Makena Hannam, Aleeya Johnson

The Cardozo High School girls’ soccer team has high hopes for the 2024-2025 season. Under the leadership of Coach Rocco and a roster of 25 players, the team is aiming not just for a playoff run but for personal growth, teamwork, and strong performances on the field. Here’s what the coach and some of the team’s key players had to say about their goals, challenges, and experiences as they prepare for the season ahead.

Coach Rocco: Focusing on Teamwork and Growth

When asked about the primary goal for the season, Coach Rocco emphasized fostering teamwork, skill development, and a strong work ethic.

“We hope to make it to the playoffs and push for a deep run, but more importantly, we want the girls to grow as players and individuals, learning from both victories and defeats,” Rocco shared.

This year, the team is focusing on new strategies based on their opponent teams, emphasizing a strong defensive line, fluid midfield control, and quick counterattacks. With 25 girls on the team, competition for starting spots will help push everyone to perform at their best.

“Our team has a lot of motivated and versatile players who can contribute both offensively and defensively,” said Rocco. “We also have a few standout players with excellent skills and girls who have stepped up into positions they have never played before.”

However, the team is still working on improving communication and consistency, Rocco explained.

Nayely (Captain): Aiming for the Playoffs

For team captain Nayely, her senior year is about making it as far as possible.

“In the beginning, I really wasn’t a pro athlete. I knew the concept of soccer but I didn’t play it,” Nayley explained. “The person who really pushed me was Coach Rocco. She found me in her class freshman year and told me she could see me on the team.”

Nayley shared that having someone like Coach Rocco who believed in her and saw something in her truly motivated her on the journey she has been on as a Cardozo soccer player. And, with high hopes for making the playoffs this year, the captain shares she still leaves the team with memories she will cherish.

“I think the most memorable moment would have to be, I want to say my first year on the team, we made it to the second-round playoffs by a really good score actually. Also, last year we were basically undefeated,” she reflected.

Matina (Captain): Embracing Leadership

Matina wasn’t initially focused on joining the soccer team, but when Coach Rocco saw her skills during gym class, she knew she wanted to give it a try.

“Coach Rocco was actually my gym teacher my freshman year and when we played soccer she recruited me,” Matina expressed. “I joined the next year and I’ve had amazing teams and it’s going so well. I really enjoy spending so much time with the people I’m on the field with.”

However, being a captain of a sports team does come with its challenges, especially for student athletes.

“I feel like I have so many responsibilities especially dealing with such a big team and opinions but sometimes it’s a lot to deal with,” she explained. “But, at the end of the day, I know why I’m captain and why I’m here.”

Matina shared that she knows what her job is as a captain and, “I’m going to perform to my best ability.”

Lina: Staying Motivated

For Lina, one of the highlights of her time on the team came recently.

While speaking to Lina, she shared, “Today, when I was running after that girl and I got a higher score, that was a highlight.”

Staying motivated can be challenging for student-athletes. However, Lina stated she tries to, “Think about the next game and try to make it fun because it’s still the first season.”

Maya: Inspired by Coach Vee

Maya credits Coach Vee for being a major influence in her soccer career.

“He’s been a good motivation and great coach,” she expressed. “He shows that he cares not about just the sport but our well-being. He’s not a selfish coach where he is there because he feels like it’s mandatory but there because it’s his passion and desire.”

Losses can be hard to handle and can sometimes hurt a player’s spirit, but Maya shared, “I really just like giving my all. As long as I feel like I played to my full potential it’s okay.”

Sukh: Focusing on Improvement

Sukh, still relatively new to the team, takes her preparation seriously.

Before a came, Sukh said, “I try to get in as many reps as I can. I believe in perfecting my craft, making sure that everything comes to my passing, my shooting, to my clearing. I make sure I know what to do in certain situations.”

Mentally, she tries to remind herself that she is only human and it’s okay to make mistakes, on or off the field. For this upcoming season, Sukh plans to make herself, her teammates, and her parents proud.

And, as a new athlete, she shared some advice for others looking to get their start, too.

“Don’t beat yourself up. I’m still new, I joined last year but again don’t beat yourself up for those little small mistakes,” Sukh explained. “It’s okay, it’s going to be okay, there’s always next season. Just give it your all and leave everything on the floor.”

You can follow the Lady Judges’ soccer stats and game schedule on the PSAL website.