The San Benito High School girls' soccer program is inviting former players to participate in the first-ever alumni game on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Andy Hardin Field on campus. All money raised from the event will benefit the program, helping with the cost of warm-ups, equipment, league patches and other training and team expenses.

"Over the past few years the girls' soccer program has started to develop and reach success," Varsity Head Coach Becky Bonner-Leland said in a flyer announcing the game. "These achievements include a league championship, a quarterfinals finish in the CCS (Central Coast Section) Division 1 playoffs, as well as being voted on by other teams in the league as the Elgie Bellizio Team Sportsmanship Award winner recipients."

The success and ability to develop "doesn't come easy," the coach noted. "It takes the commitment of the players, their families and building from the legacy of previous teams."

Bonner-Leland told BenitoLink on Wednesday that, "Right now we have 17 alumni who are playing and will be coached by Kathy Picchi, who was the first girls' soccer coach at the high school. At the game we will also have team gear for sale."

Bonner-Leland said she is "looking forward to having a fun contest with people who have been part of this program. We want girls to understand that they will always have a place as a member of the girls' soccer program."

Each alumni participant has paid a $20 fee, which will pay for a girls' soccer alumni T-shirt/uniform "and a chance to relive one's glory days." The team is also accepting tax-deductible donations and will charge a $5 gate fee for anyone who is not a current SBHS student, staff member or alumni team player. 

See the attached image for the alumni game flyer.