All-Area Team / Northwest
Emily Basten Fremd
No shortcuts for this immaculate tackler and superb marking back who was a key figure in the Vikes’ 2011 state tournament run and followed up with another remarkable year to become the unquestioned leader for an inexperienced club. “Nobody works as hard as, or exhibits the type of dedication that Emily does,” said coach Steve Keller. “She trains relentlessly to achieve perfection, and her ability to mark an opposing attacker is second to none. She is an incredible young person, and amazing student-athlete.” The two-time all-MSL defender will play at Central Michigan.
Alexa Ben Schaumburg
Dynamic, explosive sophomore striker burst onto the scene in her rookie season to become a double-digit scorer, then followed up with another sensational season with 17 goals to help lead the Saxons within one victory from an appearance in the 3A state tourney. “We asked Alexa to play forward and center mid this year, and she responded with another fabulous season where she led the team in scoring for the second straight year, while providing opportunities for others,” said coach Greg Charvat. Skillful, creative, and amazing control on the ball with speed allows her to unlock any defense.
Megan Boyle Hersey
Savvy two-time all-area midfielder’s organizational skills were the glue which helped hold the Huskies together during their sensational runs to glory during her four years and her drive and desire made their captain one of the elite players at her position during the past two seasons. Had 8 goals and 4 assists and will attend Marquette. “Megan was one of the best around at her position, and she was the engine of our team, because there was no task to tall for her to overcome. She was truly special, and an amazing midfielder who would break down a defender, or man-mark the opponents best out of the match,” said coach Brad Abel.
Leah Celarek Conant
Never one to refrain from sending a young talent into the fray, Conant coach Jason Franco watched this freshman striker not only become the perfect complement alongside Courtney Raetzman, but also a scoring threat with 13 goals and 10 assists. Helped fill the void of former two-time all-area pick Kaitlin Chiero. “Leah’s youthful energy and passion for the game was a pleasure to watch and coach, but her work rate in training and in our matches is what helped make her such a big contributor in her first year on the varsity,” said Franco. Recently rated one of top 100 club players in nation by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
Sara Condon Barrington
The archetypal box-to-box midfielder, the two-year starter and senior is the model player. Quick, strong, tactically aware and professional, Condon could likely add a few more goals to her resume, but not at the expense of the valuable defense, where her work in the middle of the park helped the Fillies lift the MSL championship cup in 2012. “Sara does all the dirty work that goes unnoticed to the casual fan, but not to her teammates or the coaching staff,” said coach Ryan Stengren. An unselfish and tireless worker could distribute and initiate the Barrington attack when needed.
Teagan Eberle Schaumburg
Playmaking midfielder was at the heart of Saxons’ attacking style and with her sublime vision, quick movement and expert touch, this four-year starter, two-time all-MSL pick and all-MSL academic team pick earned a scholarship to South Dakota. Set program record with 19 assists and had 7 goals. “Teagan had a tremendous senior season, and a great career at Schaumburg, and it has been an honor to coach (her) these past four years, and I will really miss having her around when we get started here next spring,” said coach Greg Charvat.
Kelsey Foss Conant
Since her arrival the four-year veteran, and three-time all-area back line star added a new dimension to Cougars’ style of play, and this season, along with all-area teammate Drew Wentzel, the captain formed a strong partnership at the heart of a defense which allowed few balls into the back of the net. The Winona State-bound Foss had 4 goals and 5 assists. “This year was perhaps her best, and most impressive of her (four) with us, because she led a defense that included a freshman, an inexperienced new starter, and a rookie goalie, and we still managed 10 shutouts, and just 14 goals in 20 games, playing some of the best teams in the state,” said coach Jason Franco.
Katie Gavin St. Viator
Physical, confident, fearless defensive midfielder provided leadership and intangibles which helped lead St. Viator to a third-place finish at the 3A state tourney. “When I look at where she began, and where she is now, it has been a total transformation,” said Mike Taylor. “She’s been my ‘wingman’ whenever we travel in the team van and we’re always talking tactical and technical soccer, and KG is just a sponge, always trying to learn, trying to get an edge, and I that’s something I am going to really miss.” Gavin had 8 goals and will play at Wisconsin-Parkside.
