UPDATE: In a groundbreaking moment for boys water polo, Soquel High’s goalie Rafael Suarez-Abraham has been named the 2025 SCCAL MVP, an honor rarely bestowed upon goalkeepers. The announcement comes as the season wraps up, highlighting the junior’s exceptional performance that led the Knights to a league title and a spot in the CCS Open Division playoffs.
Suarez-Abraham, towering at 6 feet 4 inches, averaged an impressive 8.5 saves per match, totaling 238 saves over the season. His remarkable skills were crucial in pivotal matches against top teams, including Sacred Heart Prep and Campolindo, where he notably stopped multiple penalty shots. “He was on fire the whole game against Campo,” said Knights coach Ryan Chapatte, who also received the title of SCCAL Coach of the Year. “We’re not keeping those games close without him making those impressive saves.”
The Knights finished the season with a record of 23-6 overall and 4-0 in league play, cementing their dominance in the SCCAL. Suarez-Abraham’s performance not only earned him MVP honors but also a first-team all-CCS selection, showcasing his impact on the field. Chapatte praised his goalie’s fearlessness, stating, “He blocks the shots he’s supposed to and he blocks a lot he shouldn’t.”
Suarez-Abraham’s journey began in a suburb of Chicago before moving to California, where he and his brother, Gabe Suarez-Abraham, both became integral to the Knights’ success. Gabe, also recognized as a first-team all-league player, contributed significantly with 50 goals, 57 assists, and a team-high 78 steals this season.
In addition to the Suarez-Abraham duo, senior utility player Stryder Stelck made the first team after leading the Knights with 81 goals along with 27 assists and 28 steals. Their collective efforts helped propel Soquel into the semifinals of the CCS Open Division, reserved for the top eight teams, and qualified them for the CIF Division I NorCal Regional playoffs.
The SCCAL also recognized players from Santa Cruz, with senior attacker Hayden Johnson, senior utility player Nikolaus Kay, and junior goalie Laird Bowser earning first-team honors. Johnson led the Cardinals with 95 goals this season, contributing to their second-place finish in the league.
As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Suarez-Abraham and the Knights as they aim to build on this remarkable season. The spotlight is set to shine bright on Soquel High water polo, with fans eager to see how their MVP will perform in the upcoming challenges.
This historic achievement for Rafael Suarez-Abraham not only marks a personal milestone but also elevates the profile of goalkeepers in the sport, inspiring young athletes across the region. As the season unfolds, the anticipation surrounding the playoffs grows, making this an exciting time for water polo enthusiasts.
