Soquel High’s water polo goalie, Rafael Suarez-Abraham, has made history by being named the 2025 SCCAL (Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League) MVP. This recognition is notable as goalkeepers are rarely selected for this honor, which typically favors high-scoring attackers. The 6-foot-4 junior’s exceptional performance throughout the season solidified his status as a key player for the Knights.
Coach Ryan Chapatte, who was also honored as the SCCAL Coach of the Year, praised Suarez-Abraham’s talent. “It’s usually a special talent that warrants it,” he stated, highlighting the goalkeeper’s significant contributions to the team’s success. Under his guidance, the Knights not only captured the league title but also advanced to the semifinals of the CCS Open Division playoffs.
In the 2025 season, Suarez-Abraham’s statistics were impressive. He averaged 8.5 saves per match, accumulating a total of 238 saves over the course of 28 games. His goals-against average stood at 8.5, showcasing his formidable presence in the goal against some of the top teams in the Greater Bay Area. Chapatte noted, “The thing that impressed me most was how good he was in our biggest games,” specifically mentioning his critical saves against Sacred Heart Prep and Campolindo.
Suarez-Abraham’s journey in water polo began at a young age. He and his brother, Gabe, both of whom played pivotal roles in the Knights’ season, began their water polo careers at age 12. They initially played in a club setting, but their skills were honed even further while living in a suburb of Chicago before transferring to Soquel High.
Chapatte described Suarez-Abraham as a player with “great instincts” who is not afraid to take risks. “He blocks the shots he’s supposed to and he blocks a lot he shouldn’t,” he added. This fearless approach has made him a standout player in the league.
In addition to Suarez-Abraham’s accolades, several of his teammates also received recognition. Senior utility player Stryder Stelck joined him on the first team, leading the Knights with 81 goals, along with 27 assists and 28 steals. Gabe Suarez-Abraham, also a junior, contributed with 50 goals and a remarkable 57 assists, making significant defensive plays with a team-high 78 steals.
The Santa Cruz Cardinals also had strong representation on the first team, with senior attacker Hayden Johnson, senior utility player Nikolaus Kay, and junior goalie Laird Bowser earning honors. Johnson led the Cardinals with 95 goals and contributed 28 assists and 36 steals, while Kay added 53 goals and a team-high 69 assists.
Aptos junior Peter Friedley and Harbor senior Kai Henrikson rounded out the first team selections. Friedley scored a team-high 80 goals for the Mariners, demonstrating his offensive prowess.
The All-SCCAL boys water polo selections reflect the competitive spirit of the league, with several players making significant impacts on their teams. The future looks bright for the Knights, especially with the continued development of talents like Rafael Suarez-Abraham. His achievements this season will undoubtedly inspire future generations of water polo players in the league.
