Girls soccer all-area team / Northwest
Elli Ackermann BarringtonAfter injuries cut short both her sophomore and junior seasons, this four-year veteran came into her own to become a lethal weapon alongside teammate Jenna Szczesny to form one of deadliest combos around. "Ellie is easily one of the best holding forwards around, and her ability to play with her back to the goal, then either lay the ball off, or turn and strike made her so dangerous for us up top," said Fillies coach Ryan Stengren. "She's been a terrific leader and great program player who has shown that hard work and perseverance does pay off." With her guile, work rate and wicked left foot, the goals came frequently, including the game-winner in the 2013 MSL Soccer Bowl. She finished with 10 goals and 7 assists, third-best on the club this year. Will attend Indiana and is enrolled in the highly regarded Kelly Business School there.
Mia Calamari BarringtonThe bedrock of a Fillies defense which conceded just 14 goals this season against a schedule loaded with top 10 opponents, this four-year starter finished her career with her best season of all. "Mia's transition from playing as our DMF last season into the backline was so smooth, and it clearly was one of the biggest reasons for our success this year," said coach Ryan Stengren. "She has been a perfect role model for our young players because of her high work rate and with the way she plays." Perhaps the best long-throw artist in the area, the two-time all-area and all-MSL choice excelled in every phase. Used size and strength to tackle and step in on balls with the best, while her high soccer IQ allowed her to read the game so well. Had 9 goals and 20 assists in her career, with a team-high 12 in 2013. Will play next fall at the University of Chicago.
Leah Celarek ConantA fleet-footed junior with a sneaky extra gear to create space for her teammates. When paired with freshman teaammate Emily Mazurek, the Cougars' attack was especially potent. "Leah once again proved that she is an elite playmaker and goal-scorer, who despite being a target of most opponents defenses still managed to be a highly productive player, whether playing up top or withdrawn," says Conant coach Jason Franco, who also marvels at Celarke's defensive skill. With exceptional vision and quick enough to stop and turn on a dime, this three-time all-area star has been a double-digit scorer since stepping into the Cougars' lineup as a freshman. Amassed 13 goals and 11 assists this year to give her a dazzling 39 and 25 heading into her final season. A three-time all-MSL and all-sectional choice, Celarek has given a verbal commitment to Marquette.
Lauren Gierman HerseyCoach Darren Llewellyn placed nearly all of the emphasis of the Huskies' attack upon his captain and three-time all-area standout this season, and why not? A gem of a marksman with a will to carry her team to a win, Gierman moves on to NIU next fall to play after making a major impact on the Hersey program. "Many players contribute to the success of their team or benefit from great players around them, but she was the instigator of our success this season and the driving force behind us reaching the MSL Soccer Bowl," said Llewellyn. "Lauren adapted her game to become distributor, creator and goal-scorer after we lost her running mate and others from last year, yet almost each and every goal went through her, despite being the marked player by others." Displayed incredible versatility and spatial awareness, making her a superb early ball provider. Owned the best free kick around, bar none. Dazzling career stats include school-record 49 goals and 44 assists after 19 and 11 this spring. Capped her award-winning final year with a second all-state honor, to go along with being named MSL East player of the year acclaim and winning team MVP honors a for second straight time in addition to two all-sectional selections.
Skylar Groth Buffalo GroveThe all-action Bison captain was the maestro of her team's attack, and despite missing considerable time with a concussion suffered during the PepsiCo tournament, she still impressed enough to be named to the all-state team for a second consecutive time. "Our play primarily went through Skylar," said BG coach Pat Dudle. "She was an enormous part of our success as she directed our dynamic midfield, and was not only one of our most talented, but also one of the hardest-working players on our roster." Showing a nice balance between defensive dexterity and attacking intent, the 2013 MSL East player of the year was one of the best center-mids around, and her ability to speed up or slow down the Bison attack was extraordinary. A two-time all-area and three-time all-MSL choice, Groth was a four-year varsity veteran at BG. Her 4 goals and 9 assists this spring put her career totals at 12 and 20. Will play next fall at Xavier University.
