Phoenix College’s (PC) Women’s Soccer team ended their season undefeated with the National Championship trophy in their hands.
The 2020-21 season was a historical year for the team as it was the inaugural year for NJCAA Division II Soccer which makes PC Women’s Soccer the first-ever DII National Champions. In addition, they were ACCAC Conference Champions, NJCAA Region I/West District Champions and were ranked number 1 the entirety of the season.
“I am beyond proud and excited for this exceptional group of young ladies,” said Head Coach Christopher Sagar.
At Nationals, the team beat the number 12 seed, Muskegon Community College (Michigan) 1-0 and also beat number 8 seed Waubonsee Community College (Illinois) 3-2 in double overtime which placed them in the semi finals.
Once in the semi finals, PC beat number 6 Jones College (Mississippi) 2-0 to end up in the Championship game against Holmes Community College, the number 2-ranked team in the nation (also Mississippi).
PC won the Championship game 2-1 in double overtime with a goal from sophomore forward Jazmin Gonzalez assisted by Anacel Valenzuela-Acosta and Zalma Torres.
“With the crazy year that we’ve lived through, they stuck to the task, adapted and found ways time and time again to continue to be successful,” said Coach Sagar. “They are truly deserving of being crowned as National Champions.”
Coach Sagar was the recipient of the ACCAC/NJCAA Region I Coach of the Year and NJCAA DII Coach of the Year Award at the National Tournament.
Additional, individual awards are as follows:
ACCAC Player of the Year
Kiana Miyazato - Sophomore Captain
First Team All-Conference
Zalma Torres - Freshman Forward
Daisy Meza - Sophomore Defender
Second Team All-Conference
Acacia Glenn - Sophomore Defender
Jennifer Alvillar - Freshman Goalkeeper
Anacel Valenzuela-Acosta - Freshman Midfielder
Honorable Mention for All-Conference
Giselle Gonzalez - Sophomore Forward
NJCAA All-Region I First Team
Kiana Miyazato
Zalma Torres
Daisy Mesa
Acacia Glenn
Jennifer Alvillar
NJCAA All-Region I Second Team
Anacel Valenzuela-Acosta
Giselle Gonzalez
NJCAA National Tournament Team
Zalma Torres- Most Valuable Player
Daisy Meza- Most Valuable Defender
Other All-Tournament Team Selections
Kiana Miyazato
Anacel Valenzuela-Acosta
Jazmin Gonzalez