Belen Girls Soccer Team Aims for State Playoff Return

News Summary

The Belen girls soccer team is gearing up for a promising season under new head coach Vianca Chaparro, hoping to return to the state playoffs after last year’s strong showing. The team features standout players like Addison Carter and Sophia Cox, who are ready to lead the charge. With a mix of new talent and experienced players, they are focused on building cohesion and enhancing their skills. The season kicks off soon with high hopes and community support driving the team forward.

Belen Girls Soccer Team Aims for State Playoff Return with New Coach Vianca Chaparro

The city of Belen is brimming with excitement as the girls soccer team gears up for an action-packed season under the leadership of their new head coach, Vianca Chaparro. Coach Chaparro steps in to fill the big shoes left behind by the retired Ernest Gonzales, who had a remarkable impact on the program. With a fresh perspective and a vibrant personality, Chaparro is all set to lead the team with hopes for a triumphant return to the state playoffs.

Last season, Belen made quite the statement in Valencia County by being the only team to qualify for the state tournament. Although there was a tough loss against Moriarty, where they were defeated 5-0 in the first round, the team finished with an impressive record of 14-6 in 2024. The upcoming season brings new challenges and new opportunities, and the players are ready to give it their all.

Star Players Shine Bright

One of the most talked-about players on the team is sophomore Addison Carter, who led New Mexico in goals with a staggering 61 goals and an impressive 131 points last season. She even made it into the national top ten for goal-scoring! Although she is currently recovering from a summer injury, Carter was spotted at practice, signaling her determination to be part of the action.

Another standout player returning this season is Sophia Cox, the reigning New Mexico 100-meter champion. Her speed and agility on the field paid off last year with 15 goals scored from her midfield position. As the team looks to build on last year’s success, having highly skilled players like Carter and Cox will be crucial.

New Faces and a Team Growing Together

Team dynamics may look different this year, particularly with Kendra Sims, who has transitioned from being a field player in her freshman year to stepping into the role of goalkeeper this season. However, she comes with her own challenge, as she’s currently recuperating from an injury. In light of this, the coaching staff is training Neveah Frazier for the goalkeeper position, ensuring that the team has a strong presence behind the net.

The roster features a small senior group this year, with only Danilynn Bob and Frazier stepping up to fill leadership roles. The limited number of seniors means that many players are relatively new to the high school soccer scene. Despite this, Frazier voiced her optimism regarding team cohesion, highlighting that the squad is eager to learn together and grow as a family on and off the field.

Preparing for Success

Coach Chaparro is dedicated to helping each player discover their best position on the field, a vital step toward setting up the team’s formation for success. With strategic preparation and an understanding of players’ strengths, Chaparro believes that Belen will be ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Belen’s first game of the season is right around the corner, as they are set to host Rio Grande. Soccer enthusiasts in the community are anticipating this exciting encounter, and to add to the thrill, the Belen boys soccer team will also kick off their season on the same day against the Ravens. It’s truly a day that promises a double dose of local soccer excitement!

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