Notre Dame (SO) wins back-to-back Titles

The Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks) won back-to-back Mission League Titles in 2025 and 2026, while going undefeated in league play in 2026   USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription   The Winter soccer season in California is nearing the end. With the playoffs just around the corner, some top-level teams have already staked a claim as to true contenders for post season titles. The Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) team made a clear statement that they intend to make a strong run in the section tournament as well as in the CIF SoCal tourney. If they win the SoCal Tournament, they would be the first to represent Southern California in a first ever California state championship.   I've covered a lot of top-level high school teams in the Northern California area, but this SoCal team is much deserving of recognition greater than their current state and national rankings. I'm not sure how they are only ranked at #24 in CA and #86 in the nation, while beating Mater Dei, which is ranked #6 in CA and #36 in the nation. Oh well, I'm hoping the rankings are adjusted to reflect the achievements of the Notre Dame Knights or they might just use this as fuel to the fire with their run in the playoffs.   Marking this incredible back-to-back titles are players who contributed to the team's success. The players are:   [player_tooltip player_id='285840' first='Sorela' last='Ocko'] - Forward/Defender (Wing back) - 2027 - Uncommitted   [player_tooltip player_id='112470' first='Lila' last='Pointer'] - Defender - 2026 - Uncommitted   [player_tooltip player_id='112469' first='Cailyn' last='Paredes'] - Center Back - 2026 - Uncommitted   Corinne Rodriquez - Midfield - 2026 - Coastal Carolina commit   [player_tooltip player_id='202702' first='Mikaela' last='Edwards'] - Defender - 2028 - Uncommitted   Player Evaluations:   [player_tooltip player_id='285840' first='Sorela' last='Ocko'] - Forward/Defender (Wing back) - 2027 - Uncommitted    She primarily plays as a wingback and sometimes as a winger.  Sorela is good at playing the ball with both feet while making quick and precise passes.  Her ability to make strong runs down the channel opens up attacking lanes.  I like her style of play, which resembles hard running and strong challenges.  She's a box-to-box player who can make an impact on both ends of the pitch.  Sorela plays club soccer for [program_tooltip program_id='283391' first='LA' last='Surf'] Girls Academy 09, after 6 years with the [program_tooltip program_id='283389' first='LA' last='Breakers'] 09 ECNL. She's an inspirational player who should be able to get onto the state rankings sooner rather than later.    Sorela's Highlights: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy79Px0NFf8"></a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy79Px0NFf8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy79Px0NFf8</a>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DUPckNBE_BZ/ </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='112470' first='Lila' last='Pointer'] - Defender - 2026 - Uncommitted    She plays both as a center back and outside back and can track back to make clean and hard tackles.  She can deliver strong over-the-top passes to runners in the attacking third.  Anticipates well and can shut down attackers trying to slip through the 18.  Lila also has good dribbling and passing skills.  She makes it difficult for attackers to get clean shots on goal.  It will be great to see her compete at the ECNL or GA level, as she has the skill sets to compete with top-level players.     Lila's Highlights:   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbYJoyJHruU </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='112469' first='Cailyn' last='Paredes'] - Center Back - 2026 - Uncommitted    She primarily plays as a defender.  Her strengths are in anticipating angles of attack.  She goes up high to make clears with headers and wins the majority of 50/50 challenges.  One of her strengths is building from the backline.  Cailyn's ability to make clean and precise passes can turn a counterattack into high-level scoring opportunities.  She was credited for scoring a winning goal in their undefeated league season.  Some of her high school awards are Notre Dame High School Defensive MVP (2024/25), CIF First Team All-League (2024/25), Surf Cup Champion (2024), W.C. Futbol Classic Finalist, and ECNL Playoffs Quarterfinalist. Cailyn plays club soccer for LAFC ECNL G07/08.    Cailyn's Highlights:   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DW9rN8a8Ow </div></figure>   Corinne Rodriquez - Midfield - 2026 - Coastal Carolina commit    She is recognized as a “rising star” for youth soccer.  Corinne is a player who can play either in the midfield or as a striker.  She has been on the varsity team since 2022.  