As the final whistle blew, the boys ran onto the field to celebrate, feeling only joy and tremendous satisfaction. Since 2017, Rocklin has been on a losing streak against Whitney. The team decided it was time to break the streak at long last. “ The rivalry between us is just really fun, and to win in nine years for the first time just made it even better.” said senior Donovan Kuwazaki.

How did the players flip the switch and start turning the boys soccer program around? It all started with the new coaching staff, especially head coach Bart Paduveris. “I remember being a freshman, everything was so unserious because we were so bad, and sophomore year having Bart come in was the start of our growth,” said Kuwazaki. Coach Bart has been the head coach for three years, and it is clear that he is a significant reason for the improvement of the team. For the past three years, the team has been progressively developing. Kuwazaki has been on the team since his freshman year, alongside senior Jovan Radovic. During their first year on varsity, the 2022-2023 season, the team came 5th in league and had only three wins and a whopping 11 losses. Comparing it this season, Kuwazaki said, “We’ve grown so much, and especially looking back on it now, going from three wins to having eight [wins], two [loses] and two [ties] is just incredible.” Last year also demonstrated major growth, as they came 3rd in the SFL. “Last year was, I’d say, another breakout year. You know, we finally got on the podium,” said Kuwazaki. Both seniors have been part of the major growth that has led up to this turning point in the program.

Kuwazaki, Radovic, and senior Gabe Tavares are all captains who made the team successful this year. “The captains this year are louder and there is more communication, having the vocal impact helps [the] team so much,” said sophomore Gage Guest, who has been on the team since his freshman year. Kuwazaki also explains that he plays forward, Tavares plays in the midfield, and Radovic plays in the defensive line. “We all have different sections of the field that we control,” said Kuwazaki. Since this is his fourth and final year playing on varsity, Kuwazaki has more determination than ever before. “ As my last year here, I want to leave an impact on the school, whether it’s winning league or winning d2 sections or d1 sections, I just want to win for us.” Said Kuwazaki. Additionally, new players joined the team this year, who made a huge difference. Sophomore Brayden Vu and Junior Brody Mathers were new additions to the team this season. During the game against Whitney, Vu had an amazing cross to assist Mathers, and Mathers scored. “It felt really good, it was pretty hype and I was just happy to score on the keeper, finally.” Said Mathers.

Another key factor to their success was the new strength and conditioning coach, Patrick. “He’s really helped us with our mindset and speed and getting us faster and more prepared for the game,” said Guest. “It gets us together for the first 30 minutes of every practice and we do these different sections, whether it’s sleds, band work, broad jumps,” said Kuwazaki.

Altogether, these factors led to the new shift in the team’s mindset. This season, the team’s intensity and drive reached an all-time high. The captains’ motivation bled through to the rest of the team. “The driving mentality, everyone wants it and there’s not that many people messing around,” said Guest. This season is more serious for not only the seniors, but the entire team. They have big aspirations to dominate their opponents and win the Sac Joaquin section finals in Division 1 or Division 2, and even win state. “We’re winning state, we have the capability if we play how we played against Whitney,” said Mathers. Last year, the team unfortunately lost in their second round of the Division 2 Sac Joaquin section playoffs. But, they are determined to make it farther this year. “Our mindsets have been driven to win, and if we make sections we’re all gonna push ourselves,” said Kuwazaki.

Overall, the team’s success all comes down to one major thing: motivation and passion. Along with the help of the captains’ leadership, new coaching staff, and new players, the team not only defeated Whitney, but also has an amazing shot at winning the league and advancing in the playoffs.