Jordyn Silva would like to have one more season with younger sibling Cameron and the rest of the Manteca girls soccer team.
If it doesn't happen because of the coronavirus pandemic, her junior campaign is not a bad way to go out.
Inside of one week, the Silva sisters helped the Buffaloes capture their second Sac-Joaquin Section Division III title on Feb. 29 and make their first-ever appearance in a California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Regional appearance three days later.
That wasn't all for Jordyn, who, in that first week of March, committed to continue playing beyond high school at Stanislaus State — her top choice. This past weekend, she made it official by signing her National Letter of Intent to compete for one of the top programs in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
Persistence paid off for Silva, who kept Stanislaus State coach Gabe Bolton updated on her club tournament schedule during the recruiting process.
“After we won section, that's basically when Gabe and I had a talk and I ended up committing to the school,” Silva said. “I was very proud of of myself because I worked very hard to get to where I was at. And since it was my No. 1 choice the whole time, it made me even happier.”
Silva hasn't had a chance to make an official visit but what she has seen in virtual tours excites her. The Turlock campus is close enough for her family to attend home games. It's also home to one of the top nursing programs on the West Coast. A self-proclaimed baby lover, Silva aspires to be a midwife.
“I know I can do some amazing things down there and make many memories,” she said.
In 2019, the Warriors went 15-6, reached the semifinal round of the CCAA Tournament and qualified for the NCAA Division II West Region Championships.
Bolton has built a competitive program with much of the talent coming from the region. Two of his top seniors this season are former standouts at East Union High. The next class includes familiar faces for Silva, as three of her teammates from Modesto-based club Ajax United — Caroline and Kayla Duenas of Beyer, and Devaney Dougherty of Ripon — have also signed with Stanislaus State.
“It will be a fun experience with all of us playing together at a higher level,” Silva said. “Everything is going to be new to us, but as time goes on we will adapt and play our hearts out for the team.”
For now, Silva is doing all she can to stay prepared for the season to come, be it with the high school squad this spring or college next fall. Prep sports are currently on hold until California Department of Public Health releases guidance for them to resume.
Either way, Silva will remember her time at Manteca High fondly, especially with her sister. As a freshman, Cameron Silva was named All-Valley Oak League MVP last season and the two had never previously played on the same team.
“Playing with my sister has been an absolute blast, and we've talked about it so many times,” the elder Silva said. “We worked so hard and are so proud of ourselves. I really hope we get to play together again.
“Senior year is important to everyone, and I just hope I get to get another season to represent the school.”
