Girls soccer / Lake County all-area team
By Rusty Silber
Daily Herald Correspondent
Vanesa Abad Lake Zurich
Now you see her and now you don’t. Quickness was a big part of what the all-sectional player portrayed on the offensive attack for the Bears. Abad wasn’t bad, but awesome productively with 11 goals and 11 assists. “Vanesa was the reason we won games,” coach Meghan Kolze said. “She is a quick, speedy player that knows and reads the game well. She not only has the confidence and ability to take opponents on one-v-one, but she also knows when to set her teammates up for success. She is a versatile player that competes at any position and has a knack for the goal.”
Emily Baird Wauconda
The dependable defender is an all-sectional and all-area choice for a second straight year. Baird was a force in the back line, helping Wauconda to 14 shutouts this season. The smooth sweeper also helped Wauconda earn a share of the North Suburban Prairie championship with Vernon Hills and win a Class 2A regional title. She will will be playing soccer next year at St. Joseph in Indiana. “Emily was the anchor for our defense,” coach Terry Stevig said. “She had size, speed and skill, led by example and demonstrated a lot of hard work. She had played almost every minute in every game.”
Ashley Begrowicz Mundelein
Begrowicz was hard to contain and proved it by tallying 29 goals and 13 assists. The forward earned all-state honors and merited selection as captain of the Daily Herald’s Lake County All-Area team.
Kat Dickson Grayslake Central
This Kat gave Grayslake Central many lives. The four-year starter earned all-sectional honors this spring after her finest season. Dickson will be keeping next fall at Hope College in Michigan. She set school records with 13 shutouts this spring and 35 for her career. “She is the best goalkeeper I have had the opportunity to coach on the girls side,” coach Mike McCaulou said. “She is a true athlete in every sense of the word.” A starter for the Rams’ sectional-championship basketball team, she was fearless, particularly in shootouts.
Abbey Ekstrom Mundelein
The coach’s daughter and four-year varsity starter was always in control at midfield. Ekstrom was a proven leader, completing her final season with 8 goals and 13 assists, and earning all-sectional honors. “Abbey was the heart of our midfield,” coach Dave Ekstrom said. “Abbey was especially good in the air, with good vision and the technical ability to set up her teammates and connect passes.” Also a good defensive center midfielder, she was often assigned to the other team’s best midfielder.
Tammy Ellis Wauconda
The senior is a well-rounded athlete, as evidenced by her success on the basketball court the last four winters. Ellis, who will play basketball Olivet Nazarene, also excelled on the socccer field the last four years, anchoring the Bulldogs’ midfield. She had 11 goals and 4 assists this spring. The center midfielder used size and speed to create havoc for opponents. “She is excellent in the air and the target on our corners,” coach Terry Stevig said. “She gave us control of the midfield while distributing the ball. She led by example and was a major factor in our success this season.”
Alex Goldstein Vernon Hills
Goldstein set the standard. She sparked Vernon Hills’ offense, tallying 9 goals and 5 assists. “Simply put, Alex is what got our team going this year,” said coach Vince DeLuca, whose team shared the North Suburban Prairie Division crown with Wauconda. “When we were smart enough to get her the ball, she produced. Alex has such a tremendous passion for the game and works so hard to improve day in and out.”
Andrea Lamb Grayslake North
Lamb provided strength and balance along the back line for the Knights. “Andrea was, by far, our most consistent player,” coach Adam DeCaluwe said. “She showed it in her effort as well as her performance. She was a shutdown defender, provided great experience to the back four and always had the task of marking up our opponents’ most effective attackers.”
Kelly Jay Grayslake Central
A fierce competitor, the all-sectional pick was an integral part of the Rams’ success, which included a Fox Valley Fox Division title and regional championship. Coach Mike McCaulou depended on her game in and game out. “She was our most consistent performer all year long,” he said. “She is so smart on and off the ball. She rarely lost possession and was a true leader. A competitor on and off the field.” Jay will attend Butler next fall and is expected to play club soccer.
Shannon Jung Carmel
This multi-talented player found many ways to be useful for Carmel. With the Corsairs dealing with several injuries early in the season, Jung started out in the back before settling in as a midfielder and even playing up top. She scored 9 goals and had an assist. “Her technical skill, tactical understanding and great work rate helped us fill in gaps throughout the year as they developed,” coach John Halloran said. “She came through with several big goals this season.”
Katie Krejsa Stevenson
Katie could — and did. An explosive scorer, the junior racked up 21 goals and 7 assists. The all-sectional player provided an offensive spark game after game. “She was an amazing finisher,” coach Mark Schartner said. “We were never out of a game with Katie on the field. She wore her heart on her sleeve. She truly hates losing.”
Jackie Luka Warren
The Blue Devils counted on Luka in a lot of ways. A strong playmaker, the all-sectional midfielder had a knack for staying with the ball. “She was our backbone this season,” coach Jeff Knouse said. “She is strong with both feet and can win the ball in the air. She’s a tough defender who tackles strong, wins the ball in the midfield and starts our offense. Jackie had the skill, confidence and leadership ability to make all of the players around her better. She was our go-to person this year.”
