Templeton Eagles bring home Silver Cup championship

By Camille DeVaul · Wed Jul 29 2026

Athletes continue winning through teamwork, chemistry, and shared love of game

TEMPLETON — A group of San Luis Obispo County high school girls has proven that success on the soccer field isn't defined by expensive club fees or elite labels.

The Templeton Eagles "A-Team," a recreational under-19 girls soccer team, captured first place at the Silver Cup tournament held July 11-12 at Cherry Island Soccer Complex in Sacramento, finishing with a perfect 4-0 record while posting four consecutive shutouts against club competition.

The Eagles opened tournament play with a 2-0 victory over San Pablo United before edging Corning FC 1-0 later that day. On July 12, the team defeated Madera United 3-0 in the semifinals before claiming the championship with a 1-0 victory over Elk Grove Surf Purple.

The title run was particularly impressive considering the Eagles competed against several highly ranked club programs despite being a recreational team made up of players from across San Luis Obispo County.

Head coach Charlie Thomas said the team's chemistry has been the driving force behind its success. He has coached many of the players since they were in seventh grade. This year, his daughter Isabelle Thomas serves alongside him as his assistant coach.

Now, with several entering their senior year of high school, the team continues to reunite each summer to compete in tournaments.

"I've been with most of these girls since they were U14, so seventh grade, and several of them are going to be seniors this year," Thomas said.

Unlike traditional club soccer programs, the Eagles operate as a recreational team through the Templeton Recreation Department. Families simply split tournament entry fees rather than paying thousands of dollars in annual club costs, allowing the players to continue competing together during the offseason.

The roster includes athletes from Templeton, Paso Robles, Atascadero, and Righetti high schools. The team roster includes Kellen Sims, Dainey Sims, Val Jones, Nathalia Alvarado, Jordyn Van Pelt, Madison McMillan, Ally Emrich, Maya McGhee, Aila George, Lavyn Guenther, Kennley Sizemore, Madelyn Becker, Miley Ruiz, Lia Clemens, Ava Bourgault, Brynn Miller, and Reagan Leavitt.

Thomas believes the team's greatest strength isn't talent alone but the friendships built over years of playing together.

"The big part of it is chemistry. They like each other. We've never had an issue where they're arguing on the field," Thomas said. "They're excited to get back together and play with each other because they like each other so much. And they play really well together because they trust each other."

That trust has translated into consistent results. The Eagles have competed in approximately a dozen tournaments over the past three years and, according to Thomas, have finished either first or second in all but one of those events.

This summer alone, the team has earned one tournament championship and two runner-up finishes.

Team manager Kristen Sims said the group first came together as Templeton Recreation All-Stars in the under-14 division and has continued competing together each summer ever since.

"We're not a regular club team," Sims said. "We don't charge fees to our families. We just split up the tournament fee and go play, and it's been really cool to compete against some of these bigger club teams for the girls and do well."

The program currently includes about 15 to 16 players ranging from incoming freshmen to seniors. Despite attending different schools, Sims said their bond is immediately noticeable whenever they take the field.

Following the Silver Cup victory, the Eagles climbed into the top 25 of the Cal South Under-17 rankings. The team is currently ranked No. 24 in Cal South, No. 72 in U.S. Youth Soccer Region IV — which includes 13 western states — and No. 263 nationally. The rankings fluctuate throughout the season, but the Eagles are among the highest-ranked girls teams in San Luis Obispo County.

For Sims, however, the rankings aren't the most important takeaway.

"It's your skill and your love for the game at the end of the day," she said.

Sims also credits much of the program's success to Thomas, whose calm coaching style has helped build the team's positive culture.

"He is the most patient, kind man that you'll probably ever meet. I've never seen a man deal with girls, teenage girls, so well," she said. "I've never seen him lose his cool. I've never seen him put somebody down. I've never seen a player cry over something he says. His coaching is amazing to watch."

For more information on joining to supporting the team, visit templetoncsd.org/111/Parks-Recreation