As the Dolphins soccer season closes out both girls’ and boys’ varsity teams have done extremely well this year and wish to make a bigger statement next year. Both won Districts, the boys played Escambia for the District title and mercy ruled them 8-0 but fell short in regional finals to Arnold losing 3-1 finishing off their season 18-3-2. The girls on the other hand beat Milton 6-0 to claim their District title, a couple of weeks later losing to Naples 1-0 in regional finals.

   Regional Finals felt like a leap year to get to after barley beating Stanton 4-3 in a nail biter in Regional Semifinals. The past two years Gulf Breeze has been knocked out of the playoffs bracket to Stanton in Regional Semifinals. Losing 2-0 at the half all the fans were quiet and doubtful for a comeback in the next half. Scoring a tap in and a penalty minutes into the second half Hanie Kousa was named man of the match. Thomas Haddock scored off a header putting the Dolphins in their first lead of the game 3-2 with 6:00 minutes to play. Minutes later Stanton scored off a deflected shot tying the game up 3-3 with 1:00 minute to play. Going into halftime one of the teams felt as if they needed to break the deadlock because neither of them wanted to face penalties to decide the game. Anthony Ciccarello sent Gulf Breeze to the Regional Finals after netting a game winning penalty.

   Every year the girls’ varsity team always has a big chance of going to state. This year the lady dolphins only made it as far as the regional finals falling short to Naples losing 1-0. The Lady Dolphins breezed past Arnold and Stanton to make it to the finals making it light work. Delaney Williams finished the season with 18 goals, 52 shots, and 10 assists. Sadly, they couldn’t put away a game deciding goal against Naples to move onto the State tournament.

   Coach Gatica mentioned, “I think my girls had a great season. They started working last June and the challenging work paid off by us making it to the final four. Aiyannah Robinson had a standout season on defense, and we had multiple girls contribute offensively. I am proud of this group of girls and will miss the seniors who will be moving on to do wonderful things.”

   Coach King also mentioned, “Boys had a terrific season. They worked hard all off-season to prepare, and their efforts paid off with remarkable success. I couldn’t be prouder of our seniors, they provided tremendous leadership on and off the field. Obviously, we fell short of our goal, but we achieved a lot, and the boys should hold their heads high on a great year.”

   Player Skyler Hendricks said, “I thought my team played the best and even though we did not get the outcome we wanted I am proud of how far we came in other ways.”

   “This was my favorite season yet,” said senior Savannah Jocobi. “I felt like our team was so close and we ended up going farther in post season than any other year that I’ve played!” Both teams had excellent seasons, and are hoping to go even farther next year!