Nathalie Mathis Mundelein
Mundelein was known for good defense, and Mathis excelled in that area. Others noticed, too: Mathis earned all-sectional and all-area honors for a second straight year. She also moved up top this spring, adding a spark to the Mustangs’ offense at various times. “Nathalie was an excellent defensive player, with the technical and tactical ability to play anywhere on the field,” coach Dave Ekstrom said. “She was very tough, read the play well and won balls extremely well. We moved her up to forward at times and she made an immediate impact on the game. She has the combination of strength and skill, which sets her apart from many players.”
Sara McHugh Carmel
McHugh was huge. The sweeper earned all-sectional honors, helping the Corsairs post a 0.63 goals-against average with 12 shutouts. “Sarah was the rock of our back line,” coach John Halloran said. “She showed a great deal of maturity and leadership stepping into a rebuilt defense and made it extremely difficult for opponents to break us down. She helped hold our season together, especially in the first few weeks when we had multiple senior players out with injuries.”
Ashley Neubeck Lakes
Neubeck is not new at Lakes. The all-sectional talent played four varsity seasons and exactly 100 games, totaling 36 goals and 28 assists, including 12 goals and 7 assists this spring. Next fall, she’ll join the Northern Illinois women’s soccer team. “She was truly the heart and soul of our team,” coach Kevin Kullby said. “She kept a level head no matter the score and played the first minute of the game as she played the last minute of the game — 100 percent all of the time.” Neubeck scored several important goals in the Eagles’ run to the Class 2A supersectional. Her 25-yard direct kick beat the third-overtime buzzer in the regional final, lifting Lakes to victory over Richmond-Burton.
Ashley Orth Carmel
Orth went forth, moving to a forward position and providing a pleasant surprise for the Corsairs. She finished as the team’s scoring leader with 10 goals and 4 assists. “She made big improvements in her game over the off-season and came back a more well-rounded player,” coach John Halloran said. “She contributed numerous big goals for us and was a constant thorn in the side of opposing defenses. Her work rate was fantastic both on the attacking and defensive end, something that can be rare for a forward.”
Julie Pecht Vernon Hills
It was a comeback year for Pecht. After dealing with injuries last year, she became a leader and earned all-sectional honors. “Julie had a tremendous year for us,” said coach Vince DeLuca. Pecht finished with a team-best 11 goals. “She came out this year with a great attitude and worked tremendously hard to get back to her form. I am so proud of all she has accomplished this year.”
Melanie Prudhomme Wauconda
A top-notch defender in basketball, the senior was a top-notch scorer in soccer. She led Wauconda with 24 goals and 12 assists. An all-sectional choice, she will continue her soccer career at Dubuque. “She is a strong, physical player with excellent skills and endurance,” coach Terry Stevig said. “She was a leader on our team and was very coachable.” Prudhomme took corner kicks and dead-ball kicks. She scored the winning goal in overtime in the Class 2A regional final against Vernon Hills.
Allie Roeber Libertyville
Libertyville had a number of versatile players, and the best of them might have been Roeber. When called upon, the veteran stepped into many spots, especially during a fine playoff run. “She played in every third of the field for us,” coach Scott Schinto said of his four-year varsity player. “She would play forward, midfield and in the back. Just a very versatile player.”
Lizzy Sanscrainte Stevenson
A solid force and a leader in goal for a young Stevenson team, the Division I recruit and repeat all-area choice earned all-sectional honors. The Illinois-bound keeper posted 9 shutouts and a 0.89 goals-against average. “She is one of the best goalkeepers in the state,” coach Mark Schartner said. “She’s a game-changer and an irreplaceable player. She provided leadership on and off the field. Technically, she is outstanding, with the quickness of a college player.”
Kaca Savatic Libertyville
Libertyville had a lot of strengths, but perhaps its strongest point was defense. Savatic was one reason for that. She overcame a season-ending injury suffered last year. “She was the main artery for us,” coach Scott Schinto said. “She played solid in the back and was also able to push up into the attack. She’s always been excellent in the air and scored a couple of high-quality head balls this year.”
Brooke Sill Lake Zurich
Sill’s will resulted in 9 goals and 3 assists. The midfielder will be playing soccer at Eastern Illinois next fall.”Brooke was an invaluable member of our team this year,” coach Meghan Kolze said. “She made an impact in every game. She’s a player that goes the extra mile and focuses on doing all the little things well. She holds her teammates accountable for giving 100 percent on the field. With her, we were a better team.”
Kassie Stimpson Grant
Stimpson stepped up — and other Bulldogs followed her lead. “Kassie Stimpson is one of the fiercest competitors I’ve coached here at Grant High School,” coach Michael Kennedy said of his sweeper, who scored 6 goals and had 5 assists. “She’s just a great leader for our young team and is always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. She gave us a chance to win and be competitive.”
