Cook County All-Area Team
Sam Anderson Rolling Meadows
Anderson enjoyed a productive season for the Mustangs, who finished second in the Mid-Suburban East. The junior shortstop led the Mustangs in seven offensive categories, including her .374 batting average, single-season record 8 home runs and 29 RBI. “Sam was our best offensive player and is one of the top players coming back to the Mid-Suburban League,” said coach Tony Wolanski. “ Sam is a tremendous talent.”
Allie Bauch Conant
Bauch’s passion and heart could been seen in volleyball, basketball and softball. “This three-sport athlete is almost too good to be true,” said coach CathyAnn Smith about her senior shortstop who will play at Illinois. “Allie’s tenacity is what makes her one of the best shortstops in the area. She has no problem getting dirty to stop a ball up the middle, and will encourage her teammates to do the same.” Bauch batted .393 with 11 doubles, 23 RBI and 44 runs. “Allie has used her speed and skill to create some great offensive runs,” Smith said. “Allie has the compassion and leadership that has helped this team really have a sense of chemistry.”
Sara Brunlieb Rolling Meadows
Brunlieb was a major reason the Mustangs competed against many teams this season. The junior pitcher compiled a 14-9 record in her third varsity season, striking out a single-season school record 159 batters while posting a 1.90 ERA. “Sara has improved every season and gave us a chance to compete and win in all of her starts,” said coach Tony Wolanski. “Sara is a great student of the game and has a competitiveness that will give us a chance to compete for a conference title next season.”
Caitlin Catino Buffalo Grove
Catino made quite a rookie debut for the Bison, batting .396 with a .528 on base-percentage and she led the team with 9 stolen bases. “She was our big offensive weapon,” said coach Jamie Paul. “Caitlin is one of the few slappers who can do it all. She can slap for a hit, she can bunt for the hit or she can hit it to the fence.” Catino had 5 doubles and collected 20 putouts in center field with a .909 fielding percentage.
Briana Cavin Conant
For four years, Cavin has done it all with her arm and her bat. This year she batted .358 while going 30-3 on the mound with a 1.27 ERA and 244 strikeouts. “In the past four years, Bri has grown in strength, speed, and finesse on the mound and in the batter’s box,” said coach CathyAnn Smith. “Bri works hard in the offseason so that she can help her team reach their full potential.” The Green Bay-bound senior threw 102 complete games in her career with 870 strikeouts and a 1.26 ERA.
Miranda Cavin Conant
Cavin has been the Cougars anchor behind the plate for the past three seasons and led the team this season with her batting average of .508 along with a team-high 9 home runs and 59 RBI. “She is a strong but quiet leader behind the plate,” said coach CathyAnn Smith. “And that has helped her sister Bri set up numerous batters as they worked together so well. She has an arm like no other softball player I have coached. Miranda has had very few people try and steal on her, and if they have, she has thrown them out.”
Rachel Doering Fremd
One of the top pitchers in the area, Doering (17-5) led the Vikes into a sectional appearance and finished the season with 10 shutouts, a no-hitter and 120 strikeouts. “Rachel has continued to cut her numbers in half each year,” said coach Jim Weaver. “And this year she has had a special year on the mound with an ERA around 1.09 while facing almost all of the best lineups on our schedule.”
Leigh Farina Fremd
Coach Jim Weaver says the sophomore is already as good defensively as any shortstop in Fremd history. She made many key plays which helped the Vikings to another 30-win season and regional championship. Batting No. 2, Farina hit .443 with 44 runs, 51 hits, 35 RBI, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 5 homers and stole 9 bases. “Leigh is a top of the order player with speed and power (21 extra base hits) and seems to play her best against the best competition,” Weaver added.
Raegan Fingerman Barrington·
Despite it being her rookie season on the varsity, Fingerman performed like a veteran. She hit .427 with 25 runs, 8 doubles and a team-high 33 RBI. “Raegan stepped in at two different positions when teammates could not play due to an injury,” said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. “Whether it was catching or first base, her performance was remarkable. She has one of the strongest arms on the team.”
Alex Flasch St. Viator
A three-year starter at shortstop, Flasch (.434) displayed her power this season with a single-season school record 8 home runs along with 10 doubles and 6 triples. The senior co-captain was one of the top defensive players in the area with 79 putouts and 86 assists. She will play for Maryville (Mo.) on a softball scholarship. “Alex led by example,” said coach Dan Twarog. “Her work ethic was second to none and she is an excellent student of the game. She developed the strongest and most accurate arm on the team and her acrobatics at shortstop reminded me of Don Kessinger (former Cubs shortstop).”
