Central Valley High School’s girls soccer program placed first in the Western Athletic Conference South Division standings during the 2020-21 COVID-shortened season.

The Hawks will compete in the Central California Conference this winter. Central Valley was previously a member of the CCC from 2018-2020.

“I’m glad we’re back in the CCC,” head coach Miguel Larranaga said. “It’s way more competitive. We’re definitely going to compete for the top spot.”

Central Valley’s roster is loaded with experience as 12 players return from last year’s team, including Angie Medrano (Jr.), Emaly Fernandez (So.), Ally Singh (Sr.), Michelle Soto (Jr.), Abigail Hernandez (Sr.), Natalie Ibarra (Sr.), Malina Keomuangchanh (Sr.), Maddie Mendonsa (Sr.), Yukari Mendoza (Jr.), Isabella Barajas (So.), Niome McMurray (So.) and Daniela Rodriguez (So.).

Marina Murillo (Sr.), Jacquelin Aguilar (So.), Viviana Flores (So.), Janet Gutierrez (So.), Kallie Hoffman (So.), Aundrea Perez (So.), Gianna Silva (Fr.) and Magnolia Tavison (Fr.) are new to the team.

The Hawks lost just two players to graduation.

“We have a very strong team,” Larranaga said. “We have a lot of girls that are coming back and a few new players. That’s why we’re going to be better this year.”

“It’s very competitive at practice,” he added. “Every girl wants to play.”

Medrano was named Most Player of the WAC South as a sophomore.

The standout forward tallied a team-high nine goals and three assists.

Fernandez, Singh and Soto earned first-team all-league honors.

Fernandez netted eight goals and three assists at forward.

Singh had three goals and a team-high eight assists at midfielder.

Soto had four goals and four assists at midfielder.

Singh and Keomuangchanh have been named team captains.

“They’re the leaders,” Larranaga said. “They’re very committed.”

Central Valley will strive to continue its tradition of excellence this year.

The Hawks have won five conference titles and participated in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs four times the past six seasons. The CIF canceled postseason tournaments last season for COVID-safety reasons.

Central Valley (7-1-2, 23 points) edged out crosstown-rival Ceres High (7-1-1, 22 points) for the 2020-21 WAC South championship.

The Hawks defeated and tied the Bulldogs once in league play.

Central Valley claimed the CCC crown in 2018-19 and finished first in the WAC in 2017-18, 2016-17 and 2015-16.

The Hawks advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III championship game during the 2017-18 school year.

“I definitely believe we can win league and go to playoffs,” Larranaga said. “It’s tough to get to the section finals and win it. That’s our ultimate goal. That’s what everybody wants. That’s my dream.”

“We play a beautiful style of soccer,” he added. “We build from the back. We keep the ball at our feet. We just don’t kick it.”