Morgan Harris HerseyThree-year star capped a terrific career with a sparkling record, getting 16 shutouts in 23 matches to give the two-time all-MSL keeper a program-best 41. "Morgan was never needed to make 20 saves a game, but when called upon to make one or two major saves to preserve a victory, she did just that," said coach Darren Llewellyn. "What made her such a great goalkeeper, besides her athleticism, was her ability to read the game and stay completely focused on the flow, even during inactivity, before making those match-saving stops." The heart of a lion when going out to steal crosses, this all-area basketball player for coach Mary Fendley formed a special bond with her backline, which came in handy as the Huskies claimed top honors in the MSL East. Voted the No. 1 keeper in the sectional, the Huskies' co-captain and co-MVP also set records for fewest goals allowed in a season (10) along with the top goals-against marks of 0.43 and 0.68. Will play basketball next fall at Carthage College.
Allie Ingham Buffalo GroveBuffalo Grove's tall, athletic forward coupled defensive solidarity with undeniable attacking power on the flank to form a dangerous partnerhship with teammate Kelli Zickert. "Allie was one of the most creative forwards in the area who had the ability to finish in the area, as well as from distance," said BG coach Pat Dudle. With her powerful right footed shot, the two-time all-MSL senior had a knack for scoring in big games during the past two seasons, often striking from angles. She had 10 goals this season to give her 27 in her career along with a second consecutive spot on the all-area team, and a repeat all-sectional selection. As versatile as any forward, the NIU-bound Ingham on occasion would drop into the MF to create chances for others as witnessed by her 15 career assists.
Jessica Kovach Buffalo GroveThe warrior at the heart of the Bison midfield, the two-time all-area junior wears the captain's armband proudly for her club, as she no doubt will be the player coach Pat Dudle builds around next season after heavy graduation losses reshape his power-packed roster. "Jessica does all the things on the field which rarely show up on the stat sheet, and it's her tireless effort, ability to position herself and superb touch that have been vital in our success since she got here," Dudle said. Energetic and aggressive yet composed, this three-time all-MSL veteran is a calming influence as she sits just in front of the Bison defense where she collects and distributes effortlessly while racking up dozens of interceptions to foil the opponent. Finished with 3 goals and 9 assists to give her 7 and 16 in the last two years.
Amanda Kowalski Buffalo GroveA key addition to an already powerful roster, this sophomore gave the Bison an added dimension, whether stationed on the outside in the club's three-man backline, or, when needed, in the midfield, where she looked just as comfortable. "Right from the start, she was a steady, calming presence along the back who read the game so well -tactically sound, always a couple of plays ahead of the action," said BG coach Pat Dudle. Adept with either foot, but it was her right which made her so valuable as a deadly freekick artist. A fearless tackler and first-rate defender, Kowalski figures to be one of the key returning players Dudle will build around following heavy graduation losses. An all-MSL choice who finished with 3 goals and 6 assists.
Maggie Leazer St. ViatorSt. Viator has a plethora of emerging talent coming back next season, and no doubt coach Mike Taylor will lean heavily on Leazer, a sophomore, in the seasons ahead. A rock in the Lions' East Suburban Catholice Conference co-championship defense, Leazer was especially important during the early part of season as St. Viator's player settled into their roles with an inexperienced roster. Leazer ended up as the team's co-MVP as she became the shutdown defender Taylor had hoped for. "Maggie was the mainstay of our defense and she helped set the tone for how we played by marking the oppostion's best player out of the game," Taylor said. Leazer's size and strength allowed the all-ESCC central defender to own the box with her aerial ability and became a force on the other end in offensive set pieces, bagging 7 goals.