Katie Fitzgerald Maine West
While playing catcher, right field and first base, Fitzgerald helped lead Warriors to their first sectional championship in school history. The Minnesota St. Cloud-bound senior batted nearly .450 for the Central Suburban North co-champions and was among the team leaders in RBI and extra base hits. “Katie is a talented athlete and one of the hardest-working kids I have ever coached,” said coach Amy Gonzales. “She has a great personality and is a great leader on the field. She was our No. 4 batter and can play multiple positions.”
Dana Giannelli Schaumburg
Giannelli hit for average and also had some power in her bat, connecting for 4 home runs and collecting 17 RBI. Many of her hits came at key times for the Saxons, who were one of only two teams to defeat MSL East champion Elk Grove in conference play. “She became a clutch hitter for us this season and read the ball very well in the outfield,” said coach Ellen Stoddard. “Dana grew a lot this year as an outfielder.”
Dani Goranson Elk Grove
The Michigan State-bound Goranson has had a tremendous career for coach Ken Grams. “Dani’s physical skills as a pitcher, as a hitter and as a defender have spoken for themselves throughout her career,” Grams said. “She is just a tremendous all-around softball player. There really isn’t any part of the game that she doesn’t do at a high level.” Goranson (25-7) had an ERA of under 1.50 with 284 strikeouts while batting .486 with an on-base percentage of .571. She had 10 homers this season and 32 RBI as the Grens’ leadoff batter. “Just as importantly, Dani has handled the visibility and expectations that go along with that so very, very well,” Grams said. “Those constant expectations are not an easy thing to deal with and Dani has handled them at a high level, too.”
Megan Hedstrom Palatine
Hedstrom made her impact on the pitcher’s mound and in the batter’s box this season. The junior had the Pirates’ highest batting average at .407 and led with a team-high 41 RBI and 5 home runs. She also won 12 games in the circle. “Megan was a big part of our offense,” said coach Jeff Manz. “And she pitched pretty well for us against some really good teams. The nice thing is that she is only a junior and we are looking forward to having her back next season.”
Megan Hubbard Fremd
Quite simply the best power hitter in Fremd history, Hubbard owns the school’s single-season (9) and career (21) home run records. She also set the single-season record with 16 doubles while helping Fremd to another 30-win season in her four-year varsity career. “Batting around .500 all year with prodigious power, Megan is one of the most feared hitters in the area,” said Weaver about the senior second baseman who hit .479 (56 hits) with 45 RBI and had a fielding percentage of better than .970.
Kim Jacobson Conant
A four-year starter, Jacobson will be remembered for her two 3-run homers in the Cougars’ 8-1 sectional win over Barrington. “Kim has grown tremendously in her ability to drive in runs when needed, and she has led by example on the field,” said coach CathyAnn Smith. “As a co-captain this season, Kim has been a verbal force no matter where she is playing, and has stepped up to be a leader offensively (.363, 38 RBI and 8 home runs). She knows the game, and has the heart that every coach wants from an athlete.”
Renee Kakareka Schaumburg
Kakareka became one of the toughest pitchers in the Mid-Suburban League, registering a no-hitter over Hoffman Estates and shutting out MSL East and sectional champion Elk Grove 3-0. “Renee did a tremendous job on the mound for the us this year,” said coach Ellen Stoddard. “Her leadership and determination on the mound helped the team play with confidence.” Kakareka also hit .321 with 13 RBI and 5 doubles.
Sara Kern Wheeling
Kern, already committed to St. Louis, continued to show why she will move on to play at the next level. The Wildcats center fielder batted .510 and had a .938 slugging percentage (13 doubles, 5 triples, 6 home runs) with 23 RBI. “Sara works year-round on improving her skills,” said coach Mike Caringella. “She takes control of the game offensively and defensively.” Kern made her share of outstanding catches in center field. “She keeps the team loose with her positive attitude,” Caringella said. “Sara is a pleasure to coach.”
