Soccer—Boys’ Varsity

When soccer became a winter sport in 2002, the varsity team embraced the opportunity to compete in the CIF playoffs, going all the way to the finals. In most seasons since then, the Toads have qualified for the post-season, often ranked among the top-ten teams in the Southern Section. Recent grads have gone on to play at schools like Amherst, Claremont-McKenna, Stanford, and Williams, while others have played on excellent club teams like USC and Pepperdine. While winning records and impressive playoff runs are exciting, the focus of the program is the same as it was when it began more than eight decades ago—creating tight knit teams of students who support each other and have the tenacity and mental toughness to overcome any challenge.

About Coach Sánchez: 
Coach Sánchez’s passion for soccer began in the streets of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, where he developed a deep love for the game. His playing journey started as a goalkeeper during his early high school years before transitioning to the striker position, a role he continues to embrace. In 2021, he earned a postgraduate degree in Systems Thinking from Cornell University, which has influenced his coaching philosophy by emphasizing interconnectedness, adaptability, and strategic problem-solving. Coach Sánchez has gained international coaching experience through a soccer clinic alongside FC Barcelona’s youth academy coaches and a two-week professional development and sports management internship with Vissel Kobe in Japan. Most recently, he completed the TFV Coaching License, awarded by the Thuringia Football Association in Germany, further expanding his knowledge of European coaching methodologies. Beyond tactics and technique, Coach Sánchez firmly believes that soccer is a unifying force for good. His coaching philosophy is centered on ensuring that all players, regardless of skill level, have the opportunity to enjoy and grow within the beautiful game.