Two former Scotts Valley High standouts, Sofia Niklaus and Taylor Santos, were named USA Lacrosse 2025 High School Girls’ All-Americans.

Niklaus, a recent graduate who is committed to Colorado College, was named All-American and an All-Academic honoree for the second time.

She was one of nine players from the Central Coast Section to receive All-American honors.

“Sofia is a true impact player,” said Falcons coach Colleen Niklaus, after her daughter was named co-Player of the Year in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan Division in the spring. “On the offensive side, she is almost unstoppable. Teammates turn to her to score when we need it most — and against the most competitive teams. … On the defensive end, Sofia is such a vocal leader on the field. She can shut down any opponent 1-v-1. And she has helped her teammates improve so dramatically so they all work together as a strong defensive unit.”A 5-foot-10 midfielder, Niklaus finished the season with 102 points (84 goals and 18 assists). She helped the Falcons (9-4, 7-3) take second place behind Stevenson (14-4-1, 10-0) in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan Division and advance to the CCS Division II playoffs.

She had 66 draw controls (draws to herself); 205 draw possessions (draws won for Scotts Valley) out of 280 attempts for a 73.2% win rate, 86 ground balls, and 38 caused turnovers.

Santos, a recent graduate who transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, after playing for Scotts Valley for her first two seasons, also earned All-American honors. She was one of 10 players honored from the Gulf Coast.

The 5-6 attacker, who is committed to Loyola University Maryland, had 35 goals and eight assists in 15 games for the Ascenders (11-8), according to stats published on maxpreps.com. She took 38 shots and had a 0.921 shooting percentage.

She also caused six turnovers.