Columbia Basin College women’s soccer enters the 2025 season with plenty of new faces, the same championship standards, and a head coach who knows the program as well as anyone.
Second-year head coach Alessandro Llamas, a former Hawk himself, is balancing the challenge of reloading the roster with his own philosophy of building a defense-first identity while opening the door for more attacking firepower.
Season in Numbers (2024 Recap)
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Record: 11-2-3 overall
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East Region: Undefeated (first time since 1999)
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Goals Allowed: Just 6 total (2 in East play — stingiest mark in nearly a decade)
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Scoring Depth: 15 different players scored at least one goal
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Postseason: NWAC Final Four (falling to Bellevue in PKs)
Llamas’s connection to CBC runs deep. He played for the Hawks from 2015–18 before finishing his college career at Sierra Nevada College (now UNR Tahoe). After returning to the Tri-Cities, he dove into coaching at Three Rivers Soccer Club and Southridge High School. By 2021, he was back at CBC as an assistant under longtime head coach Omar Anderson.
“I’ve always wanted to be a coach,” Llamas said. “I loved the idea of building a team, influencing the game, and making an impact on players. I had coaches who changed my life, and I wanted to do the same.”
In 2024, his first year in charge, Llamas guided CBC to the East Region title, an undefeated conference record, and another trip to the NWAC Final Four.
“Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships,” he explained. “That’s always going to be my foundation.”
This year’s roster features 15 freshmen and nine sophomores. Llamas acknowledges the challenge of a young squad, but sees opportunity in the mix of speed, size, and fresh energy.
The Hawks are in good hands with returning goalkeeper Samantha Groesbeck, one of the East Region’s best last season. She’ll be pushed by sophomore Brooklyn Bass, who impressed during preseason when Groesbeck was sidelined with an injury.
Player Spotlights
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Samantha Groesbeck (So.) – Allowed just two goals in East Region play last year; clutch shot-stopper with strong leadership. Coach: “Sam is the best goalkeeper in the East Region in my opinion.”
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Brooklyn Bass (So.) – Reliable, hardworking, and proved herself in preseason when thrust into a bigger role. Coach: “Brooklyn stepped up when Sam went down — now we know we can count on both keepers.”
CBC graduated nearly its entire defensive unit, but Llamas believes the rebuild is on track.
Player Spotlights
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Haley John (Fr.) – A 5’10” left-footed outside back with winger instincts. Coach: “She gives us height and a winger’s instincts — a very unique combination.”
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Darby Adams (Fr.) – Gritty and composed, with excellent vision on the ball. Coach: “Darby reads the game so well.”
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Yadira Aguilar (Fr.) – Smart and instinctive, with the ability to join the attack. Coach: “Yi has great instincts to go forward — a very good all-around player.”
The Hawks’ midfield will lean on sophomores Allie Draper and Maya Giles, both returning starters who grew into leadership roles this offseason. Draper has developed her physical game, while Giles added creativity to her already tough, ball-winning style.
Player Spotlights
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Allie Draper (So.) – Pasco native; box-to-box presence with improved strength and confidence. Allie: “My goal is to be a great teammate and keep building on last year.”
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Maya Giles (So.) – Ridgefield product; tackles hard, wins in the air, and brings consistency. Maya: “I want to be remembered for how I made my teammates feel.”
While last year’s East Region Offensive MVP Ava Suarez has moved on to Seattle Pacific, the 2025 offense will be deeper and more balanced, spreading the scoring load across multiple options.
Player Spotlights
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Eva Hunt (Fr.) – Quick, dynamic attacker with a powerful shot.
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Zoe Force (Fr.) – Versatile and technical, capable of creating chances centrally or wide.
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Haley DePrey (Fr.) – Athletic and strong, gives CBC a target presence up top.
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Mercedes Fernandez (Fr.) – Creative and unpredictable; adds spark to the attack.
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Joely Green (Fr.) – Combines quickness with a dangerous shot, rounding out CBC’s offensive depth.
A big part of Llamas’s vision is preparing players for life beyond CBC—whether that’s soccer at a four-year program or a professional path outside the game. In 2024, seven Hawks advanced to four-year schools, continuing a pipeline that has become a staple of the program.
“We run our program like a four-year school,” Llamas said. “That way, when our players transfer, they’re ready for the demands. Our job is to make sure they leave here prepared for whatever comes next.”
Growing up in Kennewick, Llamas is passionate about drawing in regional players—and teammates like Draper, a Pasco native, keep that circle tight.
“This feels like home,” Draper said. “I grew up watching CBC games, and now I get to wear the jersey myself.” Giles, from Ridgefield, similarly praises the welcoming atmosphere.
The Hawks’ goals this season are straightforward: defend their East Region title, return to the Final Four, and give themselves a chance at the NWAC championship.
“At the end of the day, soccer can come down to one kick, one tackle, one moment,” Llamas said. “My goal is to have our team right there in that moment, competing until the very last minute.”
The Hawks are off to a strong start at 4-1 overall and 2-0 in East Region play. Their latest outing was a 3-0 win at Walla Walla. CBC returns home to face Treasure Valley on Saturday, September 20 at 2:15 PM.