Local trio of girls’ soccer players earns All-CIF accolades

Throughout the season, the Flintridge Prep and La Cañada High girls’ soccer teams had steady reinforcements on the field.

At Flintridge Prep, the Rebels relied on a couple of underclassmen to lead the charge. Down the street at La Cañada, the Spartans counted on a durable defender who provided stability and leadership.

After helping their respective teams to successful seasons, Flintridge Prep’s Helen Schaefer and Julia Gonzalez, along with La Cañada’s Emma Tapp, received All-CIF first-team recognition after the Southern Section office unveiled the lists for all seven divisions Monday.

Schaefer and Gonzalez received Division III accolades after helping the Rebels (16-3-5, 9-1 in the Prep League for a tie for first with Pasadena Poly).
Tapp earned a spot in Division IV after helping the Spartans (15-7-3, 7-3 for second place in the Rio Hondo League) qualify for the postseason.

“Helen and Julia are special players who fit into the team once they arrived,” said Flintridge Prep Coach Esteban Chavez, whose team advanced to the second round of the playoffs. “They did whatever it took to get better and make the team that much more successful. They definitely complemented each other.”

Schaefer, a freshman forward, provided an instant impact for the Rebels. She collected a school-record 38 goals and added 14 assists for 90 points. Schaefer was the only freshman in the division to secure first-team recognition.

“Helen added five goals in the playoffs, so she proved she could hold her own going up against a lot of great players,” Chavez said. “I think you’ll see a lot of good things from her in the next few years.”

Gonzalez, a sophomore forward, also showcased her play-making skills throughout the season.

Gonzalez contributed 24 goals and a school-record 32 assists for 80 points.

“Julia went out and created a lot of scoring chances,” Chavez said. “She knew how to score, but also made the right pass.”

Tapp had another excellent season for La Cañada, which also reached the second round.

The senior finished with six goals and two assists for 14 points.

“I’m absolutely thrilled for her,” said La Cañada co-Coach Eddie Garcia, who split the coaching chores with Sam Barroudi. “I’m super happy because it’s a well-deserved honor for Emma.

“She’s among a great group of players in the division. I think of her as a cerebral player who always provided a calming influence.”

Hailey Zerbel of South Hills was named the Division III player of the year. La Mirada’s Maddie Bennett was tabbed Division IV player of the year.