Back in the early days of his tenure with the San Dieguito Academy boys soccer team, when Head Coach Michael Elenz-Martin discussed his squad he often sounded more like a CEO than a high school coach.<\/p>\n
Instead of talking primarily about wins and losses, X\u2019s & O\u2019s and other typical athletic banter, Elenz-Martin\u2019s words centered on his long range plan for the program, outlined the non-athletic benefits he wanted to provide for his players and, most of all, emphasized developing a culture that would lead to success on the field.<\/p>\n
Today, in the middle of Elenz-Martin\u2019s fifth season, the story of what the Mustang boys have accomplished is truly remarkable. The \u201cCEO\u201d has a blue chip stock on his hands. His charges also have a very real chance of making history by capturing the first CIF Open Division championship for San Dieguito in any sport.<\/p>\n
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<\/source><\/picture>\nSDA\u2019s fifth-year Head Coach Mike Elenz-Martin<\/p>\n
(Ken Grosse)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Taking over a Division II side that had won just four games the previous season, the new coach doubled the win total in year one (2018-19) and in the three-plus seasons since has racked up a stellar 54-22-16 mark. SDA has also methodically climbed the ladder in the post-season\u2014CIF Division II quarterfinals to DII semi-finals and then the DII championship game which they dropped vs. Valhalla in 2021.<\/p>\n
Last winter, the now-elevated-to-Division I Mustangs promptly earned one of the eight coveted slots in the CIF Open Division Playoffs. After starting the regular season 13-3-5, they ran out of steam late, dropping four of the last five, including a one-sided loss to Coronado in the CIF\u2019s first round.<\/p>\n
This season, San Dieguito is 12-2-4, the only blemishes being a late game, 3-2, holiday tournament defeat at the hands of Perry, the No. 2 team in Arizona, and 4-0 shocker last Friday at San Pasqual, the defending Open Division titlist. The San Pasqual defeat aside, with a roster boasting 19 seniors, SDA is currently ranked No. 2 in the CIF\u2019s Power Rankings and has proved itself capable of challenging anyone in the San Diego Section. The Mustangs have outscored opponents, 43-13, and posted 13 shutouts.<\/p>\n
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<\/source><\/picture>\nMustangs celebrate.<\/p>\n
(Grace Ko)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cThis could be a real special year,\u201d said Elenz-Martin. \u201cIt\u2019s been a year-to-year progression to get here, though, and the season is a progression unto itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now, we want to stay healthy, take it game-by-game, really focus on the training and team play and stay humble. We\u2019re able to do that because we\u2019ve got an experienced group of guys, many who came in and got playing time as sophomores.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve helped set the culture that is really our foundation. Our guys know their roles and what they need to do to change their roles. We\u2019ve had a target on our backs this year and I think our record shows our depth and strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
Employing a possession-oriented approach, SDA likes to attack from the wings but can also play through the middle with fluidity. Elenz-Martin allows his players to make their own decisions on the field which results in a free-flowing, visually-pleasing style. While things naturally evolve through the midfield, the Mustangs have talent up-and-down the field.<\/p>\n
On the back end, 6-1 Davidson commit Lucas Beltran is formidable presence in goal. \u201cHe\u2019s the full, complete goalkeeper,\u201d says Elenz-Martin. \u201cHe\u2019s a solid shot blocker, has intelligence on ball, can use both feet and his tactical ability is outstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the middle of the defensive four are center backs Jake Kluka and Mason McDermott, flanked by left back Richie Espinoza and junior team captain Garrett Delorme, the only non-senior of the quartet.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think McDermott and Luka are the strongest center backs in San Diego right now,\u201d lauded Elenz-Martin. \u201cJake is explosive fast, physical and is known for his aerial ability. Mason is pretty clean with his decision-making, always does things at the right moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cOutside, Richie and Garrett both love to get forward and involved in the attacking end. They give us quality crosses with a high level of accuracy and great distribution.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking of great distribution, it\u2019s one of the reasons Elenz-Martin sometimes refers to center attacking midfielder Soren Groessl as \u201cthe magician.\u201d The senior has excellent vision and a knack for scoring goals in and around the box\u2014he\u2019s chalked up six goals and five assists on the season. Another pair of fourth-year players, Nico Quanback (also headed to Davidson) and Ethan McNulty (USD), patrol the wings. Senior Matt McLeod and junior Riley Kellar are part of the regular midfield rotation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a dynamic midfield that\u2019s very deep and is one of the core strengths of our roster,\u201d said Elenz-Martin. \u201cThey work very well together and give us the versatility to change looks according to what the opponent does.\u201d<\/p>\n
When the ball gets into the final third, the Mustangs\u2019 striker combo of seniors Jackson D\u2019Alessandro (UC Riverside commit), a transfer from La Costa Canyon, and Gavin Culley (Albert commit) is deadly. The duo has combined for 24 goals and 11 assists to date and is a heavily responsible for the fact that the team is averaging nearly three goals per match.<\/p>\n
\u201cJackson has become one of our best attacking players and has the speed and ability to go at a defender 1v1,\u201d says Elenz-Martin. \u201cGavin is very versatile and operates a lot on the outside. He\u2019s got a gift for scoring and his movement off the ball is phenomenal. Those two together make it very tough for opposing defenses.\u201d<\/p>\n