Lauren Gierman Hersey
Fabulously talented sophomore was as likely to deliver an inch-perfect pass from 35 yards to a teammate, or a precise set-piece serve into the box to cause plenty of trouble for opponents. “Lauren is one of the best with the ball on her feet, and she is so gifted technically,” said coach Brad Abel. “She is so good with her back towards the goal, and her terrific vision, ability to read the game and what’s going on around her allowed to give us much needed scoring and possession whenever we needed it.” Can play anywhere in the midfield and had 8 goals and 12 assists.
Katelyn Hammarlund St. Viator
As athletically gifted as nearly any of the top players who have come through the storied Lions program, this four-year star and 3-time all-area pick’s incomparable work rate and determination helped set her apart from others. “Katelyn was one of the most driven players that I have ever coached, both boys and girls, and her work rate is just incredible,” said coach Mike Taylor. “We’ve asked her to play just about everywhere, and she has, because it’s all about whatever is best for the team — that’s what makes her a coach’s dream.” Three-time all-ESCC pick and St. Louis recruit had 14 goals (52 career) and 17 assists this season.
Kelli Hubly Elk Grove
One of the few blue-chip strikers in the state, this two-time all-MSL and all-area star possesses the type of explosive speed and finishing power to help her earn all-state honors along with teammate Katie Naughton and her good friend Courtney Raetzman of Conant, who she is joining at Kentucky. “Kelli was just a lethal scorer for us this year,” said coach Dan Klaus. “She had a remarkable goal-scoring season (25) for us, and one can imagine how many she would have scored in she didn’t miss (three) matches with an injury.”
Ann Marie Lynch Rolling Meadows
Intelligent playmaker combines precise passes and artistic vision in the both the final third and from a deep position and has been the pulse of the Mustangs from almost the minute she stepped into the first-11 four years ago. “Ann Marie is the calming influence that our inexperienced team needed so badly, and she was just a remarkable leader and student-athlete which is so rare to have,” said coach Mike Drenth. Marquette-bound three-time all-area pick had 13 goals and 16 assists and her connection with her all-area teammate Maggie Moran was nothing short of incredible at times.
Katelyn Mayer Palatine
This talented forward has all the physical tools, pace, power and shooting ability to play on her own up front, or as a support striker. She delivered a handful of highlight reel goals with her trademark right-footed howitzer and had 10 goals and 7 assists this season and 18 and 14 for her career. “Katelyn was one of the top target forwards in the area this year, and her ability to hold the ball, turn, and running at defenders made her so much more dangerous than others at her position,” said coach Willie Filian. “Her soccer IQ is way up there, and she is so coachable, as well as a great worker, who set an example to others with her work ethic.”
Megan McCabe Prospect
This two-time all-area senior is what any coach would like their keeper to be: composed, fearless in the air and on the floor, sound positional sense, and an unrivaled shot stopper and team captain to lead her back line through thick and thin. The Eastern Michigan-bound McCabe set records for career (33) and regular-season shutouts (11) and goals against average (0.71). “Megan has taken what has been a program strength, and set the bar extremely high for those who follow in her footsteps,” said coach Tom Froats. “It’s her cool, calm confidence, which is a direct result of her incredible work ethic, that sets her apart from all others.”
Maggie Moran Rolling Meadows
Perhaps no one in this group is as fast and quick on the ball than this two-time all-area who will playing at Purdue. Lead team in scoring with 14 goals and 15 assists and had 28 goals the last two seasons. “Maggie is so dynamic, she can makes something happen almost from nothing, and I can tell you, 9 times out of 10, if she gets in on her opponent, she will find the back of the net,” said coach Mike Drenth. “She is such a different player than Ann Marie (Lynch), but they complement each other so well, and just like (Lynch) she is a terrific leader and role model, who plays to win, and will do whatever it takes to do so.”
Katie Naughton Elk Grove
Powerhouse central defender owns the goal area with her aerial ability and incredible high-level tactical knowledge. Became the pillar of the Grens’ back line the moment she stepped onto the pitch for coach Dan Klaus. “Katie plays at such a high level, and it’s because of (that) she was almost able to will balls out of the back of the net by herself, and always help keep us in games — like no other player I’ve ever seen,” Klaus said. Three-time all-are pick is fast, strong and agile at 5-9, had 11 goals and 30 assists for her career and will continue playing at Notre Dame.
