It’s unusual for an incoming freshman athlete at any level to come in to a new system, at a new school, under a new coaching staff, and immediately put a mark on the field instantly – all while being on a nine-game road-trip to kickoff the collegiate season.
Victoria Pyle, Ridgeview High School’s all-time leading goal-scorer, has done just that for Bakersfield College’s soccer team thus far, and more. Already with a team-high five goals and 12 points, Pyle also has two assists in her very young freshman year.
Prior to all this, the game of soccer has always been part of her competitive spirit.
“I started playing at the age of five. I was coached by my dad and played AYSO until I joined a club team in fourth grade,” Pyle reflects.
Throughout her club-playing days, which just ended in June 2014, is when Pyle truly realized her potential with the game.
“Club was challenging; we would scrimmage with colleges which helped build my confidence,” she says.
In high school, Pyle was a four-year varsity player (three of those four years All-League mentions), an All-Area honorable mention, one league MVP title, and part of Ridgeview’s multiple South Yosemite League titles.
After her prolific high school playing career, Pyle was unsure where the rest of her future playing days would take her.
“I knew I wanted to play college ball, but not sure where. I had Taft and other out of school offers, but I chose BC so I could stay in town then see where it’ll take me afterward.”
Adjusting to the college level style of play, Pyle credits head coach Scott Dameron.
“He [Dameron] has helped me transition very well, especially getting better at my position.”
In Pyle’s season opener, she scored one out of five team goals in a shutout against College of the Sequoias on Sept. 3, 5-0.
The Renegades got a taste of their own blowout, however, three days later against Ventura College, 7-1.
“It was an eye-opener. My teammates and I didn’t play up to our potential,” Pyle recalls.
Things shifted quickly as Pyle and her gang went on to win the next four-out-of-five road games, including an upset win against 17th national-ranked Feather River College, 3-2 on Sept. 13 where Pyle scored the statement goal in the 73rd minute to close it out.
After her performance during that week, Pyle was named Western State Conference Player of the Week.
“The fact that we are able to play at these teams’ levels and even beat them shows our potential,” Pyle says.
Even with all the games away from Bakersfield College, being on the road for such a long period hasn’t affected Pyle and the team at all.
“We’re always ready to play. It just makes us better.”
With conference play heating up now, the women’s team has their hopes very high and Pyle is not one to shy away from standing up for her team.
“I think we’ll do very well. We have a great team and we know it’s not going to get any easier but we have our minds on winning the conference.”
Although Pyle was battling a mild concussion a week ago, she’s back to full form and ready to go.