DANBURY—Kayla Mingachos, a senior and powerhouse soccer player at Immaculate High School, was recently selected to the prestigious 2018 Fall High School Girls All-America Team by United Soccer Coaches. The Danbury resident is one of only 58 girls in the country to receive this honor. United Soccer Coaches is the world’s largest soccer coaches organization. Kayla, who plays midfield, was also named an All New England and All State First Team player for girls soccer.
Kayla was an integral part of the Immaculate girls soccer team, which ended their 2018 season 12-3-1 with an appearance in the SWC finals and the State Championship tournament, where they were runner-ups. She also was an important player for the 2017 team, which had a record of 19-1 and was named Patriot Division champs and won the SWC Championships. That was the fifth time the lady Mustangs have won the SWC title.
“I am so honored to have received the All-American award; it’s surreal to be acknowledged as one of the best players in the nation,” said Kayla. “The soccer program at Immaculate is always expected to be top in our league and the State, which inspires me to perform at my best in every practice and game. My coach, Nelson Mingachos, has pushed me and believed in me from the start which formed me into the player I am now,” she noted, adding: “Being a student at Immaculate High School has shaped me into a better person on and off the field; being a part of this special community has allowed me to grow academically as well as supplying me with lessons that I will take with me throughout my future endeavors.” Kayla, who is Coach Mingachos’ niece, will attend Quinnipiac University and play for the college’s Division 1 Women’s soccer team on an athletic scholarship. She also currently plays for CFC United.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to coach Kayla over the past four years,” said Coach Nelson Mingachos. “As a player she is not only competitive but thoughtful of others that are less experienced. Using her knowledge of the game, she guides younger teammates to be stronger, more confident players,” he noted, adding: “Kayla has always led by example and successfully balances schoolwork with soccer. She joins many other prominent IHS student- athletes and has worked hard to deserve this prestigious accolade.”
Players on this year’s United Soccer Coaches High School All-America Teams will be recognized for their accomplishments at the All-America Ceremony & Reception on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at McCormick Place West in Chicago in conjunction with the 2019 United Soccer Coaches Convention.
Immaculate High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School allows students to focus on academic excellence, spiritual development, service to others and personal goals. Located in Danbury, Conn., Immaculate High School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s parochial school system.
(For more information, go to www.immaculatehs.org.)
