SABR – Team Boca’s Legacy of Champions: From Players to Coaches, a Tradition Lives On

By Gary Curreri

Cristina Taylor: From State Champ to Sideline Leader

Cristina Rodriguez Taylor’s soccer journey with SABR – Team Boca began at age 12 after her travel team, the West Boca Sundevils, suffered a heavy defeat in a State Cup match against Team Boca. A chance meeting at the mall with legendary coach Rocky Orezzoli led to a tryout—and a new chapter in her life.

“I liked the way Rocky coached my sister at Spanish River,” said Taylor, now a mother of three and a Team Boca coach. “After we got crushed by Team Boca, we saw Rocky in the mall. He suggested I try out—and I made the team.”

From U13 to U19, Taylor helped lead Team Boca to six Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) state titles, including five straight championships.

Coaching the Next Generation

Taylor coached U9s while still a freshman at FAU. After a successful college career, she returned to Team Boca as a coach—this time with her daughters, Mia (11) and Brielle (8), both now players in the program.

“I coach the way I was coached,” said Taylor, who led the U9 Academy this past season. “People think the younger kids can’t do the drills—but they absolutely can. It’s so rewarding to see them apply what we practice.”

Where Development Starts: The Youth Academy

The Academy is SABR – Team Boca’s entry point for players ages U7 to U12. Kids train in pools, focus on skill-building, and play in local leagues and a few tournaments—with development as the top priority.

Since its founding in 1977, SABR – Team Boca has built a culture rooted in development. The results speak for themselves:
– 34 Florida (FYSA) State Cup championships
– 9 US Youth Soccer (USYS) Southern Regional titles
– 3 USYS National Championships

Hundreds of players have gone on to play in college, professional leagues, and beyond.

2024-2025 Season Highlights: Eyes on Nationals

This season, SABR – Team Boca had six boys teams qualify for the 2024-2025 FYSA State Cup Finals. Two other teams finished as runners-up in other prestigious FYSA competitions: Commissioner’s Cup and President’s Cup.

Four teams have qualified for the 2025 USYS Southern Regionals in Dallas, TX this June:
– Girls U17 Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)
– Girls U13 Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)
– Boys U14 White (National League finalists)
– Boys U16 White (Sunshine Conference winners)

Carrying the Torch

Taylor reflects on the club’s winning culture:

“Team Boca’s reputation for developing players hasn’t changed. I want these kids to experience the same joy I had growing up here.”

“I still have my old uniform,” she added. “My best childhood memories are from Team Boca.”

Pride in Performance: Coaches Share the Mission

Boys Director of Coaching Michael Araujo praised the club’s depth and competitiveness:

“Our Boys U16 White team is ranked No. 7 nationally,” he said. “We’ve built a culture where players push each other to be better every day.”

Girls Director of Coaching Mario Rincon credited legacy and leadership:

“Former players like Cristina and Tori Danchak returning to coach is why our club stays strong. Our history is what makes us unique.”

Player Development at the Core

SABR Director of Player Development Art Turpel emphasized that the program supports all levels of play:

“Whether they aim to go pro or just love the game, we provide that path. There are more opportunities now than ever.”

SABR – Team Boca Director Petro Andreadis added:

“At Team Boca, we’ve built something special. Sure, we win championships—but our real pride is in preparing players for life, both on and off the field.”

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