Soccer Star Delilah Woods Leads Roosevelt to Championship Glory
EASTVALE – Amidst a season of change, Roosevelt High senior Delilah Woods emerged as a constant force. Her dominance on the wings, ability to penetrate defenses, and precise crosses into the box proved to be a consistent threat for the Mustangs, ultimately leading them to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 title.
Named the 2025-26 IE Varsity Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Woods orchestrated Roosevelt’s attack and created opportunities for her teammates to excel. “At the beginning of the season, the coaches told me they would utilize me wherever I could make the biggest impact,” Woods explained. “I’m naturally a winger, but as the season progressed, I gained more confidence on the ball and was willing to sacrifice for the team.”
Stepping Up as a Leader
Woods took on a crucial leadership role following Ireland Churchill’s early graduation in December. “She’s irreplaceable, but we all needed to step up, hold each other accountable, and push ourselves beyond our comfort zones,” Woods stated. “We realized we needed to connect as a team and support each other.”
Roosevelt finished the season with an impressive 20-5-6 record, winning 13 of 15 matches after January 1st. They faced tough competition, including a loss to Santiago in Big VIII League play and a shootout defeat to Santa Margarita in the CIF State Southern California regional playoffs.
Record-Breaking Performance
A four-year varsity starter, Woods set a new Roosevelt single-season record with 16 assists, alongside 14 goals. She concludes her high school career with over 75 wins and two CIF Southern Section Division 1 championships.
“She was the core of this team and truly the heart and soul of a group that overcame many challenges over the past two years,” said Coach Andrew Tillehkooh. “Her effort was incredible in every match, and she’s an all-time great here.”
Key Moments and Future Aspirations
Woods scored the opening goal in the playoff win against Foothill and converted in back-to-back shootouts, propelling Roosevelt through the second round and quarterfinals. She also provided two assists in the Division 1 semifinal against Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, securing their spot in the final.
“The girls’ confidence in my ability to deliver made me even more confident in myself,” Woods shared. “I knew they could do their part, so I pushed myself to create opportunities for them to succeed. We’re a team, and we had to work together, no matter how challenging it was.”
Having played on Roosevelt’s 2024 title team, Woods believes her high school experience has instilled a stronger mentality as she prepares to attend Boise State in the fall. “I wouldn’t have developed the grit and confidence I have today without playing high school soccer,” she said. “It truly made me fall in love with the game.”
Coach Tillehkooh Reflects on the Season
Coach Andrew Tillehkooh, the 2025-26 IE Varsity Girls Soccer Coach of the Year, acknowledged the team’s self-driven success. “At a certain point, the best coaches step back and let their players lead,” he said. “They took on their own personality down the stretch and into the playoffs. They didn’t need much from me.”
Roosevelt’s defense was particularly strong, conceding only three goals in five section playoff matches, culminating in a 1-0 victory over Newport Harbor to claim their second D1 title in three years.
“It’s a pleasure to lead a program that consistently does the right things for these players,” Tillehkooh concluded. “The winning and success are a result of years of dedication and commitment.”
All-Area Team Selections
Here’s a look at some of the other standout players from the area:
- GK: Giulianna Vargas, Roosevelt, Sr.
- GK: Mia Maldonado, Ayala, Sr.
- D: Mya Davis, Carter, Sr
- D: Ashlyn Gorecki, Patriot, Jr.
- D: Kody McKinney, Bonita, Sr.
- D: Avery Mendez, Roosevelt, Sr.
- M: Abby Coppolo, Bonita, Sr.
- M: Juliette Gomez, Roosevelt, Sr.
- M: Sami Ruiz, Santiago, Sr.
- M: Alexzia Sahagun, Arroyo Valley, Sr.
- F: Ireland Churchill, Roosevelt, Sr.
- F: Kennedy Clarke, Webb, Fr.
- F: Haylee Dean, Ayala, Sr.
- F: Abigail Kelly, Santiago, Sr.
- F: Alondra Talamantes, Etiwanda, Sr.
United States Soccer Federation is a great resource for more information on the sport.
