The men's soccer team is locked into a four-way battle to finish in second or third place with four league matches remaining in the BCL West.
Head Coach Tristan Bowen (a.k.a. "Coach T") took the helm last season and immediately guided the Panthers to the program’s first appearance in the NCS playoffs. “We accomplished 80% of our short-term goals last year alone,” says Coach T. “I knew this season would be pivotal as we try to establish ourselves as a competitive team and an eventual title contender in the BCL West. We want top local talent to consider SD a great place to get a soccer education and experience. So in the offseason, I dedicated myself to earning my United States Soccer Federation B License and added a fantastic assistant coach, Travis Bowen, to continue progressing our program in the right direction.”
That decision appears to be paying off. The team is playing better soccer and going toe-to-toe with the more established programs in the league. “You can tell that our coaches put a lot of time and effort into developing training plans,” says team captain Angelo N. ’23. “They're well thought out and related to the challenges we're experiencing in the games. We analyze film individually and as a group, which has been immensely helpful. There is a noticeable increase in the intensity and intention of our sessions since last year, but the coaching staff has managed us well. Despite our grueling schedule, we always feel fresh to compete on gameday.”
That gameday freshness is no accident, a testament to the team working closely with SD Athletics Physical Therapist Annie Thatcher-Stevens. The soccer coaches work closely with Thatcher-Stevens as part of their regular in-season routine, helping the players recover by doing yoga, practicing mindfulness, and utilizing the pool for regeneration sessions.
The team has grown closer during their days off, too, thanks to our incredible team parent, Sarah Swaim. She has stepped up to help coordinate and host team bonding events throughout the year. “Our team has always been a close-knit group during my four years at SD,” says vice captain Zuzu B. ’23. “But this year's team distinguishes itself from the rest. We spend more time together away from the pitch, hanging out and having dinner. That has helped us become better friends, and that chemistry is crucial as it translates onto the field.”
Given the current league standings, the team is now aiming for a top-three finish. “My father always told me that you must work hard to achieve anything in life,” says Bobby T. ’25. “We will continue believing in what we're building, working hard, and trusting in how our coaches ask us to play.”
Check out the team page for the upcoming game schedule. We'd love to see you out there to support the team in the final push through the regular season!