Girls soccer: Scouting Lake County

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Carmel Catholic

Coach: John Halloran (ninth year)

Last year’s record: 11-6-3, lost to Rolling Meadows Class 3A regional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Lauren Bowles (Olivet Nazarene)

Top returning players: Sarah McHugh (Northern Iowa) Sr. D., Meegan Johnston (Illinois) Jr. MF/F, Caitlin Jung Sr. D, Shannon Jung Sr. MF/F, Maggie Karich Sr. D, Ashley Orth Sr. F, Maggie Avampato Jr. D, Elizabeth Bream Jr. F, Bri Carlson Jr. D, Sadie Jung Jr. MF, Katie Larson Jr. D, Caitlin Murphy Jr. MF, Claire Ogrinc Jr. D.

Newcomers: Jenna Bauer Jr.GK, Annie DiVenere Jr. D, Colleen Foley Jr. D, Katie Sandecki So. D/F, Kayla Handel Fr. D.

Outlook: The Corsairs have a lot of balance returning to their lineup, along with experience. Carmel expects another good season ahead of them. “We want to be competitive for our conference (East Suburban Catholic) and win a regional title,” Carmel coach John Halloran said. “We know that we’re going to have a good season. We do have most players back from last year. It’s a nice group of seniors that can work hard and contribute with leadership.”

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

Antioch

Coach: Marni Polakow (first year)

Last year’s record: 4-13, lost to Lakes Class 2A regional semifinal

Top players graduated: Lauren Tiffany

Top returning players: Erica Slack Sr. MF, Abbi McIlhaney Jr. F, Alex Fracek So. D.

Other notable players: Tasha Bautista Sr. MF, Brittany Kelly Sr. MF/F, Cailee Laurel Sr. D/MF, Ashley Mihovilovich Sr. MF, Shannon Mundt Sr. MF, Megan Borries Jr. D/MF, Jaque Hernandez Jr. MF/F, Lily Herout Jr. MF, Danielle Koch Jr. Jr. D, Shannon Rieke Jr. D, Hannah Bohn So. D/GK, Kali Pope So. MF, Kristen Kelly So. MF/F, Zoe Zeien So. D.

Newcomers: Mikayla Abbeduto Fr. F, Haley Capek Fr. MF, Devin Kappie Fr. D, Reina Dionisio F. D,

Outlook: Marni Polakow takes over for the departed coach Hannah Drye, who left for family reasons. Polakow has coached the boys over the last several years. “We are very young and not very deep,” Polakow said. “I expect my girls to play hard and learn as the season progresses.”

Grant

Coach: Michael Kennedy (seventh year)

Last year’s record: 6-11, lost to Round Lake Class 3A regional quarterfinal.

Top players graduated: Ashley Flores, Trisha Palmieri, Shelby Stuparits.

Top returning players: Steph Aichholzer Sr. MF, Bri Miller Sr. D, Kassie Stimpson Sr. D, Haley Dierks So. D, Alyssa Wilhelm So. F.

Other notable players: Katie Brown Sr. MF, Jennifer Jones Sr. GK, Sophie Finerty Jr, MF, Vanessa Foreman Jr. F, Mallory Gizowski Jr. MF, Felicia Menon Jr. F, Kyra Schmidt Jr. MF, Jessica Jones So. D.

Newcomers: Tara Cwiak Sr. D, Nina Deligio So. MF, Ana Rodas So. GK, Marissa Allen Fr. MF, Leah Nehila Fr. MF, Jenna Pecorini Fr. F.

Outlook: Grant received some good news before the season and will playing in Class 2A this spring with the restructuring of classes. The Bulldogs hope to build consistency as the season goes forward. “Last year was a roller coaster, as we played very well in games and sometimes I felt we didn’t even show up to play,” Grant coach Michael Kennedy said. “This year, I’m looking for these girls to be more consistent in their play and compete for an entire game.”

Lakes

Coach: Kevin Kullby (seventh year)

Last year’s record: 7-11, lost to Marian Central Class 2A supersectional.

Top players graduated: Ashley Neubeck (Northern Illinois), Anne-Marie Brugioni, Emily Mason, Rebecca Hill, Sarah Dreyer, Nicole Kruckeberg, Sarah Fitzpatrick.

Top returning players: Jenna Baker Sr. MF, Leah Baker Sr. MF, Katie Mason Sr. D.

