Women's Soccer Brings Triumph to the Field

Belief runs through the women’s soccer team at California Baptist University. Belief in their teammates, the coaches, their capabilities and their faith.

“It was really fun to see just how tightly the players came together,” said Kristen St. Clair, head women’s soccer coach. “We very much have a family in our program. The players built a trust with each other and the belief that they could do this together.”

In 2023, the season included a 15-game unbeaten streak but ended in an upset in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament. The motivation and the belief they could advance further, took them far in 2024. In the semifinals and the finals of the WAC tournament they came from behind, ultimately winning their first WAC championship and earning a berth in the NCAA tournament. CBU played UCLA, a No. 2 seeded team that kept their opponents at zero in 16 games. CBU took them to double overtime, eventually losing 2-1 in a penalty kick.

“The most incredible feeling ever was seeing our team level up in this game. We were taking it to UCLA. The CBU fans were fired up and you could feel their belief from the stands,” said Taylor Summit, a central defender.

Throughout the season, the team faced adversity, from injuries to tough opponents early in the season to playing conditions.

“Beyond the grit and effort, our team had a unique chemistry,” said Summer Allen, a defender. “We weren’t just teammates; we were a family. That bond carried us through the toughest moments and made every victory that much sweeter.”

Along with teaching field strategies, the coaches work on strengthening the players’ mental endurance and the team’s culture throughout the year. Players go through ups and downs together, learn how to communicate with each other and spend time together off the field.

“I believe that the last 10% is the difference between good teams and great teams, and it’s fostered off the field because when they bring it to the field, they trust each other,” St. Clair said. “They take ownership of their performance and the preparation, and when it gets hard, they band together.”

Along with the hard work, the seniors lead with a servant mindset. Their faith is central to who they are, and it is seen in how they try to honor the Lord and serve people, St. Clair said.

“Our team was very centered around Christ. We realized we were training and we were working hard toward something that was greater than ourselves,” said Jayden Ramirez, a team captain and midfielder.

“God showed me when it comes to team success it’s not about my individual performance but rather how I can help encourage, serve and teach others to become the best they can be,” Summit said.

Early in the season, Ramirez and Tim Strader, associate head women’s soccer coach, talked about goals, such as winning championships and more. Strader suggested wearing a “Jesus Saves” T-shirt if they won the WAC championship. When the tournament approached, shirts were ordered, and the team was on board. When the final whistle blew at the championship, players and coaches pulled on the shirts before receiving the trophy. They even wore them during warm-up before the UCLA game.

“It’s on the national stage. We’re playing UCLA. If there’s any stage to wear the shirts, it’s here. It’s essentially a reminder of keeping our eyes on Jesus and wearing that boldly on our chest and being proud to be a believer,” Ramirez said.

Looking back, St. Clair said seeing how the players grew individually and as a team are memories that stand out the most.

“We’re all very competitive, and we enjoy the game. But it’s about more than soccer, it’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself,” she said. “Seeing the growth of this group, seeing them be successful and finding that joy in the process was a lot of fun.”