SM Yearbook
The San Marcos Athletics Department has had an incredible year thus far. With every athlete, team, and sport who gave it their all to champion Channel League or even advance onwards to CIF, this year was athletically one to remember. As the winter season comes to a close, The King’s Page wants to acknowledge all of the hardworking teams that make up this time of year and their vast, incredible accomplishments.
Boys Basketball:
Wrapping up a strong season, Boys Basketball finished second in the highly competitive Channel League behind the Dons. Though their season came to a close in the CIF-SS Division playoffs with a hard-fought five-point loss on the road to La Cañada, the Royals concluded their season with an overall record of 21-8 and an 11-3 mark in Channel League.
“I thought the season was one of my most fun seasons thus far both on and off the court. I felt our team chemistry was really good and even though the playoffs didn’t go the way we wanted, we are a young team and are looking forward to next year,” said junior Koji Hefner.
In spite of their playoff run being cut short, the Royals’ performance on the court certainly capped off a memorable season.
Girls Basketball:
Girls Basketball wrapped up their season with a 10-16 overall record and a 5-9 finish in Channel League, securing fifth place in the standings. While the season had its ups and downs, the Royals ended on a high note with a dominant 52-33 victory, completing their season sweep of the Dons.
During this season finale in the Thunderhut, the Royals struggled to find an offensive rhythm early. However, they turned up the defensive intensity after the break, effectively securing a decisive win and a strong finish to the season.
“The season was a lot of fun. We may have not won as many games as we would have liked but we fought every game and I’m proud of our effort. We were a family in the end. I’m grateful for the coaches and players for making such a fun environment,” said senior Gianna Mandarino.
Boys Soccer:
Putting together an impressive season, Boys Soccer finished with a 12-6-4 overall record and a 9-2-3 mark in Channel League, securing third place. Their postseason run was cut short however, with a 1-0 overtime loss to Anaheim High in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs at Warkentin Stadium. Despite several scoring opportunities throughout the match, both teams struggled to break through one another’s defense until finally in the first overtime period, Anaheim capitalized on a corner kick, bringing the Royals’ season to an end.
“Even though it didn’t turn out as expected, our season went well,” said senior Irving Garcia.
Girls Soccer:
Girls Soccer put together an amazing season, finishing with an 11-6-4 overall record and a 9-2-3 mark in Channel League, earning their first CIF-SS playoff win since 2020. Their season came to an end in their tightly contested match against Sage Hill where only after a back-and-forth start to overtime did they find an opening in the Royals’ defense to secure the win and end the Royals postseason run in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs.
“I’m very proud of our team for making it to the second round of CIF for the first time in three years. We have such a young team, but this season, our chemistry was stronger than ever. As a senior, it’s rewarding to leave behind that sense of unity for the rest of the team,” said Nicolly Oh.
The Royals’ resilience throughout the season was especially impressive, as the team overcame injuries to many of their starters, highlighting an overall memorable season.
Wrestling:
Royal Wrestling had six competitors in action at the CIF-SS Eastern Division Championships, with athletes like Anthony Leal, Cole Dominguez, Alejandro Pulet Rodriguez leading the way. Wrapping up a season of growth and success, highlighted by victories over Santa Barbara and Oxnard in dual meets, the Royals even had one wrestler earn alternate status for the Masters Meet, the next step toward the state championships.
Additionally, on the girl’s side, Ingrid Vargas represented San Marcos and finished the weekend with a 1-2 record, making history as the first freshman in recent memory to qualify for CIF.
“It’s a young team, and they’ve been getting better in the room throughout the year,” Leal said. “I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
Girls Water Polo:
Girls water polo wrapped up an impressive season with a 25-10 overall record and a perfect 8-0 mark in Channel League, securing yet another league title. Despite not having a true goalie on the roster, they dominated the regular season. In the Open Division Playoffs, the Royals competed in Pool A, finishing 1-3 in the highly competitive bracket, closing out their season on a high note with an 11-10 victory over Corona Del Mar at Santa Barbara High, capping off another successful campaign for the program
“Our season went really well and it was a great learning experience for everyone on the team and just a great time hanging out with everyone and pushing through all the adversity we faced,” said junior Bethany King.
An exciting midway checkpoint to the 2024/2025 school year, San Marcos athletics has had an incredible winter season that certainly stands as one to remember. We are looking forward to witnessing more of our Royal athletes stepping up this spring. Go Royals!