Abounding in Heart, Resiliency, and Talent
The Providence Women's soccer team wrapped up the 2022 season after not sponsoring the sport in 2021. The Lady Sea Beggars were few in numbers, but they abounded in heart, resiliency, and talent. The women of Providence Christian soccer continually displayed strength and courage, both traits needed to rebuild a stronger foundation for the program's future.
With a roster comprised of fifteen athletes, one of which was out with a season long injury, the Lady Sea Beggars never backed down to opponents, sometimes playing shorthanded due to injuries. There was an ever-changing line up as Coach Todd Elkins balanced the inevitable injuries that arose throughout the season, and without fail, the ladies found a way to compete every time. Whenever there are depth issues, scores can become lopsided due to fatigue, and there were moments that became a reality in the 2022 season. Most games were much closer than the final score represented, and this brings great hope for the future of Providence women's soccer. The talent level and commitment of those returning will be paramount for the future of the program.
Coach Elkins returned only three athletes that remained at Providence during the 2021 gap season. His efforts were nothing less than spectacular as he compiled a talented group of young women that fit the mission and vision of Providence and who displayed their ability to compete at a high level. As expected, the experience of returners and the addition of transfers helped the incoming freshman get up to speed for the college season. Senior returner Mindy Cortes (SR/Cathedral City, CA) and sophomore returners Janelle Lopez (SO/Upland, CA) and Ellie Jung (SO/Green Bay, WI) were major contributors on and off the field, helping lead the Lady Sea Beggars in all facets. Transfers Faith Huston (SO/La Habra, CA) and Courtney Conchola, as well as the return of Hannah Aranda (SO/Camarillo, CA) and Victoria Avilla, were significant in establishing a foundation and stability for the future. Jevaughn Burns (SO/Costa Mesa, CA) provided toughness and an offensive punch, along with fellow transfer Cindy Suarez (JR/Anaheim, CA), a goalkeeper, who played fourteen of the fifteen matches on the field where she sacrificed daily for the benefit of the team. Freshmen Isabella Pecunes (FR/Mount Pleasant, SC), Jaden Burrell (FR/Chino, CA), Evelyn Jurgens (FR/Newport, WA) and Kayley Hutchins were key additions, each bringing energy, grit, and passion to the team through their threats to score, solid defense and distribution from the midfield. Senior Kiara Paul (SR/Westminster, CA) made her Sea Beggar soccer debut and was also a key contributor on and off the field. Though freshman Isabella Henao (FR/Fort Collins, CO) was recovering from off-season surgery, she too found ways to add value by traveling with the team, helping in training sessions, and finding ways to encourage her team. Each player on the roster stepped up in countless ways contributing to a season that helped bring stability to the Providence women's soccer program.
When asked about the season, sophomore goalkeeper Faith Huston said, "This season was full of many ups and downs. As a team, we faced many challenges with our small roster and injuries that came along the way. Regardless of the roadblocks that were set in front of us, we made the most out of our season and grew as a team in many different ways. We formed meaningful connections on and off the field and put everything we had into each game. I'm super proud of this season, and I am very excited to see what next season has in store! Coach Elkins added, "You rarely get an opportunity like we had this season. A season like this asks certain questions of you that you may not feel ready to answer: How tough am I? How much can I take? Can I continue to bring my best and my belief to every game? When I was concerned that our losses would lead to despair, I saw determination in its place. This team made no excuses, no concessions to the challenges they faced. They did not yield; they did not quit. They made their coach proud."
Seniors #3 Courtney Conchola, #9 Mindy Cortes, #23 Kiara Paul, and #25 Victoria Avila (SR/Fullerton, CA) were honored at the last home game of the year on October 22nd. The journey these four ladies have taken to reach this point are each unique, and their impact has been significant. The Lady Sea Beggar team showed up in force to honor these seniors, pulling out a 5-0 win over Cal Maritime in the final home game of the 2022 season.
The Lady Sea Beggar soccer program has the needed foundation to excel into the 2023 season. We return a group comprised of many talented athletes, and with some added depth, they will look to challenge the top teams in the California Pacific Conference for years to come.