Molly Pfeiffer Barrington
Injuries robbed the all-stater of some sparkling stats as the two-time all-area star missed all or part of eight matches, but still put together a brilliant season, including a superb performance in a 1-0 loss to 3A runner-up St. Charles North in the supersectional. “We played all of the top teams in the state this season, and nobody is an dominating in the air as her,” said coach Ryan Stengren, “and her work, with and without the ball is just amazing, she does much more for us than score — and we’re extremely fortunate, because she’s back for one more year.” Had 14 goals and 8 assists this season and 38 career goals.
Aimee Pierce Barrington
Another in a long line of outstanding outside players in recent Fillies history, the junior has made such an influence in her first three years as the left-sided outside-midfielder provides a great avenue of attack from her customary left side, where her forceful runs help stretch and break apart the opposition in the final third. “You rarely see a player who is so good in (1v1) up the side like Aimee, and her ability to break free down the flank, and (get) end line has led to so many quality chances for us since she began playing for us,” said coach Ryan Stengren. Had 4 goals and 7 assists this season.
Nicole Pietro Hersey
Whirling buzz-saw of nonstop hustle, energy and determination was moved into the middle this season, alongside Megan Boyle and the dynamic duo paid immediate dividends for the Huskies and coach Brad Abel. Pietro had 7 goals and 6 assists. “Nikki was one of our big three, and was the ultimate team leader both in our matches and during training, and always left everything she had out on the field after 80 minutes of soccer,” Abel said. “She truly bled orange and brown, and was a key figure in our (four) straight MSL East division titles.”
Courtney Raetzman Conant
The four-time all-area star is a technical genius, with a low center of gravity and pace, who can mesmerize with every touch, then break down any defense off the dribble and conjure up something out of nothing, many times with a dramatic flair. Kentucky recruit scored 28 of her 71 goals this season. “Of all the players we’ve seen during the past few seasons, playing against most of the top teams in the state, there is not a more complete player than Courtney,” said coach Jason Franco. “She has taken our program from relative anonymity to a state title contender. But the best thing about this elite athlete is that she’s an outstanding person.”
Ali Schmalz Schaumburg
Saxons’ captain was an 80-minute warrior who provided that all-important first line of resistance for the defense with her accurate tackling and unwavering commitment to keeping the nets clean. “Ali was once again part of our steel-curtain defense that just refused to yield goals to our opponents, whether she was stationed as a marking back or sweeper this past season,” said coach Greg Charvat of the Texas-bound star. Aggressive, pacey backliner is sure in the tackle, and raids forward to support the offense whenever possible, and can also deliver dangerous crosses into the box, or score a key goal (6 this season).
Joanne Stanfa Maine West
Warriors’ rapid development owes much to the move of the freshman sensation up top after serving as Mike Divincenzo’s defensive midfielder in the first 7 matches. Once there, it was obvious her all-around play, control on the ball, terrific vision, and ability to finish like a veteran (13 goals, 9 assists) would catch the eye of others. “Jo has an amazing work rate for a young player, and what she lacked in size, she made up for in heart, skill and determination, which made her a valued teammate, and true playmaker and finisher,” said Divincenzo.
Olivia Stastiuk Hersey
In the land where ultradefensive play was born, defending is an art, and no other player in recent years for the Huskies exhibited this classic style they portrayed than this all-out and intense three-year star who will walk on at Purdue. “Olivia is one of the best defenders in the state. Period,” said coach Brad Abel. “Her dominance in the back was never felt more than when she missed the last three games of the season with a concussion, all resulting in defeat.” Two-time all-area pick one of top two defenders Hersey has produced and helped create an organized back line which recorded 12 shutouts this season.
Kelsey Steenstrup Schaumburg
This three-time all-area pick moved into the Saxons’ first-11 late during her rookie season and her iron determination helped inspire a marvelous run with a 46-9 record. Had 10 goals and 6 assists this spring to finish her career with 35 and 16. “Kelsey was the heart and soul of our team, and it will be very difficult to replace her energy, smiling face, leadership and tremendous work ethic and desire,” said coach Greg Charvat. A huge presence in the midfield who protected the defense and helped complement the offense with powerful surging runs, long-range shooting ability and unmatched fitness.
Drew Wentzel Conant
A key member of the Cougars’ vaunted back line which helped the club stay in the MSL race, the two-year starter is a hybrid outside back who is good as a defender, as an attacker, can get forward in a hurry to join the attack, or mark and tackle with the best of the them on the other end. “Drew is a confident and composed defender, who without her high level of play, would never reach the level we’ve been at during her two years in the first-11,” said coach Jason Franco. “We have relied on her ability to play a system which puts a lot of pressure on our back line and she has responded beautifully.”
