The Sunlake Seahawks soccer team is preparing to defend its Class 6A state championship title after defeating Jacksonville Mandarin last season. Coach Danielle Fotopoulos, a former NCAA Division I record holder and 1999 Women’s World Cup winner, hopes the team can overcome the pressure of being defending champions. The Seahawks started the previous season struggling but finished strong with a 15-game winning streak before the championship match. Several key senior players will be replaced by newcomers, including champion scorer Elliot Hinz’s younger brother Eddie Hinz. In a challenging schedule ahead, the team will face tough opponents including rival Land O’ Lakes and state finalist Mitchell.Photo credits: Jennifer Creviston/The Sun.
Key Points:
- Sunlake defeated Jacksonville Mandarin 3-2 in the Class 6A state championship final on Feb. 25.
- The Seahawks won 15 straight games after an opening 1-1-3 start last season.
- Champion Elliot Hinz scored the title-winning goal with a 70th minute diving header.
- Coach Danielle Fotopoulos holds NCAA Division I career records for goals with 118 and points with 284.
- The program is transitioning from Class 6A to Class 5A-District 9 for the upcoming season.
