The Santa Fe (Alachua) girls and boys soccer teams each won a district title this past season.

Morgan Dall’Acqua (boys head coach) and Matt Kramer (girls head coach) have been recognized as two of the top coaches in the area this season.

They join small school coaches Rebecca Schackow (P.K. Yonge girls) and Jon Doles (Newberry boys) as our Bosshardt Realty Coaches of the Year.

“We built a tough schedule knowing that we had several questions on our roster,” Dall’Acqua said. “A fairly untested CB [center back] and not having Sean Alin driving the ship, we felt like getting out of the regular season at .500 would be a successful outcome. The boys took that challenge on in June and put in the work in the weightroom and during conditioning and carried that momentum through the season. To close at 14-4-2 and to end the season with the highest MP National Ranking we’ve had in program history [371] is really a testament to the heart and effort of these young men.”

It’s the second straight year that Dall’Acqua was recognized as the COY.

“This is a team award, make no mistake,” he said. “We have a team of young men who love playing with and for each other. We have a team of coaches who may not be the most tactical, but they are willing to outwork any team around.”

In addition to winning the 3A-District 4 title, the No. 4 seed Raiders also advanced to the second round of the 3A state playoffs before losing at top seed Wolfson (Jacksonville), 2-0, in the regional semifinals.

“I told myself if I ever got that chance to give this speech again, I would take the time to recognize coaches Joe McLeod and Steve Holloway while I still have them around to enjoy it,” Dall’Acqua said. “I would also be remiss to not recognize coach Greg Maracic who was not only the first coach at SFHS, but whose passion and commitment all those years ago continues to improve the sport in our region. If I have done anything to deserve this award, it is simply by emulating what these great folks have shown me. This one is for you guys.”

Honorable mention goes to Trevor Waters of Keystone Heights who led the Indians (11-7-3) to an at-large berth in the Class 3A state playoffs.

Despite a 5-12 record, the Santa Fe girls won the 3A-District 4 title with a 2-0 win against Eastside in the championship game. The No. 8 seed Lady Raiders lost 3-0 at top seed Pensacola Catholic in the Class 3A-Region 1 Quarterfinals.

“I’m truly honored to receive the Mainstreet Daily News Big School Coach of the Year award,” Kramer said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my players, coaching staff and the incredible support from our school and community. Our players put in countless hours of effort, and their commitment and resilience are what make this team special. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”

Special recognition goes out to Chip Garner of Columbia (Lake City), who led the Lady Tigers (13-5-1) to an at-large berth in the 5A state playoffs where they lost in the opening round to eventual state champion Ponte Vedra.

Although they just missed their second straight final four appearance, Schackow led the Lady Blue Wave to a 16-3-1 record against a very difficult schedule and a fourth straight regional final appearance.

“I am extremely proud of our team and the outstanding season we had,” she said. “We set huge goals for the season and fearlessly set out to achieve them. In that attempt, we learned more about the sport we love and about ourselves.”

Their season came to an end in double overtime against visiting Episcopal (Jacksonville), losing 4-2 on penalty kicks.

“We would have liked to see the Final Four again,” Schackow said. “In fact, we would have loved to be state champions. But, regardless of the final outcome, we are grateful that we were able to compete with the best of the best, playing the game we love with confidence and pride in our team.”

In late January, top seed P.K. Yonge outscored their two district opponents, 15-0, and they won the 2A-District 3 title with a 7-0 win against No. 3 seed Newberry. It was their sixth straight district title.

“Winning the district championship was a great feeling,” Schackow said. “Our district continues to be competitive and strong. We loved fighting for another title this season. All of our players were able to shine and display their talents in the tournament. It was an amazing team accomplishment that we have celebrated well.” 

As the No. 1 seed in the regional playoffs, P.K. Yonge cruised past Lafayette (Mayo), 8-0, in the quarterfinals, followed by a 5-1 win at home against Maclay (Tallahassee) in the regional semifinals.

“The regional tournament is so exciting,” Schackow said. “It is such a cool way to see how you have grown as a team. I appreciate the way my team digs in even deeper when we get to regionals. Their commitment, endurance and determination are impressive and inspiring. The team camaraderie is at its highest. The encouragement and support from everyone around us is at its highest.”

It was the third time in the last four years that P.K. Yonge was within one game of a final four appearance, including last year’s first-ever berth to the state semifinals.

“It’s a great place to arrive in a season,” Schackow said. “We are very grateful to have the opportunity to play in regionals for so many years. Making it to the regional final for the fourth straight year in a row is a testament to the year-round hard work and dedication of this group of athletes. It is an honor to be their coach. I know they will continue to do great things with their life, on and off the field.”

Ashley Arnold and Carrie Murphy were honorable mention selections.

Arnold guided Newberry (14-5-2) to the Class 2A state playoffs, while Murphy led Williston (12-5) to a spot in the 2A-Region 1 Quarterfinals.

It was a big year for Doles and the Newberry boys, who won their first district title since 2002.

“I’m proud of this team,” Doles said. “I knew that we had enough returning talent and chemistry and I thought that we could do something special. With the addition of (goalkeeper) Cayden Francis, I felt that a championship was possible.”

The Panthers (15-4-1) edged Trinity Catholic (Ocala), 2-1, in the 2A-District 3 championship to win the title.

“Winning Newberry’s first boys soccer district title in 23 years is amazing,” Doles said. “It should be noted that besides myself and Coach Smith, there have been a lot of people involved in this district title, all the recreation, club, and middle school coaches who have poured into these players deserve to be recognized. So, in a sense, it’s been a community effort.”

Andy Westfall of Oak Hall and Max Aguirre of Williston were honorable mention selections.

Westfall’s Eagles (7-5-2) were 1A-District 2 runners-up and advanced to the second round of the 1A state playoffs, while Aquirre led the Red Devils (12-5) to the second round of the 2A playoffs, which included an upset of P.K. Yonge in the regional quarterfinals.