Megan Krizanovic Christian Liberty
Krizanovic is the first boy or girl to be named all-conference in any sport for all four years Christian Liberty Academy. She was the team captain the last three seasons and led the team in almost every offensive category (.689, 40 hits, 30 RBI, 29 runs, 12 doubles, 8 triples, 5 home runs). “Megan’s leadership, bat and defense were her strengths,” said coach Dave Krizanovic. “She has been playing since she was about 10 years old and has been around coaches who not only teach the game the way it should be played. She plays it the right way, always to the last out. Megan never gives up her teammates fed off that. She was a good influence on them.”
Loren Krzysko Barrington
The junior third baseman broke the school’s all-time home run record of 22 set by Ashley Berggren in 1994. Krzysko hit 10 this season and had a school-record 12 as a sophomore. She now has 24. She batted .371 with a team-high 49 runs, team-high 19 extra base hits, 32 RBI and 24 of 25 stolen bases. “It was another great year for Loren,” said Fillies coach Perry Peterson. “She continued to improve her game and this season, her speed on the bases was really evident.”
Alyssa Lancaster Schaumburg
Whether in the batter’s box, playing first base or pitching, Lancaster was a valuable asset to the Saxons. She led the team with her .452 batting average, 15 doubles and 27 RBI. “Alyssa is an all-around great player,” said coach Ellen Stoddard about the senior who will play for Siena College in Albany, N.Y. “When in the field, she does what needs to be done on the mound or at first base. Her presence at the plate is one of power and determination to get on base. Her leadership was a tremendous asset to this team.”
Lauren Logan Palatine
Logan went into the Palatine record books with the best single-season batting average in school history. While hitting .509, the junior also went into a new position, switching from first base to catcher. “I thought she was one of the best catchers in the area,” said coach Jeff Manz. “She did a tremendous job moving from first and catching for the first time.” At the plate, Logan led the team with 54 hits and 41 runs and was second with 28 RBI. “Lauren had the best eyes I’ve ever seen at the plate,” Manz added. “She is a great all-around player and we are excited to have her back another year.”
Hanna Lythberg Prospect
Lythberg was the heart and soul for Prospect. “Her will to win and excellent skills carried us this year,” said Knights coach Jim Adair. “She earned a lot of respect around this area this year and I’m very proud to have had the opportunity to coach her. I’m not sure how we’re going to replace her leadership and drive on the field.” Lythberg, who will play for Valdosta State (Ga.), hit .358 overall and .407 in the Mid-Suburban League. “That says even more about what a quality hitter she is,” said Adair, referring to the tough pitching in the league. “As a pitcher, her won-loss total (8-14) doesn’t come close to doing justice to the type of season she had.” Lythberg struck out 145 in 142 innings and allowed only 33 earned runs. “All of this was done with a toe that was so sore she could barely put her shoes on,” Adair said.
Morgan Maize Leyden
Maize put Leyden softball on the map the last two years as the Eagles began the season nationally ranked by an ESPN poll. This season, she batted .469 with an .813 slugging percentage and won 23 on the mound. The DePaul recruit struck out 210 batters. “Morgan has become the face of Leyden softball,” said coach Kurt Schuett. “She has led not only through her play on the field but by the upstanding morals and values that she personifies throughout the Leyden community. She will always be remembered as one of the best high school softball players in Illinois history and she will continue to make a name for herself at DePaul.”
April Markowski Leyden
Markowski spent time in sunny Arizona but coming back to Rosemont she was able to provide some bright notes to the Leyden softball program. The senior shortstop hit .387 with a .550 slugging percentage this season and scored 30 runs. “It was a pleasant surprise to have April relocate back to Rosemont from Arizona halfway through her sophomore year,” said coach Kurt Schuett. “April has been a mainstay at shortstop and her bat will be surely be missed next season.” Markowski will go from (Kurt) Schuett to (Kim) Schuette, the softball coach for Eastern Illinois where Markowski has signed her letter of intent.
Mandi Matsumoto Fremd
One of the fastest leadoff batters and center fielders in the league, Matsumoto set the single-season school record for stolen bases with 45 this season. She also batted. 415 with 51 hits, 11 RBI. “Mandi controls the game roaming center field with her tremendous range and she starts our offense,” said coach Jim Weaver. “She is a threat to score the minute she gets to the plate with her fantastic speed and ability to get on base.” The junior has already committed to Southern Charleston in South Carolina.
