kennedy said. “You have to defend in order to win, and this group transitioned quickly to keep the ball away from our defensive third while still being able to attack.”
After capturing its first winter season NCS title, the Red-Tailed Hawks were awarded the top seed in the CIF NorCal Division II bracket, inexplicably facing a Leigh-San Jose team which had gone unbeaten in the Blossom Valley’s Mt. Hamilton Division and reached the semifinals of the CCS Open Division. The teams battled to a 1-1 draw in regulation and overtime before the Longhorns prevailed over Tamalpais in the shootout. The season-ending loss did little to diminish the achievements of the entire year.
“Winning the NCS title in double overtime, with Thalia (Greenberg) just finding a way to get it done, that will always be such a special moment,” Kennedy said. “It doesn’t get much better than that. These girls just found ways to produce results, and had a phenomenal run.”
For his efforts this season, we are pleased to recognize Tamalpais’ Shane Kennedy as the Prep2Prep North Coast Section Coach of the Year.
Other coaches considered for this award include Carondelet’s Amy Apodaca, Cardinal Newman’s Dani Stockham and Berkeley’s Alejandro Mendoza.
FIRST TEAM ALL-NCS
Lucinda Anderson, Marin Academy
Position: Forward
Year: Senior
The Brown University commit and BCL-West MVP was fantastic again for the Wildcats, scoring 20 goals with 18 assists, leading Marin Academy to NCS and CIF NorCal title games after an unbeaten season in the BCL-West. She finishes her four-year varsity career with 55 goals and 38 assists.
Jordyn Young, Carondelet
Position: Forward
Year: Junior
The first-team all-EBAL selection was usually the offensive catalyst for the Cougars, using her scoring to give them a lead they would not relinquish on seven different occasions, including the second-half game-winner against St. Francis-Sacramento in the NorCal semifinals. The Cal commit had 14 goals and seven assists for the year.
Ellie Ospeck, Carondelet
Position: Foward
Year: Senior
The Notre Dame commit and first-team all-EBAL selection had the biggest goal of them all for the Cougars this season, the game-winner in the NorCal Division I title game against Archbishop Mitty. For the year, she had five goals and 12 assists, constantly creating for a talented front-line.
Lexi Zandonella, Carondelet
Position: Midfield
Year: Senior
The Sonoma State commit and first-team all-EBAL selection came up big at the right times for the Cougars, scoring goals in regional wins over St. Francis-Sacramento and Clovis North, the latter coming as the game-winner in the final minute. She also had game-winners during a 1-0 win over San Ramon Valley and a 4-3 victory over Monte Vista, a match in which she netted a pair. For the year, Zandonella tallied 14 goals and three assists.
Grace Gustafson, Tamalpais
Position: Midfielder
Year: Senior
The top holding midfielder in the MCAL, Gustafson was the primary reason why the Red-Tailed Hawks could be on the offensive and yet not give up counter-attacks. Their massive goal differential for the year (68-8) was largely due to her play in the middle. She also added a pair of goals and three assists during league play.
Alyssa O’Brien, Dougherty Valley
Position: Defender
Year: Senior
The UC Santa Barbara commit and first-team all-EBAL selection was versatile for the Wildcats, not only as an elite defender, but also with her ability to contribute on the offensive end, where she had 10 goals and nine assists. O’Brien is also a four-year varsity lacrosse player as a top midfielder.
Julia Gonsman, Amador Valley
Position: Defender
Year: Senior
The Dons compiled 15 wins and reached the section semifinals while allowing just 14 goals in 20 matches, with the play of Gonsman as a major reason why. The Cal commit not only bolstered the back line, but also started offensive opportunities for the Dons.
Leah Freeman, Berkeley
Position: Goalkeeper
Year: Senior
Freeman allowed just 10 goals, while posting 13 clean sheets this season, enabling her team to capture the WACC-Foothill title and reach the NCS Division 1 title game in the process. The Oregon commit was phenomenal in goal as usual, especially during a 17-save effort to beat Carondelet in the section semifinals and in a shootout against Liberty in the quarterfinals.
SECOND TEAM ALL-NCS
Jordan Goularte, Miramonte
Position: Forward
Year: Senior
The Sacramento State commit and first-team all-DAL selection was excellent for the Matadors, finishing the year with 23 goals and 10 assists, including eight multi-goal efforts and the overtime game-winner against Alhambra in the playoffs.
