The San Dimas High School girls’ soccer team looks a little different this season; new coaches, new players, and new challenges the team is already facing. After losing 11 seniors and welcoming new players to the roster, the Saints are adjusting to this new style of play and trying to stay positive after learning that their key striker will be out for the season with a torn ACL. Despite these setbacks, the Saints still have a season ahead of them, keeping their spirits strong and pushing themselves to prove they still have what it takes.
It has been difficult for the Lady Saints to adjust to the new changes, and the sudden injury to their striker, Ava Aguiar, has made adjusting even harder. In her last CIF flag football game, Ava suffered a grade 3 tear of her ACL and is out for her senior soccer season. She was able to contribute to the previous years not only with her attacking and scoring ability, but also by leading her team on the field. “I know that this season is going to be difficult for me to watch my teammates play without me,” Ava says. “For 3 years, I have pretty much played every game, and I’m already having the itch to get out there and dominate. But I can’t wait to support my teammates on the sidelines. They have been adjusting to all the changes way better than I thought.”
One of the previous starters on varsity last season was sophomore Destiny Campos. She was only a freshman playing a key position in the starting lineup and is now trying to adjust to a new role on the field. “It feels weird not being center back anymore and having to try a new position,” Destiny explains. She is not playing the 6, which is holding mid in soccer. “There are a lot of new players that are filling in the spots of last year’s upperclassmen, and we have been trying to build our chemistry together.
Ava being out this season is going to be difficult, but that will force us to work together and form a playing style.”Stepping into the spotlight is sophomore Destiny, who contributed heavily as a freshman and is now adjusting to a new role amid the team’s changes. “The team is definitely different this year,” Destiny explained. “We have a lot of new players and underclassmen stepping up, and we’re learning to work together in new ways. Ava being out is hard, but it’s also given us the chance to grow as a group and take on more responsibility.”
On top of that, the Lady Saints are welcoming a new coaching staff, led by Coach Christian, who will guide them throughout the season. “I know that this season is a learning experience for the team,” Coach Christian said. “I want the girls to focus on forming team chemistry and teamwork, despite everything that has already happened going into the season; one game at a time.”
Many of the returns have had a hard time adjusting to not having all their teammates from the previous season here and contributing anymore. “All of the girls last year have been a huge part of what I loved about my high school season,” Destiny claims. “It feels different, and I’m trying to be positive because we now have to look towards this season and make the most of it, even with the changes.”
With the combination of new teammates, coaches, and returning players, the chemistry will come together more easily as the season unfolds for the Lady Saints. This season will be more about adapting to the new playing combination and using teamwork, no matter what the score is. It’s all about dedication and determination with this new 2025-2026 Lady Saints team.
