Chasing Dreams in Southern California: A Belles Soccer Story

The Saint Mary's Soccer program has long awaited being a sport that can travel for a game. Soccer was among the few that rarely traveled outside the region as other athletic teams do in their seasons. Over Labor Day weekend, Head Coach Farkhod Kurbonov made it possible for the Belles to travel to the West Coast to play the first game of the 2024 season. 

Landing in Los Angeles just before the Labor Day weekend began, the soccer team was excited, as many had never been to California. As Miley Cyrus' lyrics "Hop off the plane at LAX" were sung on the car ride to the hotel, the team began living the dream of many Belles soccer alumnae. 

Under the warm sun in Southern California, the soccer team played against Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California, on Friday. With the beach on one side of the field and mountains on the other, the team battled until the end with the final score of 0 to 1. 

The Los Angeles Alumnae Club, one of the College's largest alumnae clubs, gathered alongside the pitch to cheer on the Belles. With every scoring opportunity came the anticipation of excitement for the alumnae and their families. Following the game and team photos, the alumnae joined the players on a much-anticipated visit to the iconic fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger. For many athletes, it was their first visit, made even more memorable by sharing it with alumnae where they heard stories about where life had taken them after Saint Mary's.

The team spent their free time exploring Los Angeles, from visiting the Griffith Observatory and seeing the Hollywood sign and LA skyline to walking the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Belles Soccer team visited the San Diego Zoo on Saturday as part of a three-year tradition of visiting a zoo during their season. Later that evening, the team had dinner at the home of Danielle Escobedo '28, a first-year and current team member, where they gathered to watch the Notre Dame football game.

Co-captain Grace Barresi '25 said, "I felt it was a great bonding experience and helped create memories that will last a lifetime. Not many college players can say they went to California with their team, and we're all beyond grateful for the opportunity. California was a new state for many of us, and being able to find new things to eat, see, and play soccer was an experience I will never forget." 

September 5, 2024