A Funding Surge for SMC Women’s Soccer
The Santa Monica City Council voted last month to close a funding gap for the Santa Monica College women’s soccer program, approving an additional $5,000 for Councilmember Jesse Zwick and $2,000 each for Councilmembers Dan Hall and Natalya Zernitskaya.
The move, championed by Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Zwick, Councilmember Dan Hall and Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya, reflects the city’s commitment to supporting student‑athletes who strive for excellence both academically and athletically.
During the 2025‑26 season the Corsairs posted a 13‑6‑3 record, tying for first in the Western State Conference South Division before falling in a penalty‑kick shootout to Citrus College in the opening round.
Key contributors included forward Lyric Gomez‑Muniz, who accounted for 17 of the team’s 36 goals, and goalkeeper Jacinda Hevesy‑Rodriguez, who earned Goalkeeper of the Year honors in the South Division and was named to the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Women’s Scholar All‑American Second Team.
Hevesy‑Rodriguez also maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in psychology, underscoring the program’s emphasis on balancing sport and scholarship.
The 2026‑27 campaign opens on August 18 with an Alumni Game, followed by an away scrimmage against Whittier College on August 25 and a regular‑season debut against Allan Hancock College on September 1 at 2 p.m.
Looking Ahead
With the new resources in place, the coaching staff hopes to build on the program’s recent momentum and continue its tradition of competitive play and academic achievement.