Other notable players: Ann Safron Sr. MF, Mikaela Brown Jr, D, Paige Coddington Jr. D, Hannah Jewell Jr. D, Nicole Mogged Jr. D, Sarah Norkus Jr. MF, Rebecca Pierce Jr. D, Haley Simpson Jr. MF, Megan Soderlund Jr. MF, Sarina Umlauf Jr. F, Jessica Cipolla So. MF, Laura Kuzmanovich So. D, Kimberly Messmer So. D,

Newcomers: Gabriella Arnwine Fr. F. Nicole Denman Fr. MF Kara Jones Fr. GK, MF, Brianna Rosales Fr. F, Maya Schmitt Fr. MF.

Outlook: Lakes always enjoys the competition of its tough schedule and in recent years has made strong runs in the Class 2A postseason. However, the Eagles may need to regroup this spring. “We do have a decent starting lineup but have a new goalie, who is untested at the varsity level and we’re not very deep,” Lakes coach Kevin Kullby said. “I think we will be competitive in the division and could compete well in the regional. We need to avoid injuries.”

Round Lake

Coach: Andres Orbe (third year)

Last year’s record: 4-16, lost to Crystal Lake South Class 3A regional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Claudia Hernandez, Kassey Tellez, Ana Albor, Fiorela Tovar.

Top returning players: Jasmine Huerta Sr. MF, Jackie Salgado Sr. D, Morgan Evins Jr. F, Bianca Mahoney Jr. F.

Newcomers: Brenda Barros Fr. D, Stephanie Figueroa Fr. MF, Ana Rodriguez Fr. MF.

Outlook: Round Lake won its first playoff game last year and would like to build from it. “There are many seniors along with a good number of freshmen on the varsity,” Round Lake coach Andres Orbe said. “It’s a great blend of experienced varsity players and youthful ‘hungry’ freshmen. I expect this to be the best year of Round Lake (girls) soccer in the school’s history. We expect to break our school’s record for wins and be at our peak in time to make a run in the state playoffs.”

Vernon Hills

Coach: Vince DeLuca (10th year)

Last year’s record: 10-6-4, lost to Wauconda Class 2A regional final.

Top players graduated: Kathryn Redig, Marylena Lehockey, Leah Kelly, Polly Kalantzis.

Top returning players: Alex Goldstein Sr. MF, Iris Ostrovsky Sr. GK, Julie Pecht Sr. MF, Brie Bahlmann Jr. D, Courtney Corrado Jr. D, Heidi VanderBloomer Jr. MF.

Other notable players: Allisa Menotti Sr. D. Allison Clatch Jr. F, Alina Lehocky Jr. D, Natalina Mariduena Jr. D, Kimberly Amari So. MF.

Newcomers: Katherine Koczwara So. F, Amy Andrea Fr. D, Kristen Guglielmi Fr. D.

Outlook: Vernon Hills may start out slow. The Cougars lost some key players and it could take time for the new pieces to form a whole. Expect the Cougars to pull together as early as midseason and certainly by playoff time. “We do have a pretty competitive group,” Vernon Hills coach Vince DeLuca said. “We return some seniors with a number of freshmen, but we might have more talent than last year.”

Wauconda

Coach: Pete Heckman (first year)

Last year’s record : 16-4-3, lost to Lakes Class 2A regional final.

Top players graduated: Melanie Prudhomme (Ripon), Emily Baird (St. Joseph’s), Tammy Ellis (Olivet Nazerine - basketball), Shannon Gilbert, Kelly Schaal, Haley Mulliner, Lauren Guzman, Maggie Sarich, Ahisa Bustos, Megan Rhode.

Top returning players: Tasha Braun Sr. MF, Diane Enriquez Sr. D, Cara Leoni Sr. GK, Alicia Knight Sr. MF, Laura Roncal Sr. D.

Other notable players: Megan Heinzinger Sr. F, Kendra Ballard Jr. F, Krystal Morris Jr. MF, Haley Proszek Jr. F, Megan Stepanek Jr. MF, Maddie Granada So. MF, Lauren Mantas So. MF, Alyssa Stepanian So. D.

Newcomers: Jackie Lung Fr. MF.

Outlook: Wauconda will have a different look to its team. Patrick Heckman takes over for the retired Terry Stevig, and most of the Bulldogs starters from last year’s team have moved on. Two players graduated early, Ahisa Bustos and Megan Rhode. “We will be rebuilding,” Heckman said. “They are a fun group of girls with little varsity experience, but they will learn a lot this season.”

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

Lake Zurich

Coach: Michael Castanova (first year)

Last year’s record: 10-8-4, lost to Barrington Class 3A regional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Brooke Sill (Eastern Illinois), Alexandra Nasca (Illinois Weslyan), Kate Arends (Indiana), Gina McCoy, Molly Murrin, Katie Botwin, Josie Willman, Tracy Kapraun.

