Sara Diaz Martinez boots the ball into the goal during an early practice for the newly revamped Ilwaco High School soccer team. A new coaching staff is seeking to give the program a fresh look as the season looms. “We have a big blended team with different levels of skills, ages and backgrounds,” said new head coach Cindy Guzman.

A new head coach brings excitement to the Ilwaco fall soccer program.

“We are going to start with a new, fresh beginning and build from there,” said Cindy Guzman, who has youth coaching experience. “We will create a strong team and grow.”

The assistant coach will be her husband, Norberto. They will be helped by his brother, Armando, who has played with him in Warrenton’s competitive La Liga adult program, plus another volunteer, Miriel Diaz, whose daughters, Sara Diaz Martinez and Sofia Diaz Martinez are on the squad. Sarah Frank, a 2023 IHS graduate and keen soccer player, is also assisting.

A core of girls graduated, including Abbie Williams and Kaitlyn Banuet, who had been high-achieving performers through high school in multiple sports, and midfielder Chloe Emerson, who earned an honorable mention in the 2B Central All-League selections.

Pull Quote

‘We are walking into a white canvas, ready to paint it with wins in blue and gold.’

Cindy Guzman, Ilwaco head coach

But those who return will form a solid foundation, Cindy Guzman said. Her two potential goalies have recruited players to line up in front of them. “Juliet Perez and Hayzel Sager have really stepped up to help reach out to their younger classmates to try soccer,” the coach said. “From Day 1 of practice, they will become a soccer family. I see how much they care and uplift each other with their positive attitude.”

The Guzmans’ daughter, Sophia, is among younger squad members. Also turning out are Grecia Flores Aguirre, Claudia Anastacio Sebastian, Alexa Avelar, Hailey Barrueta, Daysia Benjamin, Charis Bickle, Faith Caward, Graci Dani Earls, Brisia Espejo Valencia, Jacqualyn Hernandez, Maritza Murrieta-Leonardo, Valerie Salvador, Eden Savelio, Aly Viada, Ophelia Wise and Sharon Merino.

At an early practice, coaches were assessing what roles would best fit each squad member, conceding their skill levels vary; many are new to soccer, having been recruited from basketball, track, band and Knowledge Bowl. “The team is like a big puzzle; each player is important to bring in the bigger picture and we have to find the perfect spot for each of them where they can perform at their best,” Cindy Guzman said. “We have a few eighth-graders who signed up, and I am really excited about that.”

Guzman hopes that soccer will be supported by fans as well as other sports. “We are walking into a white canvas, ready to paint it with wins in blue and gold,” she said. “I am hopeful that we will create some fun games to watch.”

Ilwaco Girls Soccer 2024

Ilwaco Girls Soccer 2024

Sept. 14 Kalama (a) 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 Warrenton (a)

Sept. 18 Ocosta (a)

Sept. 24 Warrenton (h)

Sept. 25 Onalaska (a)

Sept. 26 Astoria (h)

Sept. 30 Ocosta (h)

Oct. 2 Adna (h)

Oct. 7 Forks (a)

Oct. 9 Napavine (a)

Oct. 14 Toutle Lake (h)

Oct. 16 Toledo (a)

Oct. 21 South Bend (h)

Oct. 23 Winlock (a)

Oct. 28 Hoquiam (h)

Oct. 30 Kalama (h)

All games 6 p.m. unless indicated