Terra Linda Girls Soccer Makes NCS Semifinal for First Time

Freshman Seda Sankey leads Trojans' playoff run with two more goals in quarterfinal win

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Terra Linda High girls soccer team has earned its first-ever trip to the North Coast Section semifinals after defeating Albany 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Freshman Seda Sankey scored both goals for the Trojans, who have relied on a youth movement and strong defense to reach this milestone. Senior captain Sammie Foley has started every game since her freshman year and played a key role in the team's two consecutive NCS shutouts.

Why it matters

Terra Linda's playoff run marks a significant achievement for the program, which has steadily improved over the past few seasons. The team's success highlights the contributions of its young players, including freshmen Seda Sankey, Allegra Rodriguez, and Addie Foley, who have stepped up in the absence of injured starters. This Cinderella story showcases the growth of high school sports in the local community.

The details

In Saturday's quarterfinal match against No. 7 Albany, the No. 2-seeded Trojans (8-8-5) struck early with a goal from Sankey in the 3rd minute off a free kick from freshman Allegra Rodriguez. Sankey added her second goal in the 70th minute, collecting a through ball from freshman Hailey Lauster. Despite injuries to key players, Terra Linda's defense secured its second straight NCS shutout, with senior captain Sammie Foley leading the way.

  • The Trojans reached the NCS D-II quarterfinals last season after upsetting Marin Catholic in the first round.
  • They lost in a shootout in the D-III first round in 2024.
  • On Saturday, the Trojans defeated Albany 2-0 in the NCS Division IV quarterfinal.

The players

Seda Sankey

A freshman who has burst onto the scene in the playoffs, scoring four goals in the tournament so far, including both goals in the quarterfinal win over Albany.

Sammie Foley

A senior captain who has started every game for the Trojans since her freshman season, playing a key role in the team's two consecutive NCS shutouts.

Terra Linda High

The school whose girls soccer team is making its first-ever trip to the North Coast Section semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“I just think it's so exciting being in the NCS in the first place and playing with my team. Winning on top of it just makes it even better. I'm so proud of my team.”

— Sammie Foley, Senior captain (marinij.com)

“She's really stepped up her game. She's put a lot of work in. She works outside of practice. I was proud to see her get that opportunity.”

— Dylan Arroyo, Terra Linda fifth-year coach (marinij.com)

“I was really hoping we'd score another one because 1-0 was not enough. We had a lot of chances. I was really proud. Everyone was so excited.”

— Seda Sankey (marinij.com)

What’s next

The No. 2-seeded Trojans will make their NCS semifinal debut on Wednesday, when they face the winner of Saturday's late game between No. 3 Rancho Cotate and No. 6 Pinole Valley.

The takeaway

Terra Linda's unexpected playoff run showcases the growth and potential of the school's girls soccer program, which has steadily improved over the past few seasons. The team's success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its young players, who have stepped up in the absence of injured starters to lead the Trojans to new heights.