(Walnut, CA) A new beginning for the Mt. SAC Women's Soccer Team begins today (August 27) as the Mounties host College of the Desert, in a non-conference game.
Taking over as head coach will be long-time Mt. SAC Men's coach Juan Sanchez.
"I'm excited to get to work with these young ladies and establish new concepts for the women's team," said Sanchez, who has led the men's team to five state titles and will remain the Mountie Men's Head Coach.
"It's an interesting position… Only a handful of coaches have headed two programs in the same season, but it can be done at this level," Sanchez said.
Sanchez will have 11 returning players, one transfer from Rio Hondo (Joely Camarena) and 13 incoming freshmen.
Three sophomore captains will lead the way for the Mounties - Taylor Moose (Center Back/Center Midfielder), Camarena (MF) and Stephanie Robles (Defender).
Freshmen goalkeepers Gabrielle Leon and Sophia Kramar will protect the nets. Three other outstanding freshman include forwards Pamela Huaman, Jacquelynn Coronado and defender Frida Monsalvo.
Sanchez will also depend heavily on sophomore Hannah Grady (MF) who scored three goals, with five assists last season.
Highlighting the season will be a road trip south to San Diego to challenge Grossmont on September 3rd and a home match against NJCAA D1 College of Southern Nevada, on September 15th.
Sanchez retains assistant Yvette Vascones from last years' staff and brings on veteran men's coach Mike Fernandez, former Mounties Cassidy Mount (Mt. SAC GK - '16, '17) and Emmanuel Plasencia (member of the men's 2009 state championship team), along with veteran soccer coach Joe Pehanich.
Follow Mt. SAC Women's Soccer on twitter @mtsacwsoccer
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.