Memories and laughs were in abundance, joining some friendly competition as current and past South Pasadena High athletes met last Saturday in the school’s annual alumni girls’ soccer game.

Commonly held during winter break, the matchup broke away from the usual format and instead debuted as a March fundraiser for the program.

“Time moved on, and the tradition fell by the wayside,” explained Noel Garcia, a SPHS alumni and now a parent, said in an email.  “As with many of the sports at South Pasadena High School, girls’ soccer is supported by the SPHS Booster program’s beloved Bingo Nights.”

Garcia, noting that COVID cases were still high throughout the winter months, forced the cancellation of bingo nights, a long-standing Saturday evening ritual on campus, “and the idea for making the alumni game into a fundraiser grew,” she said.

Erin Donovan, a SPHS soccer alum and member of a Tigers’ CIF championship team, came up with the idea “because she wanted to support the girls team which gave her so many good memories throughout her life,” said Garcia.

Getting her share of applause during player introductions was Donovan, a mother and attorney today, who “continues to be a stellar soccer player,” praised Garcia.

Graduating classes from 1989-2015 were represented, showcasing their talents on the field under stormy skies while contributing to the school’s girls’ soccer program, which has built a solid legacy over the years.

Despite the downpour “many from the community came out to enjoy the game, buy SPHS…