Rio Hondo College women's soccer head coach Jennifer Tanaka-Hoshijo has announced that five sophomores from her 2017 conference championship Roadrunner squad have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.
Madison Mader, Sam Garcia, and Ingrid Castillo will all make the move together down the 10 freeway to play at Cal State LA. Isabel Garay is also staying close, heading to Hope International University in Fullerton while Ashley Yepez will travel the furthest to compete at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.
The group of sophomores captured back-to-back South Coast Conference North Division championships and led the Roadrunners to consecutive Southern California Regional Playoff appearances. Over two seasons, Rio Hondo compiled a 29-6-7 overall record and went unbeaten in SCC North play at 13-0-3.
Just as important were the group's academic success. In 2016, Rio Hondo earned Academic All-American team honors from United Soccer Coaches. Three of the five graduating sophomores achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
"This years class leaves behind a legacy that continues to elevate the culture of our program," said Tanaka-Hoshijo. "The coaches and I are so proud of these student-athletes for putting their best efforts out on the field and in classrooms."
Mader was a two-year standout and captain for the Roadrunners. She had to distinction of being named the SCC North Division Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman and then earned SCC North Division Offensive Player of the Year honors her sophomore season after leading Rio Hondo with 13 goals, 12 assists, and 38 points.
Mader was a two-sport star for the Roadrunners and recently completed her first season as a member of the beach volleyball team. She competed on Rio Hondo's No. 1 doubles squad and along with teammate Andrea Velasco, qualified for the Southern California Regional Championships.
For all her accomplishments, she was named the 2017-18 Rio Hondo College Female Athlete of the Year.
"Maddie has made an impact on this program from the first day she arrived," said Tanaka-Hoshijo. "Her work ethic and competitive drive make her a special player that will be missed. We know she will have a bright future playing soccer at CSULA and in all of her educational endeavors."
Garcia had an impressive sophomore season for Rio Hondo in 2017. She was second on the squad in scoring with 10 goals and 22 points. Garcia was a first-team All-SCC North Division selection at forward.
"Sam has tremendous natural ability with her athleticism and her speed," said Tanaka-Hoshijo. "She has a big heart and shows this when she plays. Sam will bring a tenacity that will be a foundation for her successes in her life. We are excited for Sam's future and what she envisions her life to be."
Garay and Castillo both starred on defense for Rio Hondo in the fall. Garay was named the SCC North Division Defensive Player of the Year while Castillo was a second-team All-SCC North pick. The duo helped anchor a defense that allowed 0.79 goals per game and totaled eight shutouts.
"Isabel has grown so much in the two years we have had the opportunity to work with her," said Tanaka-Hoshijo. "She is a competitor, determined and tenacious. We are confident she will continue to contribute great things with her new team."
As for Castillo: "I believe Ingrid has the ability to achieve any goals she may set for herself," Tanaka-Hoshijo said. "She is a hard worker and understands what it means to be part of a team. Ingrid is a great teammate and leader."
Yepez contributed on the field at the midfielder and forward positions, earning a goal and two assists. She was voted most inspirational player by her team this year.
"Ashley has great technical abilities, a strong work rate and an attitude that makes her extremely coachable," said Tanaka-Hoshijo. "Ashley has decided to travel the furthest to continue pursuing her education and we are so happy and proud of her independence. We know she will bring her great Ashley SMILE to Briar Cliff."
Tanaka-Hoshijo was thankful for having the opportunity to coach this sophomore class and knows they have a bright future ahead.
"We are happy to have been a part of their journey and look forward to all of the goals these amazing young women will achieve."