Katie Swift Libertyville
Libertyville had a strong run over the last few weeks of the season, including a victory over North Suburban Conference champion Lake Forest and a Class 3A regional semifinal victory over St. Viator. Swift was a big part of it from her sweeper role and was an all-sectional and all-area player for a second straight year. The Wildcats allowed only 3 goals over their last 10 games. “She was able to take her game to another level this year,” said coach Scott Schinto. Swift was a four-year starter who played almost every possible minute. “She was, by far, the best defender in this area,” Schinto said. “She sees the field well and was a tenacious one-v-one defender.”
Lauren Tiffany Antioch
The senior competed in three sports the last three years — volleyball, basketball and soccer — and was a leader and tenacious competitor in each. An academic all-stater, she excelled defensively for the soccer team. “Lauren is an exceptional student-athlete,” coach Hannah Drye said. “On the field, she wins countless balls both in the air and on the ground. She battles fiercely in and around the 18, and never conceding a shot.” Tiffany’s teammates named her the Sequoits’ most valuable player.
Lake County all-area roster
Player School Yr. Pos.
Vanesa Abad Lake Zurich So. F
Emily Baird Wauconda Sr. D
*Ashley Begrowicz Mundelein Sr. F
Abbey Ekstrom Mundelein Sr. MF
Kat Dickson Grayslake Central Sr. GK
Tammy Ellis Wauconda Sr. MF
Alex Goldstein Vernon Hills Jr. MF
Kelly Jay Grayslake Central Sr. D/MF
Shannon Jung Carmel Jr. D/MF
Katie Kresja Stevenson Jr. F
Andrea Lamb Grayslake North Jr. D
Jackie Luka Warren Sr. MF/F
Nathalie Mathis Mundelein Sr. D/F
Sarah McHugh Carmel Jr. D
Ashley Neubeck Lakes Sr. MF/F
Ashley Orth Carmel Jr. F
Julie Pecht Vernon Hills Jr. MF
Melanie Prudhomme Wauconda Sr. MF/F
Allie Roeber Libertyville Sr. MF
Lizzy Sanscrainte Stevenson Sr. GK
Kaca Savatic Libertyville Sr. D/MF
Brooke Sill Lake Zurich Sr. MF
Kassie Stimpson Grant Jr. D
Katie Swift Libertyville Sr. D
Lauren Tiffany Antioch Sr. D
Special mention
Kate Arends (Lake Zurich, Sr., D), Chloe Basa (Grayslake North, Sr., D/MF), Jaclyn Brennan (Grayslake North, So., F), Ahissa Bustos (Wauconda, Jr., MF), Aarika Cancelli (Mundelein, Sr., D), Brianne Carlson (Carmel, So., F), Maisie Cox (Lake Zurich, Jr. MF), Courtney Corrado (Vernon Hills, Jr., D) Colleen Daly (Grayslake Central, Jr., MF), Jess Faber (Libertyville, Jr., MF/F), Sarah Felgenhauer (Libertyville, Sr., D), Sarah Fitzpatrick (Lakes, Sr., GK), Vanessa Foreman (Grant, So., F), Alex Fracek (Antioch, Fr., D), Anne Geocaris (Stevenson, Fr., D), Austin Gregorcy (Stevenson, Sr. D/MF), Lauren Guzman (Wauconda, Sr., D), Kelsey Hiegel (Mundelein, Jr., D), Rebecca Hill (Lakes, Sr., MF/F), Jasmine Huerta (Round Lake, Jr., MF), Skyler Jessop (Grayslake Central, Jr., MF/F), Meegan Johnston (Carmel, So., MF), Michelle Lettenmair (Grayslake Central, Jr., D), Lindsey Lewis (Grant, Fr., MF), Cara Leoni (Wauconda, Jr., GK), Amanda Macuiba (Warren, Jr., GK), Emily Mason (Lakes, Sr., D), Bianca Mahoney (RL, So., MF), Katie McGrath (Grayslake North, Jr., F), Savannah Mudd (Grayslake Central, So., D/MF), Katie Murphy (Warren, Jr., D), Molly Murrin (Lake Zurich, Sr., F), Iris Ostrovsky (Vernon Hills, Jr., GK), Trisha Palmieri (Grant, Sr., D), Kaylee Price (Antioch, Fr., GK), Ericka Slack (Antioch, Jr., MF), Melanie Swager (Mundelein, Sr., GK), Kassie Tellez (Round Lake, Sr., D), Kelly Trillhaase (Carmel, Sr., MF,) Heidi VanderBloomer (Vernon Hills, So., MF), Val VanRoeyen (Libertyville, Sr., MF), Olivia Whalen (Stevenson, Jr., D/F), Rachel Walz (Warren, Jr., D), Jenna Weiner (Stevenson, So., MF)
Selections and player profiles by Rusty Silber.