Girls soccer: Northwest all-area team
By Mike Garofola
Daily Herald Correspondent
Haley Anderson ConantThe force anchoring Conant's defense for her four years in goal, this two-time all-MSL and all-sectional pick became the Cougars' all-time leader in both shutouts and wins playing for an appreciative coach, Jason Franco. "Haley wasn't the most flashy keeper around," he said, "but none were as solid and consistent, and I can't even begin to think how many times she has come up big for us, and where we would have been without her." Anderson's arrival on the scene helped fuel four sensational years for the program. She finished with 40 career shutouts and an 0.87 goals-against average during that same span. Anderson had a knack for making the difficult look easy and knowing when to come out - and just as importantly, when not to. She used her height and size to her advantage, controlling shot balls very well. Most of all, she was fearless on close-range shots, regularly turning what seemed to be sure goals around the post or over the bar. Anderson will attend Illinois next fall.
Jackie Batliner BarringtonFor the youngest member of this year's all-area team, the role for Batliner was a kind of hybrid defender in the Fillies' high-powered attack. "Within a 4-4-2 formation, we would basically play three center midfielders, with Jackie never really having the responsibility of covering anyone on her side and instead playing more of an outside midfielder and attacking up and down the flanks for us," said Barrington coach Ryan Stengren. "I cannot say enough about her play, and how far she's come in one year - and there's no doubt her best soccer is just ahead." When this first-time all-MSL player had to defend, she did so brilliantly, with recent evidence coming in marvelous job she did with two-time all-stater Kelly Maday of New Trier during the Class 3A state semifinals. Barrington's sophomore standout was a force coming out of the back with her exquisite mobility and speed, as she looked to create chances at one end before scurrying to the back line and deny an opponent. Batliner aleady has 7 goals and 8 assists in two varsity seasons.
Sara Busse Buffalo GrovePerhaps the most valuable trait of this four-year veteran was her perseverance, illustrate by her ability to come back from ACL surgery and two more procedures following reconstructive surgery at the end of her sophomore year to become a vital member of the most memorable run in program history. "Sara always fought back from whatever set her back, beginning with that ACL injury just after she scored the game-winner in our sectional final, and it was her high soccer IQ, desire and all-around game that meant so much to the team," said BG coach Pat Dudle. The first-time all-area pick combined elegant play with a strong physical presence which helped her retain the ball and draw defenders - before capably delivering to an open teammate. But was both accurate and forceful with her shot, finishing with career totals of 29 goals and 18 assists after 7 and 5 year this spring.
Leah Celarek ConantThis attacking midfield wonder became known for her technical ability, superb vision, awareness and delightful passing - all of which fed her knack for putting the ball in the net. Celarek finished with 16 goals this season, giving her a remarkable 57 in a brilliant four-year career which ending with all-state honors. "Leah was relentless in the middle this year and helped us compete against some of the state's best midfield groupings," said Conant coach Jason Franco. "But it's always been about her high work rate, playmaking skills and great leadership - that will define her time here at Conant." Well versed in the tactical side of the game, Celarek first helped organize the Conant attack, then rejoined it in the final third alonside standout teammates Michelle Mazurek and Sidney O'Keeffe to finish the job. Her set-piece deliveries on corners added yet another dimension to her game. After three consecutive all-MSL, all-sectional and all-area selections, Celarek finished with 57 goals and 42 assists, placing her third on Conant's all-time list just behind former Notre Dame All-American Jen Grubb and the two-time all-area team captain Courtney Raetzman. In her final season, Celarek had 16 goals and 16 assists.
