Citizen's Forum: From Growing Pains to Champions
A contribution and photo shared by a Reno Apex soccer mom.
“Reno Apex 2013 Boys Premier finished their Spring 2026 with a 19-0-1 overall record, an undefeated Northern California Premier League campaign, and three tournament championships.
One year ago, the Reno Apex 2013 Boys Premier Team was a group of talented young athletes learning how to compete together at a higher level.
Today, they stand among the top youth soccer teams in Reno.
After navigating the challenges of a transitional 2024-2025 season that included new teammates, increased competition, and greater exposure to elite clubs throughout the region, the team responded with a remarkable Spring 2026 campaign. Through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one another, the players transformed early challenges into one of the most successful seasons in team history.
The Reno Apex 2013 Boys Premier Team completed an undefeated season in the Northern California Premier League (NPL) and finished the Spring 2026 campaign with an outstanding 19-0-1 overall record, including league and tournament play.
The team also captured three tournament championships:
2026 Reno Apex State Cup Champions
2026 Summer Come Up For Air (CUFA) Tournament Champions
2026 San Juan SC Presidents Cup Champions
Combined with an undefeated NPL campaign, the three tournament titles capped a season that showcased not only talent, but resilience, discipline, and growth.
The accomplishment is particularly notable given the level of competition faced throughout the season. The Northern California Premier League is widely recognized as one of the premier youth soccer platforms in the region. Throughout the spring, Reno Apex competed against teams from the Reno-Tahoe area, Sacramento region, Bay Area, and Fresno area, consistently proving they belonged among the best.
As if the demands of NPL competition were not enough, the team also participated in the Northern Nevada Soccer League (NNSL) during the same season, effectively doubling its competitive schedule. The additional league play required extra training, additional travel, and a significant commitment from both players and families.
While many teams focus on a single league schedule, these players embraced every opportunity to compete and improve. Their willingness to take on additional competition reflects the work ethic and determination that became the foundation of their success.
For Head Coach Steve Redondo and Assistant Coach Isaiah Valero, the season's success was built on a foundation that extended beyond wins and losses.
The coaching staff emphasized accountability, teamwork, player development, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Those lessons paid dividends as the players matured into a cohesive unit capable of competing at a high level week after week.
The 2026 Reno Apex 2013 Boys Premier roster includes Coltyn Russell (#7), Jaden Renteria (#10), Orion Tajalle (#21), Aaron Carranza (#11), Cezar Valenzuela (#5), Dylan Solano-Reyes (#2), Jonathan Valero (#9), Junior Eguino-Torres (#19), Hector Roque (#4), Nicolas Virrey (#17), Isaiah Bernal-Cuadra (#28), Armando Mena (#8), Adrian Mena (#6), Derek Draper (#80), Jester Reyes (#3), Gavin Leland (#23), and Ivan Romero (#15).
Together, these young athletes helped build one of the most successful seasons in Reno Apex club history for their age group, demonstrating the teamwork, resilience, and dedication required to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer throughout Northern California.
The team also recognizes the contributions of guest players who joined throughout the season when needed. Their willingness to step into important roles and support the group reflected the culture, teamwork, and sportsmanship that have become hallmarks of the Reno Apex program.
A Special Spotlight on Aaron Carranza
Every championship team has players who rise to the occasion when their team needs them most.
For Reno Apex, one of those players was goalkeeper Aaron Carranza (#11).
Throughout the season, Carranza delivered clutch performances in league play and tournament competition, providing leadership, confidence, and stability from the back line. His ability to make critical saves in key moments helped preserve victories and maintain the team's overall record.
Whether making difficult saves in championship matches, stopping breakaway opportunities, or commanding the defensive line under pressure, Carranza consistently performed at an elite level. His composure, athleticism, communication, and leadership gave his teammates confidence every time they stepped onto the field.
Many who watched the team throughout the season would agree that Aaron's performances ranked among the finest goalkeeping displays seen at the youth level this year, and his contributions were instrumental to the team's success.
Thank You to Reno Apex Soccer Club
The success of the 2013 Boys Premier Team is also a reflection of Reno Apex Soccer Club's commitment to player development.
Through quality coaching, competitive opportunities, and a culture focused on growth, the club continues to provide young athletes with opportunities to reach their full potential both on and off the field. The club's coaches, trainers, leadership, and developmental philosophy have played a significant role in helping this group achieve its success.
Equally deserving of recognition are the parents and families whose support made the season possible. Behind every practice, road trip, league match, and tournament championship were countless hours of sacrifice, encouragement, and commitment from families who invested in their children's growth and success.
While the trophies and undefeated league record will be remembered, the lasting legacy of the Spring 2026 season may be the lessons learned along the way.
The players discovered that meaningful success is rarely immediate. It requires patience, dedication, trust, and the willingness to keep working when progress is not always visible.
Just one year after facing the challenges of a rebuilding season, the Reno Apex 2013 Boys Premier Team emerged as NPL unbeaten, three-time tournament champions, and owners of a remarkable 19-0-1 overall record.
More importantly, they emerged as a team. The friendships forged, the adversity overcome, and the memories created will last far longer than any trophy.
For these young athletes, the Spring 2026 season was about more than winning championships, it was about proving what can happen when a group commits to one another, embraces hard work, and refuses to give up.
And that may be the greatest victory of all.”
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