Michelle Mazur Fremd
After playing the outfield as a sophomore, Mazur moved to first base this spring. “That helped us put the best lineup on the field and she has done a tremendous job,” said coach Jim Weaver. “This is the second year in a row that she put up special numbers offensively.” Mazur batted .445 with 25 extra base hits, including a team-high 57 hits. She also had 43 RBI, 44 runs, 13 doubles, 4 triples and 8 homers, which was just one shy of the single-season school record set by her Megan Hubbard this season.
Ally McLaughlin Barrington
A first-year starter, the senior center fielder led the Fillies with 56 hits while scoring 39 runs for the Class 4A regional champions who won 30 games. Her 32 stolen bases from 33 attempts tied Lisa Shandley for the single-season school record. “Ally has speed to burn,” said coach Perry Peterson. “She has been the catalyst to our offense. When she got on base, we usually scored the necessary runs to win the game.”
Rachel O’Malley Conant
Coach CathyAnn Smith calls the Radford-bound sophomore second baseman one of the toughest kids she has coached. “She is extremely focused and aggressive on defense and can play anywhere in the infield,” Smith said. “And she really helped us offensively.” O’Malley hit .389, with 9 home runs (second on the team), 39 RBI’s 421 runs. “Rachel is getting stronger and tougher each game. She loves to play and it shows,” Smith said.
Devan Parkison Elk Grove
Parkison, a senior catcher who will play at the University of Chicago, batted .396 with a .480 on-base percentage and team-high 33 RBI. Three of her 4 home runs came in the Grens’ regional title game and two sectional games (both game-winners). “Being a catcher includes many responsibilities in addition to the physical abilities that are required,” said coach Ken Grams. “Among them are an understanding of the game as a whole and a constant awareness of what’s going on as the game progresses. Devan is an extremely bright young lady who grasps it all. Her enthusiasm and passion for the sport is evident and that translates to the leadership role that the position demands. She was terrific defensively.”
Sarah Platt Hersey
Hersey enjoyed its finest season under coach Molly Freeman and Platt was a big key to its success. She led the team with her .462 batting average and 6 home runs while also collecting 18 RBI and 15 runs. Platt also won 10 games on the mound. “At the plate, Sarah had a lot of power, a really smooth swing and a great eye,” Freeman said. “She was outstanding at seeing her pitch and being aggressive with it. We know she will continue work hard on her pitching and other skills and she will have an even better year as a senior.”
Krista Soesbe Elk Grove
Soesbe’s versatility allowed the Grenadiers to be able to absorb and adjust to changes of personnel and injuries without the defense suffering. “No matter where she has had to play, she has performed at a high level,” said coach Ken Grams. “Krista has been our primary shortstop for two years and the third baseman before that. She is a steady and solid defender who makes good decisions as the leader in the infield.” The senior hit .363 this season with a .415 on-base percentage and 21 RBI. “In addition, Krista has shown an uncanny knack for producing offensively when the need was the greatest,” Grams said.
Dana Sullivan Leyden
She caught one of the best pitchers (Morgan Maize) in the state but Sullivan was also one of the best catchers in the state. “Defensively (.987 percent), Dana is one of the top catchers in the state,” said coach Kurt Schuett of the Illinois-bound senior. “In addition, she is unbelievably fast on the basepaths.” Sullivan hit .323 with a .515 slugging percentage and 26 RBI this season.
Sarah Thompson Conant
After being varsity track and field member (shot put) as a freshman, Thompson has been a softball starter the last two years for CathyAnn Smith’s varsity. Along with strong defense in center field, she also batted .351 with 20 RBI. “She has been an incredible anchor in the outfield this year,” Smith said. “She has a great arm, reads the ball well, and is constantly cheering and talking on the field and in the dugout. Her enthusiasm and positive energy is extremely contagious.”
Andrea Starr Elk Grove
Starr was indeed a star on more than one occasion. She will forever be remembered for her game-tying home run in Elk Grove’s sectional championship win over Conant. “Andrea is a definite student of the game,” said coach Ken Grams. “She is just a great listener and learner which has translated into her constant improvement both offensively and defensively.” Starr hit .312 with 4 home runs and 25 RBI. “The strides she has made as a hitter this season have allowed her to have career highs in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage,” Grams added. “She has become an aggressive hitter and was very productive on the mound (6-1 with a 1.21 ERA).