Hannah Luedtke BarringtonA technically advanced all-state keeper, Luedtke continues to get noticed as she excels alongside a her first-class back line. "While it's true we have an outstanding defense in front of Hannah, what most do not see is how hard she works, the time and effort she puts in during training, and some of the unbelievable saves she makes away from our matches," said coach Ryan Stengren. "With that said, she is capable of brilliant saves, and her vocal leadership has improved so much, which makes her work back there invaluable. I think she's the best around." The two-time all-area junior is a sensational shot-stopping keeper who has the ability to turn around strikes in front of her and to the side thanks to an incredible first-step and acrobatic ability. Her distribution, lateral movement in the box and willingness to track down balls in the air is second to none. Finished this spring with 15 shutouts, giving her 30 in two seasons while averaging 0.39 goals against. A two-time all-MSL choice.
Carrie Madden BarringtonMadden returned to play her high school final season after spending several years away with the elite Eclipse Soccer Club, and the Marquette-bound senior proved to be one of the missing links needed in the Fillies' successful season which saw them lift three championship trophies. "Carrie was a great addition to our team," said coach Ryan Stengren. "She was our most technical player, who also proved to be an offensive machine, leading us in assists (17) while providing hard-nosed play and terrific 1v1 skills." Comfortable operating from a deep attacking position, or as an out-and-out attacker, Madden proved to be a deadly dribbler and finisher when the club needed it. Chipped in 7 goals on her way to all-MSL and all-state honors.
Bianca Madonia ConantDespite her diminutive size, this veteran proved that great things come in small packages after earning first-time all-MSL and all-area honors for the sectional finalist Cougars. "Bianca was easily one of our most consistent players this season," said coach Jason Franco. "She was skillful and dangerous in the attack, and her work rate and determination helped anchor the middle of the park for us." Madonia also thrived when the Cougars moved her to the outside and supplied those precious commodities every top club needs - boundless energy, the desire to defend and attack, and dribbling ability to break down the opponent. Madonia, who will play at South Dakota State next season, finished the spring with 8 goals and 6 assists.
Nicole Niro BarringtonNiro joined her club teammate Madden on the Fillies' roster this spring and became a key figure as Barrington defened its MSL title. Niro efforts were recognized with all-MSL, all-sectional and all-area honors. "Like Carrie Madden, Nicole came in to become a terrific teammate, as if she had been her all four years," said Stengren, "and during the state playoffs, her play went to another level to help take us one game away from reaching the state finals." This smooth midfielder would dominate games with a near perfect winning percentage in the air to help set the tone with her all-around play. Off to Auburn University to play next fall after a 10-goal, 7-assist campaign.
Emily Novak ProspectKnights coach Tom Froats will have a difficult time replacing this two-year starter, whose breakout year last season earned the University of Pittsburgh-bound striker the first of her two all-area honors. "Emily was the epitome of a striker-finisher," Froats said. "One of the most accurate ball-strikers I've coached. She scored some amazing goals during the last two years for us, and she was always an extremely focused and unselfish player, who did so well getting her teammates involved in the play." A low center of gravity combined with terrific dribbling skills, confidence on the ball and tremendous work rate made the two-time all-MSL and three-year varsity player dangerous with nearly every touch, especially in the final third. Novak had 10 goals and 8 assists this spring to finish with 27 and 15 in her career.
Mary Rose Pettenuzzo ProspectThis two-time all-area back line star is as reliable and steady as they come, and ever the calming influence each time out. "Rosie is the defensive leader of our team - no one plays defense with more heart, energy and intensity than her, and she not only is one of the best at her position in the area, but one of the best players period," says coach tom Froats. The three-year starter began the season as the Knights defensive midfielder but was moved back to shore things up and excelled in the role. Physical, confident, tactically aware and a ferocious tackler, the three-time all-MSL selection has committed to play at Central Michigan in the fall of 2016. One of the best long-ball providers around, Pettenuzzo has also earned two all-sectional awards. She finished this season with 3 goals and 2 assists.
