You Won't Believe How San Ramon Valley’s Boys and Girls Shocked Everyone to Win State Championships!

In an exhilarating display of teamwork and resilience, the San Ramon Valley High School girls’ and boys’ soccer teams each claimed the prestigious CIF State Division II championships on March 13, 2026. This remarkable achievement has brought joy and pride to the Danville community, especially given that both teams overcame significant odds to secure their titles.

The girls’ team, seeded No. 7, showcased phenomenal defensive prowess throughout the tournament. Their journey began with a nail-biting shootout victory over the No. 2 seed, Vista del Lago, after a 1-1 draw in regulation. The Wolves continued their impressive run with a narrow 1-0 win against No. 3 Cardinal Newman in Santa Rosa, followed by another hard-fought 1-0 victory over No. 4 Mitty in the NorCal final. This series of wins propelled them into the inaugural CIF State Championship game.

“(Making the state finals) wasn’t a thought until probably the semifinals,” reflected San Ramon Valley coach Mark Jones. “That’s when we thought, if we beat Mitty, holy (stuff).”

In the state championship match against Westlake from Southern California—who had yet to concede a goal throughout the tournament—the game remained scoreless through regulation. It was in overtime that freshman Morgan Van Puffelen delivered a stunning game-winner, marking her second decisive goal in consecutive matches.

“It was cool to be involved in the inaugural state game,” Jones said. “What we did was crazy.”

The girls’ impressive run wasn’t just about skill on the field; it also involved an extraordinary amount of travel. The Wolves played all four CIF games on the road, covering over 700 miles along the way. “A lot of bus rides made for a lot of fun. What a great run,” Jones added.

Meanwhile, the San Ramon Valley boys’ team embarked on their championship journey as the unlikely No. 8 seed in the NorCal region. Their path was equally challenging, starting with a decisive 4-1 victory over the top-seeded Clovis. Next, the Wolves traveled to Napa to face No. 4 Vintage High, where they won 2-1, before heading to No. 6 Berkeley for another 2-1 triumph, securing a spot in the state title game.

On the same field as the girls’ team, the boys faced Mira Monte of Bakersfield, who arrived with a strong record of 25-1-3. In a commanding performance, the Wolves secured a 4-1 victory. “It was a pretty sweet journey,” said boys’ coach Don Busboom. “This year’s team showed something—getting over hurdles and adversity. We had some great leaders and the kids were relentless.”

For the boys, this season was marked by initial setbacks. The team's first goal was to win their league, but a late-season tie dashed those hopes. They then made it to the NCS finals, only to fall to Berkeley 1-0. “The kids were crushed,” Busboom reflected. “It was going to be interesting to see how the kids responded in NorCal.” Surprisingly, they received the No. 8 seed, but instead of being discouraged, this ignited a spark within the team.

“The boys really leaned into the tournament,” said Busboom. “They were like, ‘What?’ when the seeds came out.”

After overcoming Clovis and Vintage, the Wolves faced Berkeley again, this time seeking redemption. The victory propelled them into the CIF title game, where they executed a game plan focused on denying Mira Monte's key players. With standout performances, including a hat trick from Aiden DePaco, the Wolves clinched their state title.

Coach Busboom praised the efforts of his players, singling out Garret Colley, Sam Turner, Xander Lee, DePaco, and goalie Brayden Kimball for their pivotal contributions. He also credited his assistant coaches, particularly Jamie Kelley, who played a crucial role in preparing the team throughout the season.

The synchronization of the girls’ and boys’ victories added an extra layer of excitement. “It was so cool to be out on the field warming up when Mark’s team was celebrating,” Busboom said, highlighting the camaraderie between the two squads.

The triumphs of both the San Ramon Valley High School soccer teams serve as a testament to the power of determination and teamwork, solidifying their legacies in the annals of local sports history. The Danville community eagerly celebrates these remarkable achievements as a source of pride and inspiration for future generations.