On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, the Berkeley High School girls varsity soccer team didn’t just celebrate their senior night, but delivered one of their most dominant performances of the season: defeating Alameda High School in a 6-0 sweep.
In the week before senior night, all non-senior players across the girls soccer program prepared to make the night special. Individual baskets and posters were made, each featuring clever wordplay slogans. Following senior night tradition, the athletes celebrated Alameda’s seniors briefly as well, showcasing camaraderie and a shared bittersweet sentiment that comes with graduating. Under the stadium lights and unfortunate downpour of rain, each senior walked with their families through a path lined with JV and Frosh players. Players took photos to capture the night while teammates, friends, and family cheered.
Once the game began, Berkeley quickly set the stage for a competitive performance. The first 25 minutes left the scoreboard stagnant at 0-0, despite Berkeley’s six shots on goal. Around the 26 minute mark, Berkeley broke through Alameda’s defense with the first goal of the game. Two minutes later, they scored again, and five minutes after that they added a third. By halftime, the score was set to 3-0 with Berkeley in the lead, and all goals scored by seniors.
In the second half, Alameda managed a few shots, however Berkeley’s defensive efforts held strong. The attacking line continued to press, scoring again after a possessive passing sequence in front of the goal. The match was completed with Berkeley sealing the 6-0 shutout.
For the seniors, this win reflected years of effort. “We train five days a week, we lift, we have outside-of-training stuff,” BHS senior captain and goalie Taylor Kelso said. She explained that the commitment requires constant focus both on and off the field. “I think there’s also more pressure being on varsity, to do well and perform, that sometimes people miss,” Kelso said. She added that her biggest growth has been mentally. “I’ve gotten so much more confident since freshman year. I communicate better and my technical skills have improved so much,” Kelso said.
BHS senior and captain Ali Forbush emphasized the more emotional side of the sport. “There’s obviously balancing your academics, your sports and your social life,” Forbush said. The pressure to succeed in every area can quickly become overwhelming for student athletes. “The mental aspect of it can be difficult,” Forbush said. Still, she said the team environment makes the difference. “The camaraderie of our team is really special,” Forbush said.
“I’d say that we’re all just really great friends and the slogan of our team is that we’re family and I would say that that’s pretty representative,” BHS senior Kylie Chew said.
As the seniors look ahead to graduation, they shared their reflections and thoughts. “High school soccer goes so fast,” Kelso said, encouraging young players to stay present and appreciate every moment of the season. “Soak up as much as you can,” Kelso said. Senior night was more than a ceremony, it was a celebration of years of growth and a team that supports each other regardless of the outcome.