Megan Fox BarringtonA box-to-box midfielder, this four-year varsity veteran and three-year starter became the glue for a championship team thanks to an incredible work rate and high-class attitude. "Megan kept everyone together," said coach Ryan Stengren. "She has been a tremendous leader for us, and this season, after finally being healthy, we saw her absolute best soccer of her career." Energetic, inspirational and consistent, the senior gave the ball well to her teammates quickly and smartly while providing the Fillies a lot of balance in the center of the park. With her high level of strategic understanding, this first-time all-MSL and all-sectional midfielder was a sharp tackler who could move the game swiftly from defense to attack. The Marquette-bound Fox scored 7 career goals for Barrington.
Caroline Freeman FremdThis two-time all-MSL defender was also voted the Vikings' MVP following her third year in the starting lineup for coach Steve Keller. "Caroline was our anchor along the back," Keller said. "She held everything together and was tough, provided a physical presence in the middle of the backline, and read the game extremely well." With her great powers of recovery, she was nearly impossible to beat, so the Vikings senior minimized the opportunities of the opponent with her speed and high soccer IQ. Keller frequently pushed the versatile Freeman forward to add numbers in the attack or when trying to force the tempo of a match. The all-area first-timer bagged 2 goals this season.
Maria Hamilton Buffalo GroveThe lone returning starter from the previous year's back line proved to a key figure in the Bison' late-season run this spring. "Maria developed great leadership skills in organizing and communication, and she was such an important element to our team as she brought together a brand new back line to make them one of our strengths this season," said BG coach Pat Dudle. Hamilton thrived on playing long balls into attacking positions, but also could still burst forward into advanced areas. This first-time all-MSL choice mastered the art of defense with her rugged play, 50-50 ball-winning skills and tenacious tackling. The result was one of the best attacking fullbacks around, who sometimes was moved to midfield to add pace and energy. Hamilton will play at Wisconsin-Whitewater in the fall.
Kayla Knauss HerseyAn aggressive style of defending and willingness to fearlessly use her body to disrupt the opponent set this four-year starter a cut above. She helped lead a record-setting back line in her tenure, during which the Huskies conceded just 27 goals in 47 games. In that span there were 27 shutouts, along with a mere 7 goals allowed in 24 MSL regular-season matches during Darren Llewellyn's first two seasons as coach. "Kayla is a highly disciplined, athletic and explosive center back who is rarely beaten, and it's her great anticipation and excellent 1v1 defending which sets her apart because of her speed and tackling technique," said Llewellyn. As hard to move off the ball as she is to elude with the dribble, this three-time all-MSL senior gets high marks for awareness and keen vision. An expert header, Knauss can deliver a goal her and there while providing a helper or two when needed. She finished with 3 goals, 9 assists and is headed for a feature at Missouri. The Huskies' captain was honored with a well-deserved spot on the all-state team along with being named the Mid-Suburban East's player of the year.
Lauren Kohn St. ViatorHer 5 goals and 8 assists this season do not fully measure the true worth of this three-time all-East Suburban Catholic Conference standout, who could easily slot into a variety of of roles for her team thanks to her thorough dribbling and tactical understanding, paired with discipline and composure. "Lauren grew leaps and bounds from a year ago, who came back from an injury-filled sophomore year to be the catalyst in our attack while playing so fluidly, and with so much confidence," said St. Viator coach Mike Taylor. A clever, nifty player who moved around the pitch freely, keeping defenders and midfielders occupied, Kohn looked at home after Taylor moved his three-year veteran out on the flank to take full advantage of her pace and crossfield passing skills. An all-Area first-timer as a junior.
Jessica Kopec FremdThis gifted thee-year starter could influence the run of play through technical and tactical knowledge, and an distinctly unselfish approach to the game. "Jessica was our most skillful player, one who led by example through her high work ethic and willingness to constantly push her limits," said coach Steve Keller. Kopec was capable of playing on the flank, but her pace and expert movement and ball control paid dividends in a central role, a position in which she thrived in. Whether distributing (5 assists) or finding the back of the net with one of her 10 goals this spring, Kopec made a difference. This St. Louis University-bound senior earned her first all-MSL and all-area honors following a wonderful final year with the Vikings.