Renny Buchanan, Heritage
Position: Midfield
Year: Junior
The first-team all-BVAL selection is known for her work rate off the ball and ability to control the middle of the field with her speed and passing. She is equally active at both ends of the field, and a major reason why the Patriots were the runner-up in the BVAL and reached the section quarterfinals.
Jordan Cushner, Tamalpais
Position: Defender
Year: Junior
Considered the top outside back in the MCAL, Cushner was equally effective on either side of the field, and a huge reason why Tam allowed just eight goals all year long. She also added two goals and seven assists in the transition to offense.
Jaeden Nelson, Dublin
Position: Defender
Year: Junior
The first-team all-EBAL selection patrolled the back line for a Gaels team which had a big win over Berkeley and earned draws against California, Amador Valley and Monte Vista. She is a verbal commit to the University of Idaho.
Christina Cawood, Montgomery
Position: Defender
Year: Senior
Cawood not only anchored the back line for a stingy Vikings’ defense, leading them to a NorCal title with a pair of shutouts in the regional playoffs, but also came up to deliver free kicks for Montgomery, ones which often resulted in scoring opportunities.
Ava Zlatchin, Berkeley
Position: Defender
Year: Junior
The first-team WACC-Foothill selection was a key piece for the defensive-minded Yellowjackets, both at defending the net and also contributing in transition on the offensive end, where she had four goals and seven assists from her position in the center.
Jayden Sanders, Heritage
Position: Defender
Year: Sophomore
The rangy Sanders was excellent as the last line of defense, especially during league play and a first-round playoff win over Clayton Valley. She also displayed offensive ability when given the opportunity, adding three goals and three assists.
Sydney Wishner, Branson
Position: Goalkeeper
Year: Senior
The Bulls are known each other for their stingy defense, and Wishner put the exclamation mark on this with 20 clean sheets this year, including three straight shutouts in the NorCal regionals to bring home a title. She allowed just six goals all season, while playing over 1,900 minutes.
THIRD TEAM ALL-NCS
Position: Forwards
Tatum Zuber (Acalanes), Myla Ogle (Castro Valley), Abby Dillon (Branson), Kamigan Grimes (Salesian), Georgette Aguilar (Tennyson), Kaitlin Carlton (Liberty), Raniyah Burton (El Cerrito), Madison Thomas (San Ramon Valley), Natalie La Rue (Northgate), Izzy Wright (Cardinal Newman), Abria Brooker (Montgomery)
Position: Midfielders
Lulanie Cauchie Chop (Alameda), Sarah Smith (Heritage), Emily Johnson (Livermore), Madison Wilson (California), Lizzie Vranesh (Carondelet), Kaleigh Olla (San Ramon Valley), Sydney Sodergren (Berean Christian), Taylor Martin (Marin Catholic), Julietta Seirmarco (Urban)
Position: Defenders
Sioban Lewis (Salesian), Giovanna Sweeney (St. Patrick-St. Vincent), Sabrina Rogers (Heritage), Sophia Curtaz (Redwood), Lola Alatorre (Saint Mary’s)
HONORABLE MENTION:
ACALANES:
Addie Bailey, Emily Keeler
ALAMEDA:
Ava McCracken, Sydney Owyang
ALBANY:
Erin Montagh
ALHAMBRA:
Chloe Taylor
AMADOR VALLEY:
Kennedy Mayo, Madeline Benson
AMERICAN:
Naina Pasricha, Jimena Rodriguez
AMERICAN CANYON:
Christin Locke, Kyla Martin
