Wheaton's Sharkey, Witt earn All-America honors

Wheaton College's women's soccer team didn't end the season the way it had hoped, exiting early in the NCAA Division III playoffs, but a pair of players is receiving plenty of attention.

Alexa Sharkey and Ally Witt, both Wheaton Academy graduates, were both named to the Division III All-America team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. For Sharkey, this is her second time receiving the honor. The senior finished her final year on the Thunder as the CCIW player of the year as well.

"(Sharkey) is able to cover not only for her mistakes but for other players' mistakes as well," coach Pete Felske said. "She kind of cleans up the messes that we make at times and makes everyone look better."

Felske said much of what Sharkey brings to the team can't be taught. Her athleticism and competitive spirit are things that can't be duplicated. Fortunately, Wheaton may have the next best thing. Sharkey's younger sister, Sydney (Wheaton North), returns for her senior year with the Thunder. While there are plenty of differences between the sisters, Felske said the younger Sharkey has many of the same natural skills that made Alexa a first-team All-American.

Also returning to the program will be Witt, who will take on an expanded role in 2015. Witt was in the rare situation to be named a third-team All-American despite coming off the bench in the majority of games. Felske said it takes a special player to handle that situation.

"I talked to Pete this season and told him I don't love the role coming off the bench, but if that's my role I'll do it to the best of my ability," Witt said. "It ended up working out. He knew what he was doing."

Witt said it was Felske who first told her about being named an All-American, and when she found out she was in disbelief. She couldn't help but laugh out of pure surprise, Witt said.

When the team gets back to work next year Witt will have more than just a bigger role on the field. Witt was voted a captain for the team. The honor is nice, Witt said, but she is more concerned with how she can help her teammates.

"I'm trying not to think too much about the title and just think about how I can serve the girls," Witt said. "Captains for me in the past have set great examples, I hope to continue that."

Setting an example on the field is something Felske said his new captain has already been doing.

"I think kids look up to her as someone who's going to work hard," Felske said. "We will need her next year both on and off the field."