Anne Korff HerseyThe other half of the dangerous full-back corps from the MSL East Divison champions, this four-year starter not only achieved high honors in the classroom, but was also a 12-season athlete, rare in today's world of specialization in prep sports. "Anne has proven herself to be a highly disciplined, hard working, multi-talented student-athlete, who loves the thrill of competing at the highest level, and she is the type of athlete every coach loves to have around because she lays it on the line for the success of her team, and the word quit does not exist in her vocabulary," said coach Darren Llewellyn. Korff remained very much a defender's defender, and in the bread-and-butter catagories of interceptions, clearances, blocks, tackles and air-war success, this two-time all-area senior read the game and situation with the best of them. A key figure in all of the Huskies set pieces, Korff will attend Iowa in the fall. Finished with 3 goals, and 3 assists this season.
Jessica Kovach Buffalo GroveThis four-year starter, and three-time all-area choice handled the deep central chores brilliantly throughout BG's dazzling three-year run, but with almost all of its high-profile players from the first two seasons of it off to college, Kovach was asked to play a more varied role in 2015. She became a playmaker, an attacking-mid who would use her top-notch vision and technical ability to unlock opponents while providing exceptional play on both sides of the ball. "Jessica was one of the most self-motivating players I've been around in my career," said coach Pat Dudle. "She is clever, deft with her touch, can create space and drag opponents out with a smart dribble, and always makes the necessary pass. Coaches always stress game-speed in training - (Kovach) led by example." The four-time all-MSL midfielder was a key figure in the Bison's 76-19-6 record during her career, which will continue next fall at Washington University in St. Louis. Finished with 10 goals, 25 assists.
Katie Lomas ConantAfter serving an apprenticeship of sorts while playing alongside former all-area choice Drew Wentzel, this four-year veteran stepped in to take over as defensive captain for Conant and became one of the elite players at her position. "Katie continually got better with each year, and in her first full season of good health, she played at an all-state level, turning into one Conant's all-time best defenders," said coach Jason Franco. "We constantly had to lean on Katie, and she was always there to hold us up when things got a little rough for us, and she proved to be a critical piece in our postseason run." Unbeatable in the air, the Cougars' captain was a one-person barrier, confounding opponents with her superb field vision and awareness and overall soccer intelligence to keep things organized. Lomas was also plenty dangerous in free-kick opportunites, netting 3 goals this spring (and 5 in her career). Named Conant's female athlete of the year, Lomas has been encouraged by Franco to walk on next fall at Illinois.
Hannah Luedtke BarringtonA clear choice for a third selection to the all-area team after another superb season in goal for the four-time MSL champs and two-time state trophy-winning Fillies. "Hannah was the best keeper, hands down, since I've been here," said her coach, Ryan Stengren. "She was an incredible leader for us, and she helped mold a brand new, inexperienced back line in front of her, which came around to become a fantastic unit for us this season." Luedtke's cat-like reactions were combined with sharp positioning along with confidence in point-blank save situtations. This two-time all-state keeper is a natural shot-stopper who thrives when the ball is coming fast, and through a sea of players. This three-time all-MSL choice will take her game to Butler University next fall, along with an impressive list of high schools stats: a 0.44 goals-against average, 33 goals allowed in four seasons and 58 career shutouts, good for 10th place on the state's all-time list.
Sara MagnusonThe success of the Huskies over the last four years is due in large part to the all-area trio of Knauss, Korff and Magnuson, a versatile four-year veteran defender who was just as comfortable on the outside, or up top, should her coach ask her to contribute there. "Sara has been a mainstay for us, and during her four years at Hersey she not only has excelled on the soccer field, but also on the tennis courts and in the classroom as well," said coach Darren Llewellyn of his two-time all-MSL choice and first-time all-area selection. "Sara is smart, fast and a determined player who always plays with intensity and focus. She has a high soccer IQ, and it's her work ethic that is of the highest level, matching her excellent leadership in both word and deed. A gritty, pacy and a tenancious tackler who doesn't give an inch, Magnuson is off to Wheaton College to play tennis next fall after finishing her Hersey soccer career with 10 goals and 12 assists.
