The Laguna Beach High School Boys Soccer team wrapped up an incredible season this year and came out on top, clinching the CIF Division 4 title after a neck-and-neck battle against Yucaipa. This marks the first CIF title won by Laguna Beach High School since 2002, a win that goes down in history and highlights the team’s hard work and dedication.
For the players, coaches, and fans, this win was years in the making, and LBHS should be very proud. I could feel the pride and happiness coming out of these players as I asked some questions.
“I’m so happy and grateful to have won this with my team, we’re all so close and we’ve worked so hard for this,” says senior Nayan Martlin. Both teams in the finals were killing it on defense, which made it very difficult for either team to find the back of the net. The fans were on the edge of their seats all throughout overtime, and once the whistle blew, the score remained tied. The game ultimately went into an intense penalty shootout in double overtime that would determine the reigning champions.
In a moment that would never be forgotten by Laguna Beach, Senior Max Garner sliced home the final goal, which put the Breakers up 3-2 for the title. “I’m so grateful for this team,” said Garner after the match. “I wouldn’t have wanted to win a championship with anyone else. We’ve been through so much together this year, and to end it like this – it’s unreal.” Nayan Martlin had similar emotions: “This team is so special, it feels so amazing being able to bring this home to Laguna.”
The boys’ team is coached by Andy Thomas, who is also the Director of Coaching for LBFC (Laguna Beach Football Club). He used to coach for Laguna Beach from 1997-2004 and won the only other state championships in LBHS history. He came back in 2019 and has been coaching at the high school ever since. Laguna Beach High School has consistently made elite players who have not only succeeded in high school, but have continued their careers in College. Nayan Martlin has played for both LBHS and IMG for soccer, and he just recently committed to Emerson College to play Division III soccer. Nayan is a dedicated athlete who has always dreamed of playing at a high level, and his hard work has paid off. Jackson Hutcheon is an LBHS graduate who is a current player on the LMU Division I soccer team. He’s played for LBHS all four years and is succeeding at LMU.
This championship is more than just a win for LBHS, it’s a testament to the competitive and winning culture that has been created on the Laguna Beach turf. This environment is so focused on teamwork, player development, and growth as a team, and it is clearly paying off for the Breakers. This win will forever be remembered for so much more than the win. It will be remembered for the passion, the commitment, and the continuous effort the team has shown all year. Congratulations to the 2025 CIF Division 4 Champions — our very own Laguna Beach Breakers!
