With the fall semester underway, Fresno Christian boys and girls soccer teams get ready for a new season filled with fresh talent and a renewed drive for championship glory. Coaches and players prepare to take on rivals across the Central Valley.
As anticipation builds, returning athletes begin to mentor younger teammates while newcomers bring energy to the field. Through practice and drills, players are amping up for a memorable season.
Boys Soccer
Under the guidance of Head Coach Jacob Bynum and Assistant Coaches Zack Aguirre and Jakob Rieker, the team enters the season larger than ever. With 25 players, the largest team in four years, the team is ready to showcase skills of both returning athletes and promising newcomers.
Sophomore Jackson Sullivan has played soccer for 11 years, returning to the FC soccer team for his second year at midfield.
“I love the creativity of soccer and that the game can change so quickly,” Sullivan said. “I’m excited for the new players and just having a good time bonding with new people. Our coach is also amazing; I love Bynum.”
The first JV team in years offers more players the opportunity to compete and develop skills. Five new seniors and six freshmen not only boost competitiveness but also foster a larger community.
With the expanded roster, veteran players are there to mentor and teach younger athletes. Jacob Christensen, ‘26, enters this season as a senior captain, leading the entire team through practice and games while alongside them on the field.
“I started playing soccer when I was three, making this my 15 year of playing and my fourth year on FC Varsity, starting as the only freshman and finishing as a captain this season,” Christensen said. “This has been the biggest team FC has seen in a while and there is a lot of overwhelming potential that will lead to positive things this season. I’ve been a part of some very good teams in the past and have been mentored by amazing players, so I hope this year I am able to pass that down to these younger players.”
With away games and multiple tournament matches, FC boys soccer has a packed schedule through February. The boys strive to build upon their strengths and take every opportunity to play their best as the season begins. Come out and support FC Boys Soccer in their first game on 4:30 p.m., Dec. 2, at Fresno Christian High School.
Girls Soccer
Led by head coach Matthew Markarian, the FC Varsity girls soccer team prepares to follow up on their 2025 Valley Championship win.
Senior McKenna Pierce returns to the varsity team for her third year, looking forward to this season.
“I am looking forward to just growing together,” Pierce said. “We are a very young team this year and we just work hard and do our best. You are not always gonna be able to give 100%, but your attitude can.”
This year’s team captains are juniors Hailey Higton, Jane Higton, and senior Meghan Connolly. They will play a vital role in guiding the team, setting expectations in practice and boosting confidence as the team strives to defend its championship.
FC Varsity girls’ soccer just recently had a standout match against a top Division 1 program, Clovis East. The girls played with grit and intensity throughout the entire match, coming out with a 1-1 tie.
“Clovis East was a great test for us. It showed me that we have a lot of talent on this roster, but we need to continue to work on being disciplined in our shape and build some depth,” Markarian said. “I was very impressed with how our veteran players led and how we were able to integrate the new players into the roster.
View this post on Instagram
As the season progresses, the girls’ team faces a challenging lineup of tournaments and opponents that will test their skills. With a mix of new and returning players, they are focused on improving their game and staying positive throughout the winter months. Come out and cheer on the lady eagles for their first home game at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 3
For more from the feather, check out Basketball drives into season of growth and Local athlete lights up soccer field at Fresno State.
