Sophomore Makayla Pena stops a scoring attempt during the game against Grant High School. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - If the current play of Cordova Lady Lancers' sophomore midfielder Makayla Pena is any indication, the future looks bright for the up-and-coming soccer standout. 

Pena has quickly cemented herself within the program at Cordova under first-year head coach Charlie Gonzalez. As of press time, the youngster is currently tied for eighth-place in goals score so far this season within the Sac Joaquin Section Division II, with seven. She also leads the Lady Lancers in total points (14) and has proven to be a productive player all over the pitch. 

“She’s meant a lot. She’s a phenomenal player,” Gonzalez said. “She can play anywhere she’s needed. Wherever she plays, that area of the field improves drastically.”

Pena, who is compiling some impressive individual statistics this season, made sure to credit those around her when asked about why she has been so productive.

“I feel like I’ve been able to score so many goals because of my teammates,” Pena said. “They’ve been a huge help to my goal scoring.”

Pena has not just been a force within games, however. According to her coach, Pena’s leadership during practice has also been one of her top qualities. 

“She works extremely hard every practice. Every rep she’s going all out,” Gonzalez said. “She doesn’t take any plays off and she’s here every single practice. She’s an extremely hard worker who knows what she’s doing. She’s good with all the younger athletes and is a good role model. It’s good to have her out here.”

Sophomore Makayla Pena controls the ball during the game against Grant High School. Photo by Rick Sloan

When asked about who some of her top influences within the sport are, the youngster mentioned her father as being the person who introduced her to the game when she was just 7 years old. In addition to her father, Pena said, her favorite soccer player is the world-famous Cristiano Ronaldo, whom is “bright” and motivates her in the way that he plays the game. 

Although the Lady Lancers are going through a learning curve under their first-year head coach with a 3-8 overall record (including 1-3 within Metro League play), Gonzalez is excited for what the future brings to his program largely due to the play of Pena. 

“I’m really encouraged,” Gonzalez said of his young midfielder's success early on.

“Really glad she’s a sophomore and that we’ll have her for another two years after this year,” Gonzalez said. “We hope to build on that and build a team around her and see where we can take the program from there.”