Emily Mazurek ConantMazurek followed up her breakout freshman season by moving up another level and becoming a real attacking gem. "Emily is a serious scoring threat every time she walks on the field," said coach Jason Franco. "She is powerful, explosive and has a real nose for the goal, and when you look at her final numbers after hobbled by injuries for most of the year, it's quite amazing." Mazurek was a force in helping thwart Batavia, St. Charles East and St. Charles North in consecutive playoff matchups to earn the Cougars a supersectional berth against eventual champ New Trier. She can beat defenders in a variety of ways with deceptive pace and trickery and figures to be one of the top players in the MSL next season. After a 17-goal, 7-assist season, Mazurek already has 29 and 18 after two varsity seasons.
Jennie Nailor Hoffman EstatesThe Hawks mid-table finish in the MSL this season was the best in recent history, and according to Ralph Tooren, Nailor had a lot to do with that. "We've asked a lot of her this season, and she delivers every time we do. Jennie leads by example, on and off the field, and is a great role model for our entire program," said Tooren, who was named MSL West coach of the year by his peers. Able to do the simple things at a very high level, this three-year starter wore the captain's armband with pride. Fearless in the air and confident with her touch playing out of the back, this first-time all-MSL, all-sectional and all-area junior never seemed to have to lunge into the tackle, which she performed with a high rate of success. Nailor was also dangerous in set pieces, finishing with 4 goals this spring.
Ann Marie Niro BarringtonNiro's efforts in her final year of high school proved to be just what coach Ryan Stengren's club needed. "Ann Marie was such a joy to have around. Her work rate ethic and rate was off the charts, an absolute delight to have around and she loved the game so much, and would talk about it for hours," said Stengren, who suggested at times the play-making midfielder had velcro on her boots with the way she could manage possesions. Equipped with an expansive range of creative ability, Niro's outstanding dribbling skills, particularly in tight spaces, allowed her to pick out the correct teammate on nearly every occasion, frequently with inch-perfect passes. She scored 2 goals, including the game-winner, to help the Fillies secure a third-place state trophy. After scoring 6 goals and generating 7 assists, this all-MSL and all-sectional choice will play for nationally ranked Notre Dame next fall.
Sarah O'Connor Buffalo GroveA prolific scorer, O'Connor was dangerous to every foe Buffalo Grove played. "Sarah can do it all on the soccer field," said coach Pat Dudle. "She scored 26 goals this season to earn all-state honors, and this after two years of all-state caliber work as the keeper (with a 0.59 goals-against average) on our state-ranked teams. She eats and breathes the sport and works tirelessly at the game, constantly staying after training to work on her game, which was a great example to her teammates." A wonderfully gifted athlete with incredible technical skills, this first-time all-MSL pick and four-time all-area choice showed immense composure when presented with the opportunity to score. The Eastern Kentucky-bound senior found a plethora of effective ways to strike, including a deadly long distance free kick along with enterprising runs that frustrated even the best of defensive teams.
Sidney O'Keeffe ConantWith her low center of gravity, fine technique and burst of pace, this three-year starter operated perfectly in the role of second striker, taking over the lead when her teammate, Michelle Mazurek, missed some time due to injuries. "What Sidney lacked in size, she more than made up with great determination and skill, but it will be her leadership on the field which will be difficult to replace," said coach Jason Franco. Mazurek learned to use her slight frame with balance and agility, frequently using first-step acceleration to break away from challenges in tight spaces. This first-time all-MSL and all-area pick was a consistent 10-goal scorer, lifting her into the program's all-time top 10 in both goals and assists, after her 11-goal, 9-assist final left her with career numbers of 30 and 22. Will play at Elmhurst College in the fall.