One of our scouts said that she is a constant threat on offense and that she is good at receiving the ball in space. Corinne plays club soccer for [program_tooltip program_id='283391' first='LA' last='Surf'] SC G08.  She's committed to playing collegiate soccer at Coastal Carolina University.    Corinne's Highlights:   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@corinne_rodriguez2026">https://www.youtube.com/@corinne_rodriguez2026</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='202702' first='Mikaela' last='Edwards'] - Defender - 2028 - Uncommitted    Our scouts noted that she's a target on set pieces.  Her height and athleticism give her an advantage when going up high to win aerial duels.  She is a center back for both her high school and club team and is ranked as the #43 defender in the 2028 class.  Her ability to convert on set pieces makes her a dangerous player in the penalty area.  She is a great leader who leads by example. Mikaela plays club soccer for [program_tooltip program_id='280776' first='Eagles' last='SC'].    Mikaela's Highlights:   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvbZtprDHb8 </div></figure>   In this last portion of the article, I asked Sorel 6-questions and here are her responses for the Q and A's in her soccer journey.   1. What are three of your strengths as a soccer player?   "My greatest strength is my versatility on the pitch; I am comfortable transitioning between roles and possess a balanced defensive and attacking mindset that allows me to impact the game in every third of the field. Beyond my technical skills, I pride myself on being highly coachable. I actively seek feedback and am able to quickly apply tactical adjustments to help my team succeed."   2. When did you and your parents decide that you would want to be a collegiate soccer player?    "The dream of playing college soccer has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents and I recognized this passion when I was very young, and it has been my primary goal ever since I first started playing. That early commitment has shaped my work ethic and my desire to compete at the highest level."   3. What are some of the things you are currently doing to prepare for your college soccer journey?    "I am currently following a rigorous daily schedule that mirrors the demands of a college athlete. This includes daily gym sessions for strength and conditioning, private technical training, and team practices. Beyond the physical side, I am heavily invested in the recruiting process—conducting extensive college research, communicating with coaches, and putting in extra 'invisible work' like solo ball-work and running during my free time to ensure I am physically and mentally prepared for the next level."   4. What has been your most memorable soccer moment or moments as a soccer player thus far?   "My most memorable moment so far has definitely been playing for Notre Dame High School and winning back-to-back Mission League championships. Being part of such a successful team was amazing, but what I really value is 'the grind'—all that behind-the-scenes hard work and the long hours we put in together as a team to make those titles happen. It taught me that you have to earn every win long before the whistle even blows.   Another huge highlight for me is being selected for the Maccabi USA National Team to play in the 2026 Maccabiah Games. I'm so excited to head to Israel this summer to compete. Being Jewish and getting the chance to play the sport I love in my homeland is such an honor. I'm really looking forward to the experience of representing the U.S. on an international level, meeting athletes from all over the world, and connecting more with my heritage while playing at a really high level."   5. Is there a club player, collegiate, or professional soccer player who inspires you?    "I am deeply inspired by my brother, who is currently a Division 1 baseball player at Fordham University. Watching him navigate the challenges of being a student-athlete in New York—specifically his resilience in training through snow and harsh weather—has set a high bar for me. Seeing his dedication to putting in extra work after team practices motivates me to push myself just as hard to reach the D1 level, and I frequently look to him for advice on the recruiting process and elite-level competition."   6. Where do you see yourself or hope to be in your soccer journey in 5–6 years?   "In five to six years, I see myself finishing a successful collegiate career where I have made a significant impact on my program. My ultimate goal is to have developed my game to a level where I am a prospect in the NWSL Draft, ready to transition from a standout college player into a professional soccer career."

The Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks) won back-to-back Mission League Titles in 2025 and 2026, while going undefeated in league play in 2026