No team from a second-tier division had ever won the Central Coast Section Division 1 boys soccer title. That is, until Gunn refused to let the clock strike midnight on its Cinderella run and etched its name in the record book, led by some remarkable performances from senior striker James Hahn.

To understand the full impact of Hahn’s senior campaign, it’s best to start near the end of the season. After rolling past San Mateo in the Division 1 quarterfinals, the Titans faced a stiff challenge from Salinas in the semifinals. Hahn came up big with a goal and an assist, and Gunn then survived a late goal by the Cowboys to prevail on penalty kicks. From there, Hahn simply took over in the next two post-season contests.

No one would have faulted Gunn had the Titans not prevailed in the Division 1 title game. After all, the storyline was that of a ‘B’ league champion – Gunn finished in first place of the SCVAL-El Camino Division – facing off against a perennial power from the West Catholic Athletic League, Archbishop Mitty. The Monarchs scored first, but Hahn scored the first of his two goals just four minutes later. His game-winner came 14 minutes into the second half, when he deflected one off the post and into the net.

“This year’s team was special. Each player fought so hard for each other and we worked out butts off every second of every game to win,” Hahn said. “Our chemistry was unbelievable for high school soccer.”

Just a few days after stunning the section by capturing the Division 1 title, Gunn was once again in the underdog role, this time as the eight seed against top-seeded Watsonville in the CIF NorCal Division 2 quarterfinals, facing a Wildcatz team which had reached the CCS Open Division semifinals. Hahn notched another brace against the ‘Catz, and the defense was stingy all match, wrapping up a tidy 2-0 victory to reach the regional semifinals. Though the season would end with a 2-1 loss to Redwood-Larkspur, the Titans had left their mark on the 2020 campaign.

“This is something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life,” added Hahn, who scored 26 goals during the season. “Although knowing we tried our hardest is rewarding, it’s really nice to have something to show for our hard work.”

By the end of the season, the Titans had plenty to show, including a tournament title at the annual Homestead Cup, the El Camino championship and, of course, the CCS Division 1 championship plaque.

For his efforts this season, we are pleased to recognize Gunn’s James Hahn as the Prep2Prep Central Coast Section Senior of the Year.

Other players considered for this award include Watsonville’s Alex Lazo, Sacred Heart Cathedral’s Dylan Rogers and Lincoln’s Diego Baca.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of CCS soccer.