Buoyed by one of the 3C2A's elite scorers, Amanda Avila, the West Valley women's soccer team embarks on a 2024 season full of promise and expectation. The 2023 Vikings just missed out on a Coast-North title with a 9-2-1 mark (12-8-3 overall) and fell in the opening round of the NorCal playoffs to eventual 3C2A state final four team Cosumnes River. With Avila back on the pitch, along with ten other sophomores, the experienced Vikings are poised for a deep playoff run and their first Coast title since the undefeated 2004 squad.

But, with 13 2023 playoff teams, including defending champ Folsom Lake, on the 22-game schedule, it won't be easy.

The 2024 Vikings open the season Aug. 27 at Dick Schwendinger Field against Clovis, the first of a brutal eight-game stretch against 2023 playoff teams that include Cypress, who lost to the aforementioned Folsom Lake on PKs in the state championship tilt. Coast competition begins Oct. 4 at Foothill and concludes with a crucial home fixture against Skyline Nov. 11.

View the entire 2024 West Valley schedule.

Avila, in 2023, was an All-State, All-NorCal and All-Coast 1st Team selection. In addition to being the Coast Player of the Year, she was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region 1st Team. She was 4th in the state with a Coast-best 27 goals and 3rd in the state with 60 points, also a Coast high. Also returning is Katherine Meck (5 goals, 3 assists), Diana Garcia (5G, 3A), Deanna Luna (3G, 5A) and keeper Nevaeh Reyes, who was 2-0 with a shutout.

Coach Jennifer Kerwin is back for her 28th season at WVC and needs 14 wins to reach 300 career victories.