By: Kate Gruetter

Editor-in-Chief

The last time El Gato wrote about Caitlyn Simons, she was a freshman hoping to commit to a Division 1 school for soccer. Now, Simons is a USCB commit and captain of the LGHS Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team, so it’s safe to say she accomplished her goals. Entering her second semester of senior year, Simons is excited for the next four years of her athletic and academic career, looking forward to growing more as a person and as a player.

Simons has been playing soccer for the past twelve years, and currently plays for the NorCal Club DeAnza Force. “My captains at Force have been, and still are, some of my greatest supporters and inspirations,” Simons explains, adding that her “parents and friends have also been incredibly supportive.” When it came to her commitment process, Simons described having “to play in showcases with my club teams. Then coaches started to show interest. From there, I went to a lot of ID camps and started getting into contact with coaches after June 15th.” When it came to UCSB, Simons knew she had found the right place, admitting she verbally committed to the school “only two days after they sent me their offer.” 

Not only has Simons fulfilled her goal of playing Division 1 soccer, but she has also been a huge part of transforming the Girls’ Soccer program at LGHS. Before taking on her role as captain, Simons was a big leader and gamemaker on the field. Her first year on the team, LG suffered a record of 1-16, and this really motivated Simons going into her junior year. “I think we all knew how it felt to have such a bad season, and none of us wanted to repeat that. We came together as a team,” Simons described. Last year, Simons was a key player in the midfield, averaging 0.8 assists per game and helping the team make its way to CCS. “I think that is one of my favorite soccer memories,” Simons recalls, elaborating that “making it to PKs [penalty kicks] in the quarterfinals was really stressful, but ultimately we won and the celebration was something I will never forget.” 

Simons’ presence on the field does not go unnoticed, and many of her teammates describe the senior as a great captain and friend. LG Varsity Coach Jessica Ingram said, “Caitlyn has blossomed into an amazing leader this season. She sets expectations for her team through her work ethic and perseverance. She plays a huge role in our center and has been a positive influence in our attack.” Adding on, junior Macie Yannoni described Simons as someone “with really great leadership. She’s someone I want to be like on and off the field, from her playing style to who she is as a person. She’s an incredible role model.” Sophomore Leighton Ozawa also noted that “Caitlyn ensures that all people feel included on and off the field. She is really funny and can always make me laugh.”   

A person both incredible to play alongside and watch, Simons is a talented and motivated individual, one that any coach or player would be lucky to have on their team. Make sure you keep up with Simons as she continues to tear it up on the field and make her dreams come true. Go Gauchos!