So now, with the pieces in place, what will it take for the Mustangs to get over the final barrier and earn that first championship banner? For Elenz-Martin, the answer is not complicated.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of it comes down to keeping focused on the simple things,\u201d he said. \u201cThe routines, the environment you\u2019ve created, going back to the basics. Sometimes, when you have an overload of success, you can lose track of how you handle those things.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoing the little things right, being consistent with that, holding everyone accountable\u2014that\u2019s when you see long term success and can reach the end result.\u201d<\/p>\n
Six regular season games are left starting this week on the road at Rancho Bernardo (Wednesday) and Torrey Pines (Friday). A good chance to test the sturdiness of SDA\u2019s mindset. \u201cOne week at a time, one game at a time,\u201d smiled Elenz-Martin. \u201cWith the loss to San Pasqual, we\u2019re facing some trials and tribulations right now\u2014every team does during a season. It\u2019s good for the kids to go through that and get a chance to respond.\u201d<\/p>\n
SOREN GROESSL Q & A<\/b><\/p>\n
At 5-9, 148 pounds with a bushy head of curly brown hair that dominates first appearances, Soren Groessl does not necessarily come across immediately as a standout athlete. But put the 17-year-old Encinitas resident on a soccer field and he displays the kind of talent that has made him one of the best players on one of San Diego\u2019s best prep teams, San Dieguito Academy.<\/p>\n
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<\/source><\/picture>\nSenior midfielder Soren Groessl<\/p>\n
(Ken Grosse)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
The senior center midfielder has been a three-year starter on a squad that is clearly one of the prime contenders for a berth in this year\u2019s CIF Open Division bracket and has the look of a potential champion. He\u2019s recorded six goals and five assists to date.<\/p>\n
His head coach, Michael Elenz-Martin, who has also been his club coach at Encinitas Express, has no shortage of praise for Groessl\u2019s talents or the way that he utilizes them. \u201cHe is definitely one of the best midfielders in the county but is also very humble and unselfish,\u201d says Elenz-Martin. \u201cSoren reads the game exceptionally well, is very technical but sees things so far in advance that he puts himself in positions early enough to be more effective than other attacking players.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is capable as a goal-scorer but his sense of selflessness makes him even more of a force. He won\u2019t go 1v1 at a poor angle, instead makes the assist on someone else\u2019s goal and is just as proud of what he\u2019s done. He\u2019s an ultimate team player.\u201d Also solid in the classroom, he boasts a weighted GPA of over 4.0 at SDA.<\/p>\n
With the CIF Playoffs now less than a month away, Groessl took time to share his thoughts on a number of topics, including the ascent of the SDA program, how he would describe various teammates and some of his off-the-field activity.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014From your perspective, what have been the key factors in the boys soccer program\u2019s rise during your four seasons at SDA?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014I would have to say it started with the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022. We were always looking up at the standard they set, seeing how they acted, their effort and how they passed it along.<\/p>\n
The work effort has always been great at SDA and that hard work and talent has been paying off. You combine that with all of the coaches and it\u2019s not surprising. Mike (Elenz-Martin) is an amazing leader and knows how to get the best out of each player, regardless of their role.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014When you were a freshman, did you envision a time during your high school career that SDA could compete toe-to-toe with the teams perennially at the top of Division I?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014That\u2019s always what I believed. I knew our freshman class was good enough to grow to be a very good team and it\u2019s really cool to see that happening now.<\/p>\n
A lot of a player\u2019s development comes from those years in between, before they reach varsity. You can get a lot better with good players around you. When I made the choice to go to San Dieguito, I knew the team was pretty solid, I knew our coach because I had played for him in club soccer and wanted to continue to play for him. I had also asked around and knew other good players were planning to play at SDA.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014Your team has a huge senior class. How close is the team on and off the field and how important is that shared experience in making your team a CIF contender this season?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014I would say we\u2019re very close, super close, and are always around each other. I\u2019m going to be friends with these guys for a long time. The experience has been so much fun.<\/p>\n
As a team, togetherness is something that wins you games and I know that\u2019s won us a lot of games. When things get tight, those relationships can beat talent. This year, we\u2019ve had a couple of results that could have gone the other way but our communication and togetherness won us those games.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014What about soccer made it your favorite sport?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014I haven\u2019t played others to the same extent, so it\u2019s hard to make comparisons, but just some of the experiences I\u2019ve had come to mind. There are so many places I\u2019ve gone, people from so many different places, nations, I\u2019ve met thanks to soccer.<\/p>\n