Kelli Zickert Buffalo Grove
Second-year starter would help guide BG through one of its greatest runs in program history this spring as it fell just short in its sectional final with Glenbrook South. “Kelli was an enormous part of our success this spring, and the fierce competitor in her created intense training sessions, which ultimately made our team better.” said coach Pat Dudle. “Not only does she have great desire to win, but a great skill-set to go with it.” The clever, lithe attacker, can play as the lead frontman, supporting striker, or in the middle as she had 15 goals and 9 assists.
2012 Girls Soccer All-Area roster
Name School Pos. Yr.
Emily Basten Fremd D Sr.
Alexa Ben Schaumburg F So.
Megan Boyle Hersey MF Sr.
Leah Celarek Conant MF Fr.
Sara Condon Barrington MF Sr.
Teagan Eberle Schaumburg MF Sr.
Kelsey Foss Conant D Sr.
Katie Gavin St. Viator D-MF Sr.
Lauren Gierman Hersey F-MF So.
Katelyn Hammarlund St. Viator F-MF Sr.
Kelli Hubly Elk Grove F Sr.
Ann Marie Lynch Rolling Meadows MF Sr
Katelyn Mayer Palatine F Sr.
Megan McCabe Prospect GK Sr.
Maggie Moran Rolling Meadows F Sr.
Katie Naughton Elk Grove D Sr
Molly Pfeiffer Barrington F Jr.
Nicole Pietro Hersey MF Sr.
Aimee Pierce Barrington MF Jr.
*Courtney Raetzman Conant MF Sr.
Ali Schmalz Schaumburg D Sr.
Joanne Stanfa Maine West F Fr.
Olivia Stastiuk Hersey D Sr.
Kelsey Steenstrup Schaumburg F Sr.
Drew Wentzel Conant MF So.
Kelli Zickert Buffalo Grove MF Fr.
* — Honorary co-captains
Special mention
Kaitlyn Burke (Palatine, Sr, MF), Mia Calamari (Barrington, So, MF), Elena Cukurs (Prospect, So, MF-D), Amanda Kelly (Schaumburg, Jr, D), Jessica Kovach (Buffalo Grove, Fr, MF), Chloe Luthringshausen (St. Viator, Jr, F), Emily Morin (Barrington, Jr, D), Mary Rose Pettenuzzo (Prospect, Fr, MF), Mary Pettit (Hoffman Estates, Sr, MF), Chrissy Rosales (Conant, Sr, MF), Brooke Schocker (Schaumburg, Sr, GK), Sammie van de Linde (Conant, Sr, MF), Casey Weyhrich (Hersey, Jr, F-MF), McKenzie Wiedemann (Palatine, Jr, MF), Carolynn Wieland (Buffalo Grove, Sr, F), Colleen Zickert (Buffalo Grove, So, MF).
Honorable mention
Sara Busse (Buffalo Grove, Fr, F), Cindy Castillo (Wheeling, Jr, MF), Samantha Frank (Barrington, Sr, D), Jessica Gonzalez (Maine West, Sr, MF), Skylar Groth (Buffalo Grove, So, D), Morgan Harris (Hersey, So, GK), Ashley Ingolia (Rolling Meadows, So, GK), Kelli Iovino (Prospect, Sr, F-MF), Alexa Laureano (Wheeling, Fr, F), Hannah Luedke (Barrington, Fr, GK), Erin Malone (St. Viator, Sr, D), Molly McMahon (St. Viator, Sr, MF), Erin Moody (Hersey, Sr, D), Shannon Norris (Fremd, Sr, GK), Katie Okamoto (Buffalo Grove, Sr, GK), Jenny Ortega (Leyden, Sr, MF), Amanda Peterson (Wheeling, Sr, MF), Katherine Petrovich (St. Viator, Sr, D), Jesse Petrovski (Prospect, Sr, F), Jessa Rizzo (Fremd, Jr,MF), Taylor Smith (Prospect, Sr, MF), Becky Sneddon (Schaumburg, Sr, MF), Sara Stephanoivich (Maine West, Sr, GK), Kellie Strauss (Palatine, Sr, D), Ashley Torres (Leyden, Jr, F), Annaliese Walsten (Maine West, Sr, MF), Emily Wary (Elk Grove, Jr, D).
Selections by Mike Garofola