Top returning players: Catalina Abad Sr. MF, Maisie Cox Sr. D, Morgan Dakarian Sr. F, Vanessa Abad Sr. MF.

Other notable players: Shannon McCowan Sr. MF, Gabrielle Luurs Sr. F, Beth Schleich Sr. MF, Courtney Kehrmann Jr. D, Kelsey Salvio Jr. GK, Stacey Wilton Jr. D, Jordan Jackson So. F, Claire Skowron So. F.

Newcomers: Katie Williams Sr. D, Katie McCullough Jr. MF, Tara Kennedy Jr. MF, Danielle Tassi Jr. MF, Meaghan Gelinas So. MF. Blair Coughenour Fr. F, Nicole Rasiarmos Fr. MF.

Outlook: Michael Castanova takes over for Meghan Kolze as the head coach. Lake Zurich will have to fill some holes after significant losses to graduation. “We are going to be a young team this year,” Castanova said. “It may take us some time to get used to playing together, but we have a few key returning players and many new players that are ready to step up. We will be a solid team that has the potential to surprise some teams throughout the season.”

Libertyville

Coach: Scott Schinto (12th year)

Last year’s record: 12-5-3, lost to Fremd Class 3A regional final

Top players graduated: Gracie Vente, Elise Moderwell, Allie Roeber, Val VanRoeyen (Augustana - basketball), Lindsey Daly (Townson), Katie Swift, Kaca Savatic, Sarah Felgenhauer.

Top returning players: Lauren DelPrato Sr. D, Allison Kelly Sr. D, Kelsey Novak Sr. MF/F, Colleen O’Conner Sr. MF/F, Natalie Algozino Jr. GK, Kat Keefe Jr. D/MF, Sam Marsh Jr. MF/F, Katie McAuliffe Jr. MF/F, Sydney Mudd So. MF/F.

Newcomers: Britt Clarke Sr. F, Elaine Sundberg Sr. GK, Jordan Bauer Jr. D/MF, Greta Gustafson Jr. D/MF, Gen Kapecki Jr. MF/F, Jessie Stanley Jr. MF/F, Jessie White Jr. D, Mia Hollingsworth Fr. MF/F.

Outlook: Libertyville lost several talented seniors to graduaton but returns with experienced players with a strong work rate. “We have a team full of hard-working ladies who have been putting in the time and effort,” Libertyville coach Scott Schinto said. “They work very hard and knowledgeable. We will be competitive in every game we play.”

Mundelein

Coach: Ernie Billittier (first year)

Last year’s record: 14-7-3, lost to Glenbrook North Class 3A regional semifinal

Top players graduated: Ashley Asher, Sarah Bassett, Ashley Begrowicz, Aarika Cancelli, Abbey Ekstrom, Caroline Emdy, Nathalie Mathis (Goshen College), Alia Munley, Jenny Small, Mel Swager.

Top returning players: Kelsey Hiegel Sr. D, Stephanie Johnson Jr. MF, Gaby Miranda, Kaila Cancelli So. F.

Other notable players: Connie Dimick Jr. D, Emiy Hagen Jr, D, McKenna Joy Jr. D, Stephanie Swiatkiewicz Jr. MF, Hailey Talbot Jr. F, Micheala Valin Jr. D, Cristy Nambo Fr. F, Jessica Schultz Fr. MF.

Newcomers: Jasmine Ader So. F, Cristina Loverde So. GK, Megan Carroll Fr. F, Shannon Carroll Fr. D, Michele Chernesky Fr. MF.

Outlook: Ernie Billittier takes over as the girls coach for the retired Dave Ekstrom and will have to take on a young group. The Mustangs lost a veteran and experienced core from last year. “Our lack of experience will be handled by our veteran varsity players,” Billittier said. “We have quality players on our team and nice to have a mix of youth and experience. Our challenge will be to overcome that inexperience and to unite as a team. There will be some adjustment to new ideas and methods.” The Mustangs will be playing on the road for most of the season until their new artificial turf is completed in their stadium.

Stevenson

Coach: Mark Schartner (19th year)

Last year’s record: 10-6-5, lost to Glenbrook North Class 3A regional final.

Top players graduated: Liz Sanscrainte (Illinois), Caeli Loras, Christine Gregory, Taylor Connington, Austin Gregorcy.

Top returning players: Kara Ballard Sr. F, Anne Geocaris Sr. D, Katie Krejsa (Dayton) Sr. F, Molly Brandt Sr. D, Olivia Whalen Sr. F, Hannah Levi Jr. MF, Morgan Meyer Jr. D, Elise Tokars Jr. MF, Jenna Weiner Jr. MF, Haley Green So. F.