ANALY:
Aramara Garcia
ANTIOCH:
Devan Scheringer
ARROYO:
Vickie Jones, Celeste Macias
ATHENIAN:
Jennifer O’Byrne, Jeslyn Baraceros
BENICIA:
Serina Regis
BENTLEY:
Sofia Rivero, Isabella Bodner
BEREAN CHRISTIAN:
Bella Rotzin
BERKELEY:
Myah Polzin, Lisa Beth Phillips, Rayna Carter
BISHOP O'DOWD:
Grace Porter, Justice Gardner
BRANSON:
Marina Andreadis, Caitlin Evers
CALIFORNIA:
Bella Mendoza, Angela Filosa
CAMPOLINDO:
Mia Colombini, Ella Colombini
CARDINAL NEWMAN:
Victoria Holden, Natalia Belmonte
CARONDELET:
Annaliese Giusto, Carissa Capinpin
CASA GRANDE:
Mallory Jones, Erin Stanley
CASTRO VALLEY:
Juliette Torres, Elma Sabanovic
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER:
Jenna West
COLLEGE PARK:
Jenna Vinogradov
CONCORD:
Julia Morgan
CONVENT OF THE SACRED HEART:
Mira White
DE ANZA:
Kimberly Garcia
DEER VALLEY:
Clarissa Nicholas
DOUGHERTY VALLEY:
Haley Hong
DRAKE:
Marina Alicke
DREW:
Audrey Soss
DUBLIN:
Sophia Bueno
EL CERRITO:
Vong Ng-Bader, Cristina Martinez
EL MOLINO:
Santi DePaola
ENCINAL:
Hailey Pallister, Angie St. Denis
FOOTHILL:
Megan Guerra
FREEDOM:
Sierra Knight
GRANADA:
Ashleigh Ward, Meghan Kennedy
HAYWARD:
Jasmine Ramirez
HEAD-ROYCE:
Jihae Oh, Gigi Yamamoto
HERCULES:
Brianna Figueroa, Alondra Lopez
HERITAGE:
Hailey Hamataka, Makeila Yancey
IRVINGTON:
Ashley Von Bercketeldt
JAMES LOGAN:
Sarah Villa, Yvette Moreno
JESSE BETHEL:
Adrienne Meurer
JOHN SWETT:
Sophia Islas, Dennise Correa
JUSTIN-SIENA:
Tessa Salvestrin
KENNEDY-FREMONT:
Niki Clark
KENNEDY-RICHMOND:
Frida Gutierrez
LAS LOMAS:
Uki Fujiwara
LIBERTY:
Gabby Colmenares, Haley Brambley
LICK-WILMERDING:
Naima Norberg, Margaret Murphy-Weise
LIVERMORE:
Lily Redell
MARIA CARRILLO:
Brynn Howard, Julia Pell, Cassady Carpenter
MARIN ACADEMY:
Rebecca Sherry, Meredith Stais, Halle Hannah
MARIN CATHOLIC:
Zoe Shepherd, Rachel Dougherty
MIRAMONTE:
Sabrina Grant
MISSION SAN JOSE:
Farrah Lin, Aditi Rai
MONTE VISTA:
Jamie George, Kylie Hummel, Charlyse Berry
MONTGOMERY:
Paola Gomez
MOREAU CATHOLIC:
Alessandra Carpio, Josephine Gonsalves
MT. DIABLO:
Nataly Guzman
NAPA:
Ava Dominguez
NEWARK MEMORIAL:
Nevaeh Arroyo-Stanberry, Dezeray Grisso-Anderson
NORTHGATE:
Nayeli Torres, Abby Cheung
NOVATO
Emma Clark
PETALUMA:
Melissa Rocha, Charlotte Crysdale
PIEDMONT:
Fiona Hunter, Ashley Nelson
PINOLE VALLEY:
Breanna Terpening
PITTSBURG:
Jocelyn Torres
RANCHO COTATE:
Skylar Hendry
REDWOOD:
Hana Lefferts, Shannon Watridge
RICHMOND:
Keilyn Cortez
SAINT MARY'S:
Gisele Ornelas, Marlee Smith
SALESIAN:
Treesh Patel
SAN LEANDRO:
Taylor Heredia
SAN DOMENICO:
Abby Morgan
SAN LEANDRO:
Aniyah Colding, Alexis Guzman
SAN LORENZO:
Susana Gonzalez
SAN MARIN:
Sydnie Fong
SAN RAFAEL:
Katie Wheeler
SAN RAMON VALLEY:
Morgan Cunningham
SANTA ROSA:
Sami Smelser, Chelsea Juarez-Flores
SONOMA VALLEY:
Auguste Andi
ST. JOSEPH NOTRE DAME:
Zoe Peterson, Danielle Perez
ST. PATRICK-ST. VINCENT:
Isabella Campos
TAMALPAIS:
Peyton Hildebrand, Ellie Flad
TENNYSON:
Ivette Mendoza
TERRA LINDA:
Ruby Zacarias
THE BAY SCHOOL:
Kiana Chang
UKIAH:
Payton O’Ferrall
UNIVERSITY:
Grace Schneider, Kate Mazzucco
URBAN:
Robyn Wadsworth, Mikayla Woods
VALLEJO:
Brenda Hernandez
VINTAGE:
Irais Hernandez, Chase DeBow, Maile Sittler
WASHINGTON:
Cambria Tomick, Athena Pandya
WINDSOR:
Taylor Brogden
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