The Tempe Corona del Sol girls soccer team doesn’t feel like it has a bull’s-eye on its collective back. Rather, the Aztecs feel like they have earned badges of honor.

The two-time defending Class 5A-I state champions say they understand what it takes to get to the top and they are not about to stumble now. But they also hope to take a different perspective into this season.

“We want to enjoy each day as it comes. We want to relish the journey,” coach Matt Smith said. “In the past we wanted to read the last page of the book the first day we opened it. This year, we want to read every page and enjoy it along the way.”

Don’t be fooled. The Aztecs’ new outlook is not a sign of being satisfied. Quite the opposite.

“We are more hungry and working even harder,” said senior midfielder Alexis Burkhart. “We know what it takes. It takes a lot of work and we are willing to do it again.”

Casey Tate is encouraging his players to focus on the present as well. His Chandler Seton Catholic girls soccer program has won six consecutive 3A/2A/1A state titles. The Sentinels will compete in 4A-II this season.

“We always talk about the future, not the past,” Tate said. “We don’t want to get stuck in the past and let the future go right by.”

Members of both teams say they put enough pressure on themselves, so they don’t worry about who is coming after them.

“We don’t really feel pressure, but just want to continue the tradition,” Tate said. “Every team is different and every year is a different challenge.”

TEAMS TO WATCH

Corona del Sol: Aztecs have found a way to win last two 5A-I titles and return 20 players, including 11 who have started 20-plus games.

Xavier: Has not won a state title since ‘02, but has players to make an impact this season.

Desert Vista: Thunder join Corona del Sol and Mountain Pointe in Central Region to make it the state’s toughest.

Seton Catholic: Has won six consecutive state titles in 3A/2A/1A. Sentinels move to 4A-II this season.

Tempe Prep: If not for Seton Catholic, would probably have multiple state titles. With Sentinels out, this team becomes favorite in 3A/2A/1A.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Shawn-Tee Greene, Dobson, Sr., F; Hailey Hayes, Corona del Sol, So., GK; Katie Shepard, Desert Vista, Sr., F; Ally Thrall, Chaparral, Sr., F; Samantha Roberts, Higley, Sr., MF; Sam Conrad, Gilbert, Sr., MF; Este Rea, Corona del Sol, Sr., F; Amy Jarvis, Highland, Jr., F; Bianca Doller, Marcos de Niza, So., F; Mackenzie Stevens, McClintock, Sr., MF; Jessica Petznick, Xavier, Jr., D; Chelsea Riedell, Highland, Jr., D; Katlyn Piotrowski, Desert Vista, Jr., MF; Ariel Cook, Gilbert, Jr., F; Megan Larsen, Corona, Jr., F; Ashley Jiminez, Basha, Jr., MF

OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH

1. Brittany Cole, Corona del Sol, F, Sr.: Aztecs’ all-time career and single-season goal scorer. Scored winning goal in each of last two 5A-I title matches. Gatorade Girls Player of the Year last season and is committed to the University of Arizona.

2. Chelsea Canepa, Xavier, F, Sr.: The leader Gators will look to make a run for the state championship.

3. Lauren Mitchell, Desert Vista, GK, Sr.: Led Thunder on surprising run to 5A-I title match last season with stingy play.

4. Jamie Lopez, Seton Catholic, MF/F, Sr.: Catalyst on latest Seton dynasty, member of three state championship teams. Heading to St. Louis University next year.

5. Alexis Burkhart, Corona del Sol, MF, Sr.: Top defender for two-time 5A-I champs and recorded 39 points.

KEY DATES

Dec. 3-7: Fiesta Bowl Soccer Classic

Dec. 26-31: Dobson Mustang Tournament

Late January: State tournaments (AIA has not set dates)