Ariel Valles Maine West
Valles has started for the Warriors for the past three years and has also been a prominent hitter. This season she pitched Maine West to its first sectional championship in school history. “She is a great all-around player and a great team leader,” said Warriors first-year coach Amy Gonzales. “She gets the job done when she needs to. She has gotten out us out of a lot of tough situations and is definitely a leader on the field.” Valles was 21-9 this season with an ERA under 3.00 while also batting over .300.
Becca Walz Elk Grove
Walz has been a fixture at first base for the past three years and each season her defense has improved. “That was thanks to hard work and wanting to get better,” said coach Ken Grams. “She has been a vital part of good infield defense.” Walz also has provided power in the Grens’ offense, collecting 26 RBI and 10 extra base hits, both second-most on the team. She batted .340 with 3 homers for the Mid-Suburban East champs.
Jordan Wekony Barrington
A four-year varsity player, Wekony has started at six different positions (3B, 1B, LF, RF, P, C). She batted .447 with 42 hits and a team-high 9 doubles. Wekony had a career batting average of .373 with 21 doubles and 92 RBI. “Defensively, Jordan’s strong arm and soft hands provided us someone to count on when the game was on the line,” said coach Perry Peterson. “Her amazing skills and personality have provided wonderful results over four seasons.”
All-Area roster
Player School Pos. Yr.
Sam Anderson Rolling Meadows SS Jr.
Allie Bauch Conant SS Sr.
Sara Brunlieb Rolling Meadows P Jr.
Caitlin Catino Buffalo Grove OF Fr.
Briana Cavin Conant P Sr.
Miranda Cavin Conant C Jr.
Rachel Doering Fremd P Sr.
Leigh Farina Fremd SS So.
Raegan Fingerman Barrington 1B Jr.
Alex Flasch St. Viator SS Sr.
Katie Fitzgerald Maine West OF-C Sr.
Dana Giannelle Schaumburg OF Jr.
Dani Goranson Elk Grove P Sr.
Megan Hedstrom Palatine P Jr.
Megan Hubbard Fremd 2B Sr.
Kim Jacobson Conant 3B Sr.
Renee Kakareka Schaumburg P Sr.
Sara Kern Wheeling CF Jr.
Megan Krizanovic Christian Liberty C Sr.
Loren Krzysko Barrington 3B Jr.
Alyssa Lancaster Schaumburg 1B-P Sr.
Lauren Logan Palatine C Jr.
Hanna Lythberg Prospect P Sr.
Morgan Maize Leyden P Sr.
April Markowski Leyden IF Sr.
Mandi Matsumoto Fremd CF Jr.
Michelle Mazur Fremd 1B Jr.
Ally McLaughlin Barrington OF Sr.
Rachel O’Malley Conant 2B So.
Devan Parkison Elk Grove C Sr.
Sarah Platt Hersey P Jr.
Krista Soesbe Elk Grove SS Sr.
Dana Sullivan Leyden C Sr.
Sarah Thompson Conant CF Jr.
Andrea Starr Elk Grove OF-P Sr.
Ariel Valles Maine West P Jr.
Becca Walz Elk Grove 1B Sr.
Jordan Wekony Barrington IF Sr.
* — Honorary captain
Special mention
Erin Barton (Buffalo Grove), Tess Bolger (Barrington), Melissa Cecala (Hersey), Brittany Ciura (Fremd), Carly Danek (Elk Grove), Meghan Doyle (Prospect), Amy Graham (Prospect), Sam Hogan (St. Viator), Abbey Herling (Maine West), Telly Hunter (Conant), Kelsey Kazmier (Barrington), Megan Keegan (Elk Grove), Cassidy Kraimer (Barrington), Gina Larucci (Maine West), Tori Liewergen (Elk Grove), Barb Linderman (Conant), Becca Maher (Elk Grove), Michele Molini (Prospect), Maggie O’Hara (Barrington), Savonnah Osmanski (Barrington), Elisa Payne (Elk Grove), Courtney Plackner (Schaumburg), Renee Pond (Maine West), Cassie Poulos (Prospect), Jackie Resnick (Wheeling), Sarah Scaccia (Prospect), Angela Schmiederer (Hersey), Janelle Schneider (Fremd), Ashlynne Schwantz (Fremd), Michelle Sansone (Leyden), Alex Tinaglia (Hersey), Alex Tuminaro (Hoffman Estates), Megan Reff (Conant), Holly Wengerski (Maine West)