As news of incredible female athletes spread across the globe, from California native Alysa Liu skating to Olympic gold, to the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team claiming gold at the Winter Olympics, something extraordinary was happening right here in Vacaville: young women were showing that dreams, hard work, and belief in one another can truly change everything.
On February 21, 2026, the Vacaville High School Girls Soccer team made history. Entering the playoffs as the fourth seed, the Bulldogs faced second-seeded Rocklin Thunder in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II Championship. And when the final whistle blew, Vacaville had won 2–0, their first-ever section title.
For a team that had come heartbreakingly close in previous seasons, this wasn’t just a win. It was the moment everything they had worked for came together. It was the culmination of years of practice, sweat, and determination. It was proof that they could rise together, stronger than any challenge.
Senior captains Emma and Kallie Stacie, twin sisters who had grown up pushing each other to be their best, reflected on the journey.
“I’m proud of each and every one of us because we worked hard in practice and in games, and I feel like we really deserved this opportunity,” said Emma. “Over the years, I feel like we’ve grown together, gotten better together, and made each other better through our hard work and commitment to one another.”
Kallie added, “I think it shows how much this sport has grown, not just at the high school level but overall. I also think this is really meaningful for us to be role models for young girls who might look up to us and see that this is possible for them too, that they can set big goals and achieve them.”
Junior captain Sophia Franzioni offered a message for young athletes watching their success:
“Work hard, have fun, and take nothing for granted. You never know when you might be playing your last game, so play every game like it’s your last, give it everything you have, and enjoy every moment.”
On the field, the Bulldogs reflected everything their words promised: disciplined, fearless, and united. When one player stumbled, another stepped in. When the pressure mounted, they rose together. Every pass, every goal, every cheer from the sideline was a testament to their commitment to one another.
Coach Jennifer Eggley described what made the team so special:
“After a couple of days to reflect on the section win and what it means to the players and coaches alike, it still feels a little surreal,” Eggley said. “We have logged many hours of conditioning and practices toward reaching the championship game, which has been our goal all season. This team shares a powerful bond and genuine respect for one another, and they don’t play for individual recognition but for the strength of the group. When one player is a little off her game, her teammates step in to lift her up. That’s what makes them extraordinary.”
Principal Adam Wight celebrated the achievement as part of a larger story of female excellence at Vacaville High:
“Blue Banners are special,” he said. “This is just another testament to the amazing work that is happening in female athletics here at Vacaville High. Our girls’ programs are definitely experiencing a period of amazing success… Don’t ever count the Lady Bulldogs out!”
For the young girls in the stands, and for anyone watching from home, the message was clear: with hard work, belief, and the courage to support one another, you can achieve great things.
This wasn’t just a championship. It was a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and the power of young women who refuse to be counted out. The fourth-seeded Bulldogs became champions, history-makers, and living proof that dedication and heart can take you farther than you ever imagined.
And as the team sets its sights on the state playoffs, one thing is certain: Vacaville’s girls are showing the world that dreams aren’t just for some, they’re for anyone willing to chase them together.