Aliso Girls soccer won the league once again after beating San Clemente High School in a game on Feb. 3.
The team had an amazing start to their season this year, after winning multiple championships last season.
Aliso Niguel High School girls’ soccer competes in the South Coast League of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section. They are part of the Division 1 level in the 2025-26 season, recently securing the South Coast League title.
With graduated seniors and new players on the varsity team, the dynamic of the team has shifted, and this season is another opportunity for the team to shine.
Junior player and co-captain of the team, Claire Hirakawa, said, “Our team dynamic is super competitive and fun. We always have good competition at practices and games because everyone wants to win, but there has not been one practice or game where people haven’t laughed. I think that’s what makes our dynamic so good, we pick and choose our moments to have fun but still win.”
A very important change this season compared to the previous one is the new girls’ head soccer coach, who is working with the girls for the first time this season.
Sean Melendez is the Aliso Girls’ new head coach this season, marking a shift in the team’s dynamics.
By winning the South Coast League of California, Aliso Girls soccer ranked number seven, and by beating San Clemente, placed at number five.
The team won the game 1-0 and became the champion of the South Coast League of California for the first time since 2020.
The team had an amazing start to their season this year, after winning multiple championships last season.
The team won the title of the ‘Best of the West’ in December, adding on to their amazing achievements this season.
When asked about how the captains help shape the team and win such great achievements, Hirakawa said, “The real captain of the team is Paige B. I’m more of a co-captain. She hosts, organizes, and speaks for the team. Where I am just a player who wants to score. I am really proud of how everyone is there for each other. I just had a recent injury, and I was so moved by how every one of my teammates was there for me. I think that’s what makes us good this year, just how we are there in good and bad times.”
Paige Balducci is a senior player on varsity, playing an important role as the Captain of the team.
Balducci scored a penalty during the Tuesday night game, assisting with their win.
When asked why she thinks they were successful this season, Hirakawa responded, “A key reason I believe we were successful was that we don’t rely on one person. All of us have different styles and strengths where we can bring all the elements to the game.”
The Aliso Girls Soccer team has gained such incredible success this season. The team is organized, determined and ambitious for more to come.