Kellie Reynolds PalatineThis strong, hard-running striker for coach Willie Filian was a typical, old-fashioned prowler who could always be found where the chances fell, or deliver a long-range strike when the opportunity arose. With outstanding speed and tenacity, Reynolds never shied away from taking on defenders, helping this four-year starter to all-MSL honors two years running and this spring an all-sectional honors as well. "Our one legitimate scoring threat for the past three years, Kellie balanced her ability to score with some timely helpers to utilize her strength to get to the end line, then provide quality service into the box," said Filian. "She was a winner who played with terrific passion, despite having a variety of injuries while with us." The Pirates captain bagged 10 goals this season alongwith 10 assists to finish with 24 and 21.
Joanne Stanfa Maine WestPerhaps the finest trait of this four-year, two-time all-area Warriors star was her passion and appreciation for the game. "It was something that was lacking in our program until Joanne came along, with her complete understanding of the game," said coach Jeff Bishop. "Joanne knows and loves the game as much as anyone I've ever had the pleasure of coaching. She was the backbone of our team, and she made us better just by showing up. Her work ethic, and enthusiasm made everyone around her want to work harder., and she's the reason our program is where it is today." Marvelous positioning, devilish runs and space-exploiting serves are only a few of her strengths. Other include her ability to defend and quickly jump into the attack. The Carthage College-bound senior leaves behind an impressive resume, including a second all-Central Suburban League selection to go along with all-sectional honors, plus a team MVP choice on top of a CSL Scholar award. Stanfa finished with 42 goals and 29 assists in her career, impressive numbers after missing nearly all of last season with injuries. She wrapped up a fine career with 18 goals and 11 assists this spring.
Kayne Stanley St. ViatorAn immovable force along the back line, her level of performance remained high from the Lions' regular-season opener right on through to its sectional final loss to eventual state champion Carmel. "Kayne was clearly our best player all season long," said coach Mike Taylor. "She had a great year for us and came back from playing out of position last year as a defensive midfielder to provide world-class leadership and a high level of play. We would have never had the season we did without her." The heart of the Lions' defense, Stanley's work ensured her club could compete with anyone. Her ability to make interceptions and execute clean, sharp tackles made her a superb one-on-one defender, and someone impossible to slip by. Composed on the ball and confident on the dribble, her coach would frequently push Stanley forward when his side needed extra numbers. The Purdue-bound all-sectional selection and three-year starter posed major trouble in the Lions' set-piece opportunities, which led to her 6 goals and 2 assists this spring.
Jenna Szczesny BarringtonThe Fillies senior earned her second consecutive honor as the Daily Herald's all-area captain. Szczesny drew rave reviews for her overall play from coaches from everywhere in this half of the state, to go along with dazzling numbers from the Fillies scorebook. "What else can you say about Jenna that hasn't been said, except not only is she an amazing player, but she's even a better teammate and person," said coach Ryan Stengren. "Obviously we're going to miss what she's given us during her four years here, but it's the person that she is that will be missed most." Szczesny was a classic forward threat, whose truly remarkable positioning and ability to take advantage of space usually ended with yet another scoring strike. The resulting crazy statistical line is only part of her success story, but they beg to be listed: 102 career goals after 37 this season, along with 39 career assists. Twice named Gatorade Player of the Year in Illinois as well as all-state, she will continue playing next fall at Loyola University in Chicago and will enter the nursing program.
Katie Zara FremdThe Vikings' three-year starter is the textbook definition of a versatility, with coach Steve Keller deploying the senior in a variety of positions, among them playing deep in a defensive role, out wide in the attack, and further forward in an advanced midfield zone. Finally this year Zara handled the striker chores almost exclusively. "Katie was our high intensity worker, both in the middle and up top, and her physical play and willingness to challenge every ball was key for our team this year," said Keller. Her knack for positioning and ability to find and create space was perhaps her biggest strength, accednted by terrific speed, excellent dribbling and a desire to create opportunities. An all-MSL choice, this senior bagged 5 goals while helping on 4 others this spring.
