The Maria Carrillo Pumas are the girls fall soccer defending national champions if you go by the NSCAA rankings. Team chemistry is a big reason why this team won it all last season and will contend to repeat this season.
Photo by Jonn Baik
The name on the fronts of the jerseys is Maria Carrillo. The reason those jerseys are worn in so many victories is Debra LaPrath.
The
Maria Carrillo (Santa Rosa, Calif.) soccer program has been one of the best in California for a long time. But the Pumas took it to a whole new level last season when they finished a perfect 20-0 and were crowned mythical national champions by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. That title, that year-after-year success and a decent number of players returning makes Maria Carrillo a national title Early Contender presented by adidas and Dick's Sporting Goods.
See all the 2013 Fall Soccer Early Contenders 
Sarah Sullivan
Photo by Jonn Baik
LaPrath emphasizes teambuilding and other off-the-field attributes in leading her program and has made a name for herself. She has published a book titled "Coaching Girls Soccer Successfully" and has also won leadership awards for teaching.
It's those details that seem to give the Pumas a huge edge and it should happen again this season.
"They are willing and eager to do the type of team building activities that foster
friendship and loyalty to each other, the team and their school," LaPrath said. "They
are proud of their past accomplishments and the possibilities that the
new season brings."
Last season was utter domination. There were at least 12 shutouts and the Pumas outscored the opposition 9-1 in three playoff victories that culminated in a North Coast Section Division I title. It was the second section title in a row and the fourth in the young school's history.
This season, they are pushing the envelope in terms of schedule by
heading to Maryland and taking on some of the east coast's best in the
McDonogh Invitational. And at home, Maria Carrillo has a healthy rivalry
with crosstown rival Montgomery (Santa Rosa), which has also won four
titles since Maria Carrillo High was built.
Maria Carrillo will being back players from a variety of classes and positions. One position or one class doesn't stand out. What does stand out, though, is the program's pedigree and LaPrath's career record - all facts that point to another successful season in Wine Country.
See the special Maria Carrillo girls soccer photo galleryLocal look: "For several years, the Maria Carrillo girls were the best team that couldn't win a soccer championship. That changed in 2011 when coach Debra LaPrath's squad finally broke through and won the North Coast Section title. And then the Pumas got better. They crushed the competition last year en route to another section banner and an unblemished 20-0 record. LaPrath is big on team-building exercises like senior night performances and team dinners, and she usually has some talent to work with, too. Two of her former players, Sara Tosti and Katie Mohr, are currently playing at Arizona State."
- Phil Barber, Santa Rosa Press Democrat (@Skinny_Post)
