The Santa Monica College Men’s Soccer team has hit a major milestone this season, earning the number one ranking among community colleges. But for Head Coach Tim Pierce, that ranking is just one small reflection of something much bigger happening within the program.
“I think the team has a pretty good spirit,” Pierce said. “At the beginning of the season, we had some rough results, but we were able to learn and grow from them. The camaraderie and accountability within the group, showing up on time and being focused. Those are the reasons why we’ve had success so far.”
That sense of accountability has become a defining part of the Corsairs’ identity. Players are held to clear standards: if you miss practice the day before a game, you don’t start; if you’re late on game day, you don’t start either. The expectations are high, but the culture is stronger for it.
That mindset has helped SMC maintain consistency through a challenging season that’s included injuries and tough opponents. Rather than letting setbacks derail them, the Corsairs have used them as opportunities to test their depth and resilience.
“You can’t use injuries as excuses,” Pierce said. “You need guys who aren’t playing much to step up. That’s how you build a team, when someone fills in and you don’t even skip a beat.”
Even with the team ranked at the top, Pierce keeps his players grounded. For him, the real goal isn’t a number next to their name, it’s how they finish the season.
“I tell them all the time, you haven’t won anything yet,” he said. “Rankings are nice, but they’re not championships. We’re focused on peaking at the right time, winning conference, making a playoff run, and hopefully competing for a state championship.”
As the postseason approaches, defense has become the key focus. The Corsairs know that solid defending can carry them through even when goals are hard to come by.
“Sometimes you play great soccer and the goals come in bunches,” Pierce said. “But sometimes they don’t. If you can keep the other team to zero, you’re always in a good position. Defense wins championships.”
For Pierce, though, the most important part of this season goes beyond stats or standings. It’s about the journey and the memories his players are creating together.
“You can’t control outcomes, but you can enjoy the process,” he said. “It’s about representing something bigger than yourself, your school, your friends, your team. Hopefully, these friendships last well beyond the season. That’s what it’s really about.”
As SMC gears up for another big matchup and looks ahead to the playoffs, the team’s focus remains clear: stay disciplined, stay together, and enjoy the ride. Whether they’re ranked number one or number ten, the Corsairs are proving that their biggest strength isn’t just their skill, it’s their spirit.