La Mesa, CA
The 2024 Cuyamaca College Men's Soccer team closed the books on their historic season with a presentation of championship rings, banner and proclamation. PCAC Coach of the year received the honors as County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe officially proclaimed April 25th, 2025 as Cuyamaca College Men's Soccer Team Day. The Coyotes are the first team (College or HS) to win a California State Title. In attendance were the 2024 and members of this fall's 2025 Men's team and a crowd of 50+ on lookers.
The morning festivities were hosted by Cuyamaca College President Jessica Robinson who gave a energized opening speech highlighting the team's championship run which started two seasons ago with their failed bid to win the state title the previous year losing in the final game. The team was introduced by Dean Tonie Campbell. Each member was given their individual team rings which were designed and collaborated by Cuyamaca staff, coaches and athletes. However, the athletes were not allowed to open the boxes until after Supervisor Montgomery-Steppe's proclamation. Dean Campbell, led the unveiling of the rings, however taking the moment to tease the athletes and crowd by pausing his countdown to lament on a story. To everyone's joy, this was just a ploy to throw off the team and quickly counted to three and let each athlete see the physical manifestation of their hard work and team efforts.
Head Coach Brian Hiatt-Aleu gave a heartfelt and emotional recap of the season, his affection for the players and all that they achieved. Coach Hiatt-Aleu, generally stoic, surprised all when the tears began to flow as he thanked the team and his family for the sacrifices all willing make for athletes and coaches to fulfill their sporting dreams.
The event concluded with the unvieling of the latest PCAC Championship banner. Plans for a State banner are in the works. A new state banner design and location for what is hoped to be the first of many to come was hinted by Dean Campbell as soon to come.