I watch soccer globally, follow it online and learned so many things by doing that. It\u2019s a lifestyle. I mean I walk around my house with a ball at my feet.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014What are the most important things that Coach Mike Elenz-Martin brings to the SDA program?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014I think Mike\u2019s best quality is \u201cman management.\u201d He\u2019s a great leader and one-on-one he\u2019s very effective at bringing confidence to each player. He\u2019s extremely organized, provides goals and is always keeping us in check which is really important at the high school level. I know he always gets me motivated.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014What makes San Dieguito different from other top programs?<\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014As a school, SDA has always prided itself on being inclusive and appreciating others. As a squad, we try to get the best out of every individual and put that together to win games. Our team is always positive, always looking to encourage each other and never put our heads down.<\/p>\n
We try to be confident but not cocky, treat every game the same and want to make sure we\u2019re having fun while also striving to win games and go as far as we can.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014What has been the highlight of your SDA career to date?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014As a sophomore, my first year on the varsity, the whole playoff run was amazing. Only a sophomore and getting to play at an older, higher level was awesome.<\/p>\n
After the championship game, the team bus stopped at In \u2018n Out (no the bus did not go through the drive thru) and it was a very special night. Hopefully, we\u2019ll be making some new memories this season with league, CIF and maybe even state.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014Here\u2019s a list of a half dozen of your SDA teammates. What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of each?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014Jackson D\u2019Alessandro \u2013 \u201cSpark.\u201d Gavin Culley \u2013 \u201cCreate.\u201d Garrett Delorme \u2013 \u201cLink.\u201d Lucas Beltran \u2013 \u201cWall.\u201d Nico Quanbeck \u2013 \u201cUntouchable.\u201d Ethan McNaughton \u2013 \u201cEverything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Q\u2014Off the field in your down time, you\u2019ve said you like to watch movies, read books, play some video games and just relax. What would you say is your favorite movie and maybe provide a critique of something you\u2019ve seen recently?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014For a large percentage of my life, I\u2019d say \u201cCars\u201d is my top movie\u2014it\u2019s a classic. I could go watch it right now and it would probably be better than 99% of the other choices I\u2019d have. When I was a kid I used to play with cars, crash them into each other, they were all dented. My friends had cars too but theirs were all nice and clean. Anyway, the movie\u2019s great and good for all ages.<\/p>\n
Recently, I watched Smile which is a horror movie. I thought it was terrible, primarily because I hate horror movies. I watched Forrest Gump a few weeks ago and it would probably be my second favorite.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014What has been your favorite class at SDA?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014Culinary Arts, taught by Mr. Huntley. I\u2019m taking it this year. I took it online as a sophomore but making food in your own kitchen doesn\u2019t really count. In our class groups, we get to communicate, make food from all over the world together and eat it, which is great, especially since I have the class right before lunch.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s super laid back, will really help me in the future and it\u2019s something I always look forward to. This year we\u2019ve been making some really difficult dishes. Recently we made frittata which took three days of prep.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014What do you see in your future, academically and athletically?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014That is the hardest question. Right now, I\u2019m considering several schools for college, including UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis and Wisconsin, which is my mom and dad\u2019s alma mater. I\u2019ve gotten into some smaller schools where I could also play soccer. They are great options but I\u2019m more focused on academics and not necessarily eager about the time commitment required to play Division I soccer. The best chance to play intercollegiate soccer may be at UC Santa Cruz. I may try to walk on, depending on where I go, or play club soccer. I can\u2019t see myself quitting the game altogether. Personally, I can have fun playing at any level but don\u2019t want to sacrifice my education to do it.<\/p>\n
Academically, I\u2019m planning to major in psychology, the subject in which both my parents got degrees. I feel like through that I can change the world in a small sense. My dad works in healthcare research and my mom\u2019s a social worker. Looking up to them, I think I can help others.<\/p>\n
Q\u2014How confident are you that SDA has what it takes to win the CIF Open Division Championship this year?<\/b><\/p>\n
GROESSL\u2014100%. I\u2019ve seen how good we\u2019ve played and how good we can be. If we\u2019re at our best, I think we can beat any team out there. That said, it\u2019s extremely important to take things one game at a time.<\/p>\n
It would be a difficult task as our loss last Friday night proved. There are so many good teams and the No. 1 seed has not won the title since I\u2019ve been at SDA.<\/p>\n
As a team, we talked about after Friday\u2019s game, talked about what motivates us, why we\u2019re out here and what we can do to turn things around. We have six games left and we\u2019re going to treat them like six finals. We have to win out\u2014that\u2019s very important to us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n