Japic made a huge impact in her inaugural high school season for the Vikings, who went unbeaten in SCVAL-De Anza play and qualified for the CCS Open Division playoffs.

The rangy attacking midfielder scored 14 goals and had three assists this season, including an impressive hat trick in an early February victory over eventual CCS Division I co-champion Santa Clara. She also scored in a late January win over eventual CCS Open Division champion Mountain View.

Japic led all freshmen in both points and goals scored this season, and did so playing in the De Anza Division, one of the few elite ‘A’ leagues in the section. With three of their top five scorers returning next year, along with an elite keeper, the Vikings figure to be a contender once again in 2018, and Japic will be a large part of that equation.

Others players considered for this award: Saint Francis’ Catherine Paulson, Piedmont Hills’ Emely Ramirez, Lincoln’s Emilia Kendrick, and Presentation’s Jordan Karr.

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.