Morgan Radtke PalatineIt would not be an exaggeration to say the Pirates and coach Willie Filian leaned heavily on his four-year starter throughout her terrific career. "Morgan was the most versatile player, but more importantly, she was a well-respected and dedicated leader, not only with the varsity but throughout our program," said Filian. An outstanding organizer along the back, the two-time all-area pick and her team's captain was second to none in the air and as a tackler. She was always a threat on set pieces, whether striking them or helping finish chances in front of the net. Her hard-working habits and tremendous soccer sense helped Filian make the decision to move Radtke into the midfielder, and she helped inspire the Palatine attack. Finished this season with 7 goals and 6 assists to give her 16 and 12 in her career. Will major in nursing at Illinois State next fall.
Jenna Szczesny BarringtonSzczesny's progress from part-time player during her freshman season to her current position of dominance has been astounding. "Jenna is an unbelievable athlete, but she has worked so hard, especially during the off-season to become even better than most of us had imagined," said coach Ryan Stengren. "Yet in some ways, she is still stratching the surface of going to another higher level of play." With her explosive pace, acceleration, power and grace, the Fillies' top player draws so much attention from opponents it allows others the freedom to strike. Szczesny already has a long list of impressive awards, including recently being named Gatorade's Illinois Player of the Year. That goes along with All-American honors, as well as all-state, MSL West player of the year, and finally, all-area team captain acclaim. Her 30 goals and 15 assists this spring give Szczesny career marks of 55 and 23 in just two seasons.
Drew Wentzel ConantOne of the most balanced fullbacks in the game, this three-time all-MSL and all-sectional choice was born to to play defense. An integral player during the Cougars' successful run, this composed four-year veteran cemented her status as one of the finest defenders in program history. "Drew is one of the best defensive soccer players to ever come through," said her coach, Jason Franco. "Her presence as a starter helped us go 69-19-10 during her four years, which included a third-place state finish and four consecutive regional championships. In my opinion, she was the top defensive player in the MSL, and one of the best in the state." Wentzel's lethal free kick ability led to 7 goals this season and an amazing 15 in her career, including many game-winners. A ferocious tackler, terrific vocal presense - your classic leader by example. The two-time all-area selection will play at Denison University next fall.
Nikki Zaino Elk GroveIt would be fair to say that 2014 was a breakout year for the Grens' captain. This powerful forward thoroughly dominated, scoring nearly 80 percent of her team's goals for coach Dan Klaus, who marveled at what his first-time all-MSL, all-sectional, and all-area selection had accomplished. "I've been fortunate to have some amazing scorers come through here, recently Michelle Calmeyn and Kelli Hubly, and Nikki was a true scorer, and our one and only offensive threat," he said. "The goals she scores are often a result of her having to create and finish the opportunity. She times her runs as well as any player at this level that I've had, and her attitude and tireless energy and work rate, despite playing with back issues, was exceptional." Zaino finished with 10 goals and 2 assists to give the Taylor University (Ind) bound senior 28 and 20 for her career.
Colleen Zickert Buffalo GroveYet another terrific player from an exceptional senior class at Buffalo Grove, this four-year star was a superb passer of the ball who was capable of unlocking the toughest of defenses. She created opportunities for herself and her teammate by helping run the Bison's top-flight attacking machine. "Colleen is easily one of the most talented offensive players I've ever coached, but it was her accuracy in her passing and ability to find others which set her apart from the others," said coach Pat Dudle. The three-time all-MSL choice provided a strong presence in a diverse and talented Bison midfield, forming a deadly duo alongside Skylar Groth. Zickert finished with 27 goals in her career along with 23 assists. The next stop will be Wingate University in North Carolina for this two-time all-area performer.
Kelli Zickert Buffalo GroveA player gifted with excellent technique and so much quickness on the ball, this two-time all-state striker was a picture of consistency ever since donning the Buffalo Grove shirt four years ago. "Area coaches know scoring goals is not a simple task, but most times, Kelli made it look easy," said coach Pat Dudle. "Her technical skill matched her drive, and her desire to win will make her irreplaceable next spring." Intense and a wizard with the ball, Zickert became one of the most devastating finishers in the recent history of the MSL and once again proved to be one of the premier scorers in the state with eye-popping statistics to back it up. Kelli had 33 goals and 17 assists this season to finish with 81 and 38 in her career. Her rise was key for the recent highly successful run for the Bison, whose record over the past two seasons is 40-7-4. The three-time all-MSL choice will join Illinois State in the fall.
