MaxPreps Soccer Tour of Champions celebrates South Hills High School

The 11th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard made a visit to West Covina, California — the home of the South Hills Huskies girls soccer team. The tour is in its fifth season honoring the top 20 soccer teams in the country.

South Hills completed a 26-1-5 season with a 2-1 triumph over Yorba Linda on March 4 to win its first CIF Division III state championship. The Huskies then went on to claim the CIF Southern California Division III regional title after winning their final game against San Luis Obispo on March 12. The team finished ranked No. 7 in the MaxPreps national rankings.

On Friday, April 8 MaxPreps along with California Army National Guard Staff Sergeants Campagna and Hood were greeted by Assistant Principal Manny Burciaga as they arrived on campus. Shortly after, they set up an exhibit which displayed the Army National Guard national ranking trophy which was later awarded to the girls soccer team.

The Minuteman trophy presentation took place at 10:15 a.m. during a special school pep rally. At the bell, approximately 2000 students, parents, coaches, administration and community members poured into the outdoor quad with excitement in anticipation for the celebration and national recognition. Head coach Scott Mocabee joined the festivities and prepared his team for the event.

Athletic Director Matt LeDuc began the ceremony and welcomed MaxPreps and the Army National Guard to South Hills High School. Next, MaxPreps representative, Josh Canales took the stage and congratulated the South Hills girls soccer team on their successful season and high national ranking. He spoke about the significance of the Minuteman trophy as well as the great work MaxPreps has done to emphasize and promote high school athletics. Then, he explained the partnership between MaxPreps and the Army National Guard. All who were in attendance applauded the Huskies soccer team for their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship!

For the main event, California Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Campagna addressed the crowd and congratulated the school on a successful season. After his commemorative speech, SSG Campagna invited forward Coach Mocabee and presented him with the Army National Guard Minuteman trophy along with the nationally ranked rafter banner.

Coach Mocabee thanked SSG Campagna and MaxPreps for the national recognition and continued to talk about how proud he was of his team’s accomplishments. He shared that midway through the 2015 season he sensed something special about the group of returning underclassmen. He was, indeed, correct as their season became one they would never forget.

Congratulations to the South Hills Huskies on finishing the season as one of the top teams in the country and for winning the Division III state championship!

To view the South Hills TOC Photo Gallery, click here.