All-area roster
Player School Yr. Pos.
Haley Anderson Conant Sr. GK
Jackie Batliner Barrington So. D
Sara Busse Buffalo Grove Sr. F-MF
Leah Celarek Conant Sr. MF-F
Megan Fox Barrington Sr. MF
Caroline Freeman Fremd Sr. D
Maria Hamilton Buffalo Grove Sr. D
Kayla Knauss Hersey Sr. D
Lauren Kohn St. Viator Jr. MF
Jessica Kopec Fremd Sr. MF
Anne Korff Hersey Sr. D
Jessica Kovach Buffalo Grove Sr. MF
Katie Lomas Conant Sr. D
Hannah Luedtke Barrington Sr. GK
Sara Magnuson Hersey Sr. MF-D
Emily Mazurek Conant So. F
Jennie Nailor Hoffman Estates Jr. D
Ann Marie Niro Barrington Sr. MF
Sarah O'Connor Buffalo Grove Sr. F
Sidney O'Keeffe Conant Sr. F
Kellie Reynolds Palatine Sr. F
Joanne Stanfa Maine West Sr. MF-F
Kayne Stanley St. Viator Sr. D
*Jenna Szczesny Barrington Sr. F
Katie Zara Fremd Sr. F
* All-area team captain
Special mentionAle Alonso (Hoffman Estates, Sr., MF), Sara Clancy (Palatine, Fr., MF), MacKenzie Filian (Palatine, So., MF), Kennedy Irman (Schaumburg, Sr., D), Anna Johnston (St. Viator, Fr., GK), Rachel Kolling (Maine West, Jr., MF), Martina Kowalczuk (Prospect, Jr., F), Kelsey Muniz (Barrington, Sr., MF-F), Michelle Raymond (Palatine, Sr., F), Brittany Reinhart (Schaumburg, Sr., MF), Cassie Slattery (Elk Grove, Jr., MF), Soph Spinell (Barrington, So., MF-F), Kelsie Stone (Fremd, So., GK), Abby Wendell (Hersey, Sr., MF)
Honorable mentionSam Amedin (Christian Liberty Academy, Jr., F), Jamie Barry (Rolling Meadows, Sr., D), Maddie Bennett (Christian Liberty Academy, Jr., MF), Liz Flavin (Fremd, Sr., D-MF), Julia Garcia (Maine West, Jr., F), Claire Gritt (Hersey, So., GK), Carly Iacullo (Palatine, Sr., D), Kayla Keck (Barrington, So., D), Aly Kobler (Prospect, So., F), Martina Kowalczuk (Prospect, Jr., F), Maggie Leazer (St. Viator, Jr., D), Andi Marfilius (Prospect, Jr., MF), Maureen McGrath (St. Viator, So., D), Bianca Medina (Leyden, Sr., MF), Kelsey Muniz (Barrington, Sr., MF-F), Molly Murphy (St. Viator, Sr., MF), Natalie Nagrant (Hoffman Estates, So., F), Dagmar Nowicka (Leyden, Sr., F), Alexis Orozco (Schaumburg, Jr., D), Kat Perille (Rolling Meadows, So., MF-F), Emily Peterson (Wheeling, Sr., D), Madeline Rebsamen (Rolling Meadows, So., MF), Yessica Reyes (Maine West, Sr., MF), Jessica Schmidt (Hersey, Sr., F), Cassie Slattery (Elk Grove, Jr., MF-GK), Maggie Sullivan (Prospect, Sr., MF), Haley Tausend (Barrington, So., D), Sonia Valenica (Wheeling, Sr., GK), Francesca Van (Hoffman Estates, Jr., GK), Kelly Weyhrich (Hersey, So., MF).
Selections and profiles by Mike Garofola