Kickin’ it to state
By Claire Bauer, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photo
The Rock Canyon High School girls varsity soccer team celebrate after being crowned the 2021 Continental League Champions and advancing onto the State Quarterfinals.
After a long wait, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) girls soccer teams were finally able to start their season. As a part of Colorado High School Activities Association’s (CHSAA) Season D, the final high school sports season of the 2020-2021 school year, tryouts took place in late April. The teams began competing against other high schools in early May. With the season pushed back by many weeks, the anticipation only built and it was clearly worth the wait for these girls.
In spite of increased restrictions at activities like tryouts, conditioning, and practices, these RCHS Jaguars claimed the title of 2021 Continental League Champions on June 10 after a 4-1 win over Regis Jesuit High School. Prior to this game, the varsity team had only lost one game and won eight others. The eight wins included a 6-2 win over Heritage High School, a 2-1 win against Highlands Ranch High School, a 3-0 win over ThunderRidge High School, and even a 2-1 win against rival Mountain Vista High School.
“When we won the Continental League Championship, it was a rush of happiness for our team and for myself, just being able to accomplish this with my girls on the team. It felt like nothing around me mattered except the field and cheering in that moment,” sophomore Ava Todd said. “I’ve played for 12 years, and I plan to continue soccer throughout college and go D1. I love the thrill of the game and being able to bring something to the pitch every time I step on the field,” she continued.
“I have played soccer my entire life and plan on playing throughout college. I love the sport. It brings me so much happiness and confidence and provides me with an outlet against all the other stresses in my life,” stated Kendall Ahern ‘21. Ahern has committed to Air Force Academy to play D1 in the fall. “Winning the league championship was one of the best feelings ever and honestly just proved that everything we have done all season in preparation was worth it.”
On June 15, the 5A State Tournament began with RCHS securing a 7-0 win over Fruita Monument High School and advancing to the quarterfinals where they won 2-0 over Pine Creek High school. In the semifinals on June 23, Rock Canyon beat Valor Christian High School 1-0 in an exciting overtime win. As of press time, the Jags were headed to the Class 5A girls soccer state tournament to take on Broomfield High School.
Follow the RCHS Jags on Twitter at @RCHS_GSoccer or on Instagram at @rockcanyongirlssoccer.
