- Orange Lutheran: The CIF-SS Open Division title holders are gearing up for the new season without the notable presence of Lauren Steele (UCLA) in goal. However, Coach Brenda Villa’s team remains packed with talent, with sophomore attacker Allison Cohen showcasing her prowess as one of the county’s top all-around players. Keep an eye on junior Kyla Pranajaya, who is poised to emerge as the next top goalie for the Lancers.
- Foothill: As the defending CIF SoCal Regional champions, Foothill remains a formidable contender in the Open Division. Despite a recent 8-6 finals loss to Orange Lutheran in the Fall Fling preseason tournament, the Knights continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
- Laguna Beach: Under the guidance of former Hawaii associate head coach Katie Teets, the Breakers enter the season with their second coach in as many years. The team boasts a trio of strong attackers in Ava Knepper (USC), Presley Jones, and Kara Carver. However, uncertainties linger at the goalie and center positions.
- Newport Harbor: Having reached the Open Division last season, the Sailors are a young team with second-year varsity player Sophia Verdugo and her stand out freshman sister Valery Verdugo ready to make an impact. UCLA commit Ryan Chalupnik adds further strength to the squad.
- Corona del Mar: After qualifying for the Open Division last season, the Sea Kings have brought in former UC Irvine coach Marc Hunt to lead the program. Despite graduating a strong senior class, the team features an impressive trio in Brown commit Ava Schoening, Reagan Weir, and Didi Evans.
- Mater Dei: With an offseason under coach Chris Segesman, now in his second tenure with the girls’ program, expect the Monarchs to start the season with greater momentum. Known for their defensive prowess, Mater Dei has several strong candidates at goalie to anchor their unit.
- JSerra: The reigning Division 3 champions are making the leap to at least Division 1 this winter, boasting a returning core. Versatile senior Sydney Chapman, a recent Loyola Marymount commit, leads the group that clinched the Division 2 SoCal regional title.
- Los Alamitos: Undergoing a rebuilding phase after graduating a stellar senior class, Los Alamitos looks to the return of junior Cici De Luca and some talented younger players for a boost. The team reached the Open Division semifinals and 18-and-under finals at the Junior Olympics last season.
- Santa Margarita: The reigning Division 1 champions are in a rebuilding phase after saying goodbye to several key players and losing All-County goalie Sophia Bunnell to a transfer to Mater Dei. Keep an eye on Hannah McClaskey, an Arizona State commit, as a player to watch.
- San Clemente: Despite facing an early exit in the Division 1 playoffs last season, the South Coast League champions are poised for a comeback. Keep an eye on senior Phoebe DeMoss and junior Talyn Pelkey as two players expected to shine.