All-area roster
Player School Yr. Pos.
Elli Ackermann Barrington Sr. MF-F
Mia Calamari Barrington Sr. MF
Leah Celarek Conant Jr. MF-F
Lauren Gierman Hersey Sr. MF-F
Skylar Groth Buffalo Grove Sr. MF
Morgan Harris Hersey Sr. GK-F
Allie Ingham Buffalo Grove Sr. MF-F
Jessica Kovach Buffalo Grove Jr. MF
Amanda Kowalski Buffalo Grove Soph. D-MF
Maggie Leazer St. Viator Soph. DL
Hannah Luedtke Barrington Jr. GK
Carrie Madden Barrington Sr. MF-F
Bianca Madonia Conant Sr. MF
Nicole Niro Barrington Sr. MF
Emily Novak Prospect Sr. MF-F
Mary Rose Pettenuzzo Prospect Jr. D
Morgan Radtke Palatine Sr. D
*Jenna Szczesny Barrington Jr. F
Drew Wentzel Conant Sr. D
Nikki Zaino Elk Grove Sr. F
Colleen Zickert Buffalo Grove Sr. MF
Kelli Zickert Buffalo Grove Sr. F
* All-area team captain
Special mentionHaley Anderson (Conant, Sr, GK), Karolina Cholewa (Fremd, Sr, MF-D), Elena Cukurs (Prospect, Sr, D), Kim Herzog (Buffalo Grove, Sr, MF-F), Kayla Knauss (Hersey, Sr, D), Lauren Kohn (St. Viator, So, MF-F), Martina Kowalczuk (Prospect, So, F), Julia Leonard (Fremd, Fr, D), Katie Lomas (Conant, Jr, D), Sara Magnuson (Hersey, Sr, MF), Erin Mayer (Palatine, Sr, MF), Emily Mazurek (Conant, Fr, F), Natalie Nagrant (Hoffman Estates, Fr, F), Sarah O'Connor (Buffalo Grove, Jr, GK), Jocelyn Potratz (Elk Grove, Sr, D), Kelly Regan (Elk Grove, Sr, MF), Kellie Reynolds (Palatine, Jr, F), Mary-Kate Schiffer (Fremd, Sr, F), Emily Solorio (Elk Grove, Sr, G), Kelsey Webb (Maine West, Sr, D).
Honorable mentionAle Alonso (Hoffman Estates, Jr, MF), Jackie Backliner (Barrington, Fr, D), Maddie Bennett (Christian Liberty Academy, So, MF-D), Megan Brant (Hersey, Sr, D), Carrie Caplin (Barrington, Sr, D), Mary Collins (Rolling Meadows, Sr, F-MF), Mackenzie Filian (Palatine, Fr, MF), Alex Fister (Wheeling, Sr, MF), Liz Flavin (Fremd, Jr, MF-D), Caroline Freeman (Fremd, Jr, D), Allie Kemph (Rolling Meadows, Sr, D), Annie Korff (Hersey, Jr, D), Nicole Lorenz (Conant, Sr, MF), Maureen McGrath (St. Viator, Fr, D), Bianca Medina (Leyden, Jr, MF), Sidney O'Keeffe (Conant, Sr, F), Maria Petrillo (St. Viator, Sr, D), Claire Preissing (Rolling Meadows, Fr, MF), Sabina Raslawski (St. Viator, Jr, GK), Brittany Reinhart (Schaumburg, Jr, MF), Kelly Rottman (Hoffman Estates, Sr, D), Carolyn Soukup (Palatine, Fr, F), Joanne Stanfa (Maine West, Jr, F), Kaynee Stanley, St. Viator, Jr, MF), Cassie Swiderek (Christian Liberty Academy, So, GK), Emily Waterloo (Schaumburg, Sr, MF), Kimberly Welk (Prospect, Sr, MF).
Selections and capsules by Mike Garofola