Other notable players: Cori Calcaterra Jr. GK, Ali Olson Jr. D, Erin Bailey So. MF, Carolyn Briggs So. D, Haley Goldstein So. MF, Megan Petrick So. D.

Newcomers: Julia Hasdan Sr. MF, Sara Putwen So. MF, Riley Trebilco So. GK, Lily Zhang So. MF, Rachel Bloomenthal Fr. D.

Outlook: Stevenson lost a few hard-nosed players but have others ready for the battle. “We do have a lot of experience, but we lost some key players,” Stevenson coach Mark Schartner said. “We’re going to have to find ourselves in the midfield early on. We do have tons of experience with a well balanced team. We do have outstanding speed and great senior leadership. I expect us to battle all year.”

Warren

Coach: Ryan McCabe (first year)

Last year’s record: 7-15-1, lost to Prospect in the Class 3A regional quarterfinal

Top players graduated: Jackie Luka (Augustana), Rachel Stemplewski.

Top returning players: Amanda Macuiba Sr. GK, Katie Murphy Sr. D, Rachel Walz Sr. D.

Other notable players: Sky Anselm Sr. F, Kelly Ditmars Sr. MF, Katlyn McDermott Sr. D, Karly Moe Sr. MF, Rylee Parker Sr. MF, Lexi Reyes Sr. MF, Bri Selimos Sr. MF, Kenzie Verheyen Sr. MF, Kenia Dominguez Jr. MF, Taylor Jamil Jr. F, Paige Jespersen Jr. F, Maddi Brenner So. MF, McKenna Hofflander So. F, Kristen Huard So. MF, Haylee Parker So. D, Daria Szczepanek So. MF, Nicole Villarreal So. GK.

Newcomers: Chloe Juergensen Sr. MF. (Moorehead State).

Outlook: Ryan McCabe enters with five years under level coaching experience in the program and takes over for Jeff Knouse. A healthier outlook and plenty of experience could go a long way toward a better season. “We have a lot of senior leadership this year and are getting some good players back off of injuries,” McCabe said. “The girls are putting in good work and are starting to gel as a team. We will continue to build on our solid foundation and play smart, hustle soccer.”

FOX VALLEY FOX DIVISION

Grayslake Central

Coach: Mike McCaulou (10th year)

Last year’s record: (15-7), lost to Lakes Class 2A sectional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Lauren Labello (Carthage), Kelly Jay (Butler), Allison Mitchell, Kelsey Skutnick, Brooke Swearingen, Allie Black, Kat Dickson (Hope)

Top returning players: Colleen Daly Sr. MF, Jocelyn Gaughran Sr. D, Skyer Jessop Sr. MF, Michelle Lettenmair Sr. D, Emma Shepard Sr. MF, Alex Wislon (Concordia) Sr. F, Savannah Mudd Jr. F.

Newcomers: Emily Klees Sr. F, Kajal Chokshi Jr. GK, Erin Boban So. MF, Maddie Miller So. D, Carson Sparkman So. MF, Maggie Wehde So. D, Jenny Biondo Fr. D, Cara Fontana Fr. D, Anna Sizelove Fr. D, Lauren Spaulding Fr. D.

Outlook: Grayslake Central had one of its best girls soccer seasons last spring and would like to keep the ball rolling. But the Rams have lost a few key players that helped them reach that level. There will be some experience back on the field, but also some new-to-the-varsity players. “I expect us to compete in every game,” Grayslake Central coach Mike McCaulou said. “We need to try to improve in each game.”

Grayslake North

Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (sixth year)

Last year’s record: 9-11-1, lost to Grayslake Central Class 2A regional final

Top players graduated: Chloe Basa. Taylor Cashman, Kim Shurtliff.

Top returning players: Katie Lahera Sr. MF, Andrea Lamb (Trinity International) Sr. D, Katie McGrath Sr. F, Hannah Mitchem Sr. MF, Brooke Sauer Sr. GK, Lyz Steinhoff Sr. D, Sara Steinhoff Sr. MF, Maggie Stojak Sr. MF, Jaclyn Brennan Jr. MF/F, Kendell Detweiller So. D, Chelsea Olson So. MF.

Newcomers: Kelly Meyer So. F, Erin Parro So. D, Maggie Fish Fr. MF, Teegan Johnson Fr. F, Sam Villwock Fr. MF.

Outlook: Just a few talented players were lost for Grayslake North, and the Knights return 10 players with valuable experience. “Our team is hoping to finally find that winning formula between the tremendous experience we have and the youth that has talent and soccer ability,” coach Adam DeCaluwe said. “We have a great group of girls that seem to want to fight for each other and for the same cause. We see that as a sign of a good team with a lot of potential.”