Two Taft College Cougars Take Talents to NCAA Division II Stage Women’s Soccer

TAFT, CA – Taft College Women's Soccer is proud to announce that Stephanie Castillo and Melanie Mejia will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at Upper Iowa University, a strong NCAA Division II program competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

Both players have been standout contributors for the Cougars over the past two seasons, leaving lasting impacts on the program.

"Melanie Mejia is a tactician on the ball," said Women's Soccer Head Coach Lyle Martin. "She has the ability to add some razzle dazzle to the game and consistently sparked our offense. I have no doubt she'll be fun to watch at the next level." Mejia earned Second Team All-Conference honors her freshman year and elevated her game to First Team All-Conference as a sophomore. She started 17 of 20 games during the 2024 season and was a key creative force in the final third. Melanie was a great student as well, graduating with a 3.8 GPA.

Stephanie Castillo, a true leader on and off the field, served as team captain this past season. "Stephanie led by example," said Coach Martin. "She was an absolute force on defense and a vocal leader for the squad. Her presence will be missed tremendously." Castillo was named First Team All-Conference, starting all 20 games in 2024 and even notched a game winning assist from her defensive position. Stephanie also finished in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Coach Martin continued, "The Cougar family is proud of these two exceptional student-athletes and excited to see them thrive at Upper Iowa University. Their next chapter awaits, and we know it'll be just as impactful as their time here at Taft College."