Cuesta Women's Soccer is prepped to make its way up the Western State Conference standings, as Coach Kaleb Lique Naitove continues to rebuild a program that was in transition coming out of the pandemic. The Cougars reached the playoffs in 2019 but have only gone 5-30-4 since the cancelling of the 2020 season. Founding Coach Bob Wilson left the program after going 4-12-2 in his swansong and Coach Lique Naitove, a former college star and high school coach, slid over from his duties as Cuesta Track & Field's Sprint Coach to replace Wilson just before the 2021 season. The late coaching change doomed the season and the team folded after only four games (0-3-1). Lique Naitove, as the program's second coach since 1995, accepted the challenge and was in full rebuild mode last season as the Cougars made it through the year with a 1-15-1 record. The team appears to be back on track this season as Lique Naitove returns eight players from his first recruiting class and a host of talented newcomers. 2023 All-Western State Conference selections Keira Becker-Tresky and Hailey Hallford (pict) lead the Cougars back onto the pitch this season, while, among their eight returners the Cougars also bring back leading scorer Shaylee Sargent. Sargent and Hallford join Forward Gracie Townsend and Midfielder Lyndsey Mitchell as the only returners to boast a goal at the collegiate level, however that club is expected to quickly expand. Midfielders Audrie Greene, Payton Grimes and Emmersyn Vegas are all back on the pitch and complete the Cougars' talented veteran core.
Cuesta and Coach Lique Naitove made the most of the off-season and, along with their returners, have a full side of eleven newcomers on the field. The new class will be tested on the first day, but several players already boast the bonafides to make an impact this season. Goaltender Allison Marble is expected to battle with fellow Newcomer Shae Mansfield for the spot between the pipes after earning all-County honors by leading Independence High School in Paso Robles to a league title. Midfielders Taylor Lynch and Mikayla Alden also bring all-League credentials from Bakersfield and Sunnyvale, respectively. Lique Naitove also brought in Oregonian Star Katherine Michaelis out of Klamath Falls, who was accorded all-State Second Team for Henley High School. The Cougars also have high expectations for Oneal Hunt, who starred at nearby Arroyo Grande HS. Hunt was a goal waiting to happen for the Eagles and completed her prep career with 33 tallies and 75 points. Fellow Freshmen Payton Lapp and Mikayla Schad are also expected to be at the point of attack for Cuesta, while Chelsea Stilts, Payton Grimes, Araya Dunbarr and Macy Giubbini will also see plenty of action on the pitch.
The Cougars open the season at home on Friday (4 PM) August 30 against Lemoore
