Hancock Women’s Soccer Prepares for a Promising 2025 Season
The Hancock College women’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season. Last year, they missed out on post-season play, which stung a bit.
Now, with renewed energy and a stronger team dynamic, the Bulldogs want to recapture the spark they had in 2022. That was the year they snagged their first conference title ever—pretty big stuff for the program.
Veteran coach Billy Vinnedge is back, and he’s got a refreshed focus. The team seems genuinely optimistic about their chances this year.
Key players like Ruby Graciliano and Daniela Mendoza are stepping up to lead, both on and off the field. Their experience matters, especially with a roster that blends sophomores and freshmen.
With a solid pre-season and a bigger emphasis on fitness, the Bulldogs hope to make some noise in the Western State Conference North Division.
Rebounding from a Tough Season
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Last year was rough for the Hancock women’s soccer squad. Even after their big achievements in 2022, the Bulldogs just couldn’t find their footing and missed the post-season.
Coach Billy Vinnedge had to step away for personal reasons, which made things even tougher. “I lost my mom last year,” Vinnedge shared, explaining why he wasn’t around much.
This year, though, things feel different. There’s a sense of hope in the air.
Renewed Focus and Energy
With Vinnedge back in charge, both Hancock soccer programs have picked up new energy. “We have seven total coaches between the teams this year, and between them, they bring lots of energy,” Vinnedge said.
That kind of buzz is bound to show up on the field, right?
Key Players to Watch
The Bulldogs have a big roster this season: 11 sophomores, 15 freshmen. Sophomore defender Ruby Graciliano stands out after her All-Western State Conference North Division selection last year.
Graciliano’s expected to anchor the defense. Sophomore midfielder Daniela Mendoza will help steady the midfield.
Returning Talent
One of the biggest boosts? All-Conference goalkeeper Sam Patchin is back. She missed 2024, but now returns for her sophomore season, adding experience and grit to the defense.
Team Dynamics and Fitness
This year, the Bulldogs are paying close attention to team dynamics and fitness, not just skills. “We’re definitely a more tight-knit team this year, on the field and off,” Mendoza said.
They’ve worked hard in the off-season, focusing more on cardio than endless scrimmaging. The result? They’re in great shape—maybe the best they’ve been.
Building a Strong Defense
Defense has always been huge for the Bulldogs, and that’s not changing. “I think we have all the pieces on the women’s team to get the defense back to where they were,” Vinnedge said.
With the mix of experience and new faces, the defensive lineup looks promising.
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener
The Bulldogs kick things off at home against Santa Monica on Tuesday at 4 p.m. It’ll be the first real test of all their hard work and renewed focus.
They’ve had a great summer of prep and have impressive depth across the board. There’s a quiet confidence about their chances this season.
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Coach’s Commitment
Vinnedge’s renewed commitment, plus a strong coaching staff, puts the Bulldogs in a solid spot to bounce back. “I think our coach is more committed to us this year,” Graciliano said, and you can feel the team believes it.
Conclusion
The Hancock women’s soccer team heads into the 2025 season with a real buzz of optimism and determination. There’s this interesting mix of veterans and newcomers, all bringing something different to the field.
They’re putting more energy into fitness and working together, which honestly feels like a smart move. The coaching staff seems genuinely committed, and you can sense they’re pushing for something bigger this year.
If you’re curious about how their journey unfolds or want more details on the upcoming season, check out the full article on the Santa Maria Times.