On Friday, April 25, Cuyamaca College celebrated the men’s soccer team’s championship season with a ring celebration, banner reveal, and County of San Diego proclamation, presented by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. 

The men’s soccer team proudly donned their matching champions’ jackets as they received commemorative rings for winning the 2024 3C2A Men’s Soccer Championship. Their victory marks a historic achievement as the first title won by a soccer team from the San Diego Imperial County Region, and only the fourth in the Southern California region.

On hand to celebrate were Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Chancellor Lynn Ceresino Neault, Governing Board President Debbie Justeson, Governing Board Vice President Julie Schorr, Cuyamaca College President Jessica Robinson, Cuyamaca College Athletic Director Tonie Campbell, as well as other administrators, employees and family members. On behalf of the County of San Diego, Montgomery Steppe declared the day as “Cuyamaca College Men’s Soccer Team Day.”

The championship rings, kept under wraps until the team could unveil them together, were revealed in a moment of shared excitement. Athletic Director Tonie Campbell led the countdown, and the players’ expressions highlighted the stunning design of the rings. 

Each championship ring features the team’s mascot, a Coyote, in the center surrounded by sparkling stones. 

Coach Brian Hiatt-Aleu, a four-time PCAC Coach of the Year, spoke emotionally about the team’s unwavering mindset and focus leading up to the final game, and thanked the players, parents, District, and college employees for all of their support. Team MVP Enrique “Kike” Rodriguez had the honor of pulling the cord to reveal the team’s new 2024 championship banner, now proudly hung and displayed in the breezeway of the gymnasium.

The Coyotes dominated the 2024 season in the playoffs, winning all six games and averaging two goals per game while conceding only four goals across the six matches. Their regular season performance was equally impressive, scoring 64 goals in 25 games with an 84% shot accuracy, and finishing the season on a scorching 15-game winning streak. 

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District takes immense pride in the Coyotes’ accomplishments and looks forward to their continued growth and success.

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) includes Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges.  

Editor’s note: Copy and photos provided by Cuyamaca College.