The big question for Liberty sophomore Madison Del Prado, coming off a phenomenal freshman campaign, would be whether the increased attention from defenders would lead to a sophomore slump. The answer was an emphatic no, as the Bay Valley Athletic League’s leading scorer continued to dominate opponents and lead the Lions to their seventh consecutive league title.

Coming into her freshman year, few people really knew how dominant Del Prado would be. But after racking up 15 goals and winning the BVAL’s Offensive Player of the Year award, the North Coast Section was aware that Del Prado could be one of the top soccer players in Northern California for the remainder of her prep career.

Del Prado added 21 goals this campaign and was awarded the 2020 BVAL MVP. She was by far one of the most important pieces in Liberty’s continued success in both the league and the section.

“She is a phenomenal player that has led our program in scoring in both her freshman and sophomore years,” said Liberty head coach Tony Martins. “Madison has a tremendous future ahead of her and we are fortunate and proud that she is part of our Liberty program.”

With numbers like that, it was easy to select Del Prado for her second major Prep2Prep award.

“I’m very blessed to win this award,” said Del Prado. “I appreciate everyone who’s helped through this and got me here.”

Tactically speaking, Del Prado didn’t change much to her game plan coming into this season. Making the transition to Mustang Soccer Club and playing on the Elite Clubs National League — one of the top tiers of club soccer level — in her respective age group prepared her by seeing much tougher competition. She then spent a lot of time rehabilitating her knee, which she injured last season and saw her sit on the shelf through most of non-league play.

“Over the summer I got stronger and took care of my body by not overdoing stuff,” said Del Prado. “Mustang allowed me to get better.”

But when other teams know you’re that good, they’re going to work the game plan around you. That was the case nearly every time Del Prado was on the pitch.

“I have to think of different spaces to move in so I can create plays for my teammates,” said Del Prado. “I just have to think about it a little harder.”

It’s clear, Del Prado is a talented player and will only get better as time goes by. But as she enters her junior season and matures, she’s going to need to adapt into a new leadership role. Martins knows she’ll be able to settle into the new position.

“That’s the next phase of it. She has the mental part of the game down. She continues to learn,” said Martins.

For her efforts this past season, we are pleased to recognize Liberty’s Madison Del Prado as the Prep2Prep North Coast Section Sophomore of the Year.

Other players considered for this award include Carondelet’s Annaliese Giusto, Marin Academy’s Rebecca Sherry, Justin-Siena’s Tessa Salvestrin, Monte Vista’s Charlyse Berry and Campolindo’s Mia Colomboni.

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 NCS soccer.