5 Reasons Why Cal Lutheran Women's Soccer Is Still A DIII Powerhouse After Their Historic National Championship
The California Lutheran University (CLU) Women's Soccer program, known as the Regals, has firmly established itself as a dominant force in NCAA Division III women's soccer. Following their monumental 2023 NCAA National Championship victory—the first-ever national title in program history—the team has not rested on its laurels, continuing its high-level performance into the most recent competitive seasons. As of the current date in late 2025, the Regals are still making headlines, proving that their championship run was the start of a new era, not a one-off event. Their continued success is a testament to a deep roster, exceptional coaching, and a winning culture that permeates the Thousand Oaks campus.
The 2024 season, in particular, showcased the team’s resilience and ability to maintain excellence, finishing with an impressive overall record of 12-4-4 and a stellar 10-2 mark in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). This follow-up performance, which included another deep run into the SCIAC postseason, cemented their status as a perennial powerhouse and a major contender on the national stage. This article dives into the key factors and recent achievements that keep the CLU Regals at the top of the DIII soccer conversation.
The Architects of Success: Coaching Staff and Program Profile
The foundation of the Cal Lutheran Women's Soccer program's sustained success lies with its dedicated and long-serving coaching staff. Their tenure and commitment have created a stable and high-performing environment for student-athletes.
- Head Coach: Frank Marino
- Tenure: Since 2009
- Key Achievements: Led the team to its first-ever NCAA National Championship in 2023; consistently guides the Regals to the SCIAC postseason tournament; his staff was honored at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in early 2024 for their championship success.
- Associate Head Coach: Brenton Frame
- Promotion: Promoted to Associate Head Coach after serving as an assistant since 2022, highlighting the program's investment in its leadership team.
- Program Affiliation: NCAA Division III, Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC)
- Home Field: William Rolland Stadium, Thousand Oaks, California
1. The 2024 Season: Sustained Excellence and SCIAC Dominance
Following a national championship is often the hardest challenge in college athletics, but the Regals navigated the 2024 season with remarkable consistency, proving their championship pedigree was not a fluke. The team’s overall record of 12-4-4 and a conference record of 10-2 demonstrated their continued dominance within the SCIAC.
The 2024 campaign was highlighted by crucial conference victories and a strong showing in the postseason. The team's defensive structure, a hallmark of Head Coach Frank Marino's philosophy, remained formidable, allowing them to control the tempo of many matches. Key results from the season include:
- SCIAC Postseason Success: The Regals once again reached the SCIAC Finals, a testament to their regular-season consistency.
- NCAA Tournament Run: Cal Lutheran secured a spot in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, advancing to the Round of 32 with a commanding 3-0 victory in the opening round. Their run included a thrilling, hard-fought match in the Second Round against a tough opponent like No. 22 Trinity (TX).
- Key Conference Wins: They secured important victories against top SCIAC rivals, including a clutch win over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.
This sustained level of play against high-caliber opponents solidifies the fact that the CLU Regals soccer program is a consistent threat, not just a fleeting champion.
2. The Defensive Anchor: Avery West’s Unprecedented SCIAC Recognition
Every elite team needs a defensive anchor, and for the Cal Lutheran Regals, that player is Avery West. Her consistent, high-level performance has earned her some of the most prestigious individual defensive honors in the conference, making her one of the most decorated defenders in the program's history.
West’s list of recent accolades is extensive and speaks volumes about her impact on the field:
- Back-to-Back SCIAC Defensive Athlete of the Year: She earned this rare distinction, highlighting her dominance in the conference for consecutive seasons.
- 2024 First Team All-SCIAC Selection: Continuing her run of excellence, West was recognized as a top player in the SCIAC in the 2024 season.
- 2023 National Championship Contributor: West was a vital part of the squad that captured the 2023 NCAA National Championship, providing the defensive stability needed for a title run.
Players like West, who demonstrate elite talent and leadership, are the core reason the Regals continue to be a top-tier program. Her ability to shut down opposing attacks and initiate offense is a major component of the team’s success in DIII women's soccer.
3. The Legacy of the 2023 NCAA National Championship
The 2023 season was a historic, watershed moment for Cal Lutheran athletics, as the women’s soccer team secured the university's first-ever NCAA National Championship. This achievement has fundamentally changed the perception and trajectory of the program.
The championship legacy provides a powerful recruiting tool, attracting top-tier student-athletes who want to be part of a proven winner. More importantly, it established a culture of winning and high expectation. The current roster, including key players from the 2024 season like Anna Evenson, Elisa Shott, and Nevaeh Rascon, now play with the confidence and knowledge that they belong among the nation’s elite.
The championship has also led to greater institutional support and national recognition, with Head Coach Frank Marino and his staff receiving honors from organizations like the United Soccer Coaches. This elevated status ensures that the Regals remain a focal point in the national DIII women's soccer landscape for years to come.
4. Emerging Talent and Roster Depth
A key indicator of a sustained powerhouse is the ability to integrate new talent and maintain depth, even after the departure of championship-winning seniors. The 2024 roster featured several promising athletes who stepped up to fill critical roles, ensuring the team remained competitive.
- Angelina Hernandez: A forward who demonstrated her offensive potential, earning playing time in 16 games and contributing an assist during the 2024 campaign.
- Jazlyn Campbell: A multi-sport athlete with a strong background in soccer, track, and cross country, she brings a high level of athleticism and competitive spirit to the squad.
- New SCIAC First Team Selections: While Avery West continued her dominance, the emergence of new All-SCIAC selections in future seasons will be critical, building on the foundation set by 2023 First Team players like Eden Quiroz and Isabella Veljacic.
This continuous cycle of developing and integrating talent is what separates a one-hit wonder from a true college soccer powerhouse. The Regals’ ability to reload and perform year after year speaks to the strength of their scouting and player development under Coach Marino.
5. The SCIAC Postseason Battleground and Rivalry Intensity
The Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) is a highly competitive league, and the Regals’ consistent success within it sharpens their edge for the national tournament. Winning the conference often requires overcoming intense rivalries and high-pressure tournament situations.
The 2024 season saw the Regals engage in fierce battles, including the SCIAC Finals against rivals like Pomona-Pitzer (P-P), a match that often determines the conference's automatic NCAA bid. These high-stakes conference games—which often go to overtime or are decided by a single goal—prepare the team for the intensity of the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. The ability to prevail in these close contests, such as their overtime victory in the NCAA 2nd Round, demonstrates the mental fortitude and clutch performance that the Cal Lutheran women's soccer team has cultivated.
In conclusion, the Cal Lutheran Women's Soccer program is far more than just the 2023 National Champions. Their 2024 season, marked by a dominant SCIAC record, the continued excellence of players like Avery West, and the stable leadership of Frank Marino, proves that the Regals are a sustained DIII powerhouse. They continue to set the standard for excellence in college soccer, making every upcoming season a must-watch event for fans of the beautiful game.
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