Mater Dei’s James Obleda Crowned Orange County Boys Soccer Player of the Year
Santa Ana, CA – Mater Dei High School senior James Obleda has been named the Orange County Register’s boys soccer player of the year for the 2025-26 season. Obleda’s leadership and stellar play were instrumental in the Monarchs’ championship run, securing both the CIF Southern Section and CIF State playoff titles.
Championship Success
Obleda, a senior midfielder, captained Mater Dei to unprecedented success, winning championships in the top divisions of both the CIF Southern Section and the inaugural CIF State boys soccer playoffs. Coach Sean Ganey emphasized Obleda’s consistent performance in crucial moments, stating, “When the big moments came, we asked, ‘What are we going to do here?’ And we knew James would always show up.”
Individual Achievements
The standout midfielder scored 12 goals this season, second only to teammate Santiago Schelotto’s 16 goals and led the team with 14 assists. His contributions earned him the Trinity League player of the year award. Obleda also provided a key assist in Mater Dei’s 2-1 victory over Everett Alvarez of Salinas in the CIF State Division I championship game on March 14, 2026.
Beyond the Trophies
Whereas celebrating the team’s accomplishments, Obleda reflected on the lasting bonds formed with his teammates. “Winning comes and goes,” he said. “What stays is the bonds built with your friends on the team. Fifty years or whatever from now, I’ll still be talking with these guys.” He pinpointed a 4-1 victory over JSerra on January 30th as the turning point of the season, igniting the team’s belief in their ability to win it all.
Leadership Qualities
Obleda’s leadership extended beyond his on-field performance. Ganey highlighted his dedication to fostering a positive team culture, noting that Obleda consistently went above and beyond to connect with his teammates, offering encouragement and support. “He does the little things no one sees,” Ganey said. “He gets up and high-fives everybody. He touches every player on the shoulder or gives them a pat on the back. Kids can’t support but play for him.”
All-County Team Recognition
In addition to Obleda’s player of the year honor, several other players were recognized on the All-County teams:
All-County First Team
- Mina Besada, Sunny Hills, Sr.
- Jude Califf, JSerra, Jr.
- Nathan Cueva, Valencia, Sr.
- Gianluca D’Amato, El Toro, Sr.
- Nathan Enriquez, Mater Dei, So.
- Kasra Ghoddousi, University, Sr.
- Isaac Ortiz, Orange Lutheran, Jr.
- Dylan Petruolo, Edison, Jr.
- Ryan Grimm, Canyon, Sr.
- Jake Rabold, University, Sr.
- Santiago Schelotto, Mater Dei, Sr.
- Finn Wilkins, JSerra, So.
All-County Second Team
- Lucca Clouthier, University, Sr., GK
- Isaih Covarrubias, Mater Dei, Sr.
- Kyler Firouznam, Orange Lutheran, Jr.
- Blake Hartfelder, Canyon, Sr.
- Andrew Lenert, Servite, Sr. GK
- Sebastian Mejia, Godinez, So.
- Matthew Miranda, Mater Dei, Sr.
- Brandon Netzahhual, Sunny Hills, So.
- Justus Pailma, Valencia, Jr.
- Aquiles Rodriguez, JSerra, Jr.
- Dylan Rodriguez, Orange Lutheran, Sr.
- Jack Sheperd, Newport Harbor, Sr., GK
- Marvin Villela, Santa Ana Valley, Sr.
Coach of the Year
Donovan Martinez of Los Alamitos was named Coach of the Year after leading the Griffins to CIF Southern Section and CIF State Division III championships.