(GILBERT, Ariz.) Girls soccer has unfinished business as it returns to the field this winter. Gilbert Christian completed last season at 16-2-1 overall, with its only losses coming against crosstown rival Ben Franklin, during the regular season and in the state championship game. With 12 returning varsity players and seven starters coming back, the runner-up Knights are hungry and ready to claim the coveted top spot this year.

"Our main goal is to return to the championship game and win it," Head Coach Hector Orellana said. "But another goal that I have for this team, that I feel is just as important, is for the players to not only gel and work together on the field, but to grow in their relationships with each other and to be strong supports for each other, spiritually, mentally and emotionally."

Returning to the turf for the Knights after an ACL injury kept her out half of her junior campaign, is senior Daniella Orellana. Look for the fierce midfielder to make things happen on offense and on defense, while leading the squad as one of its designated captains this season. Orellana scored six goals and registered four assists in 10 contests last year, and was named to the 3A East All Region Second Team, despite her absence from the team's first nine contests.

"During the preseason our team has been working on our team chemistry, as we have a very talented squad," Daniella Orellana said. "We have been training every day and working hard by getting to know each other. I'm determined to go back to the state final and a get a ring this year!"

Junior forward Caprice Chiuchiolo is another standout to keep an eye on this winter. The 2022-23 3A East All-Region Player of the Year enters her third season as a starter in the GCHS girls' soccer program, and has already committed to continuing her career at Grand Canyon University. She spent the offseason playing in the semi-professional United Women's Soccer League, and she was the lone female to play on the Knights' football team during the fall sports season. Last year, Chiuchiolo had a total of 84 points: 30 goals and 24 assists for Gilbert Christian.

Joining Chiuchiolo on last year's first team all-region squad was senior midfielder Jaidyn Wilson, and sophomore forward Mackenzie Kaiser. Kaiser, the team's leading scorer in 2022-23, hopes to return to action in January for GCHS after an injury. Wilson, who scored 13 goals, dished 10 assists and managed five steals in her junior campaign, is all set to finish where she left off for Orellana's Knights.

Kinley Rhineheimer is another big name on the GCHS roster. The junior midfielder played in all 19 matches last season, footing six goals and seven assists as she was named to the second team in the 3A East Region.

Rounding out the returning all-region nominees are Ella Cariveau, Selah Hommel and Eva Kiesow. All three players were selected as members of the honorable mention team for their efforts in 2022-23 and come back with a year of experience under their belts.

The Knights also have a strong incoming freshman class, five of whom have experience playing in Orellana's system while at the GCS Greenfield campus.

Be on the lookout for freshman superstar Mila Russo, who spent the fall running cross country for Gilbert Christian. In her first season, she became the program's first ever state champion, running a 5k in 19:32.3, to beat a field of 163.

The team's motto for the season is "Volemos," which means "Let's Fly Together" in Spanish. Their bible verse is Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Gilbert Christian will test its wings at home on November 29th against Bourgade Catholic. The match is scheduled for 4:00pm. Volemos!

-GO KNIGHTS-