Hollister girls soccer team on the rise

This article was written by BenitoLink intern Brea Spencer. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

It was 85 degrees out when girls Hollister Tremors Hurricanes started their practice in the afternoon of Aug. 21, but the team didn’t seem to notice or care.

“It’s a hot day but the girls want to be here,” said Armondo Gonzalez, known to his team as Coach Mondo. 

The team has continued to climb the echelons it competes in, and this year was no different. For the first time in Tremors history, a team is competing in the National Premier League.

“This is a crazy accomplishment,” Gonzalez said. “The magnitude is insane.” 

Before the team began the season on Aug. 23 with a 2-2 tie, the players said they were looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s gonna be tough, but I’m excited,” Claire Lovejoy said.

Last season, the team entered the State Premier division of the NorCal Youth Premier League, where they played the championship game. Though they ultimately lost, they were invited to play in the California Cup tournament in Davis, which they won. That win was ultimately what earned them an invitation to the National Premier League. 

“It opened a lot of doors for us,” said coach Tim Chiala. 

Asked how he thought they were able to pull off a win like that, Chiala said, “they are tremendous athletes.” However it also took chemistry, on and off the field, he said. 

“Soccer is a true team sport, so if you don’t have the trust of the person next to you, and confidence, then you can mess each other up,” he said. “It’s tough.”

Alexia Ceja, 14, said trust can make the difference between a good game and a great one.

A great game, Ceja said, is when the team is “playing at our own pace, has control over the game, and working together.” 

Ceja joined the team three years ago after her former team, Gilroy Infinity, disbanded. 

Ellie Gonzalez, 13, has been with the team since she was six years old. She said she can’t see herself with any other team.

“I just really love this team,” she said.

Claire Lovejoy, 14, who joined the team when she was eight, agrees.

“My team is the best team I’ve ever been on,” she said.

Gonzalez said what sets the Tremors apart from other National Premier League teams is that their competitors have paid coaches.

“We get paid in love and hugs,” he said.

And while he says that they are not professional coaches, they try to create a safe environment for each of the players on the field.

“The team is more than soccer,” he said.

That difference is noticed by players on the team.

Daniela “Dani” Garcia, 13, said that her old team didn’t support her growth, but in the month she’s been with the Tremors, she’s already noticed a difference.

“This team can get me to reach my full potential,” said Garcia, who aspires to play soccer professionally.

That is the sort of ambition the coaches have come to expect of their team.

“When they lose, it matters; they’re upset,” said Chiala, but “after the game they come together and talk about what they did wrong.” 

The coaches speak highly of the girls on their team, and are quick to point out how they exceed expectations.

“Their maturity level is insane,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t have to yell.”

Chiala is quick to interject with a laugh “we do anyway, though.”  

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.