Girls soccer: Batliner captains Northwest all-area team

Jackie Batliner has been a revelation since joining Barrington's high-flying girls soccer program three years ago.

In a season in which nearly half of the all-area team were defenders, Batliner was at the head of that special class.

Still, it came as a pleasant surprise when she found out she'd been named captain of the Daily Herald's Northwest all-area team.

"When coach (Ryan) Stengren told me that I was this year's captain, I thought it was so awesome, and a real honor when you think about all the other players who are normally given this award - like the great scorers and midfielders," said the Fillies' three-year standout. "Last year our own Jenna Szczesny, who was easily one of the best goal-scorers and players in the state, was named for the second straight year. And a couple of years before that, it was Molly Pfeiffer (now playing at Marquette), who was an amazing midfielder for Barrington right before my freshman year."

"It's very satisfying for me that a defender was recognized this year, but to be honest, none of it happens without being part of a great back line, program and team filled with players who all work and train together so hard to be the best that we can be."

"That's Jackie," said Stengren after hearing what Batliner had to say about her honor. "With Jackie, it's never about her - always about her team and teammates first.

"With all the things that she does so well for us during games, she's even better away from it all because of her terrific attitude, great leadership and willingness to do the extra work to become the type of player she is now - and the one that will be even better next year, and right into college."

It was obvious from the outpouring of support from coaches in the Mid-Suburban League that Batliner was deserving. After all, she'd been named the MSL West's player of the year and also earned all-state accolades.

"Jackie was an easy choice in my mind for all-state, and an even better choice as the captain of the all-area team," said Jason Franco, Conant's coach. "She is everything you would want in a defender. She is athletic, smart, tough and dangerous going forward, plus she adds an element of intensity to Ryan's team that helps set the tone for the way they play.

"She handles herself so well out there, and, to me, is one of the most complete players in the state."

Batliner, meanwhile, credits the group dynamic of her team for any success.

"Kayla (Keck) and Haley (Tausend) and I have played together since fourth-grade," explained Batliner, "and when we joined up with Lauren (Pircher) to form the new back line, we easily became connected as players and friends, and our relationship on and off the field became stronger every day."

Indeed. This defensive quartet bonded to become an elite unit, one which collectively could defend with intelligence and composure along with joining the attack and posing a threat on set-piece chances.

The bad news for opponents next spring is all but Pircher will be back, the lone senior from this year's team.

Batliner and the back four didn't concede a single goal during its 11 MSL matches including the Soccer Bowl, where the Fillies captured a fifth consecutive league title. They went on to claim an eighth straight sectional crown, falling 1 victory short of reaching the 3A state tournament for a second year in a row.

"We had a lot to prove this year," said Batliner. "We had an exciting year, but it was tough way to go out in that supersectional loss (1-0) to Huntley. But that's also the type of game and loss that will stay with us, and make us work even harder in order to be stronger next season."

"That's what makes Jackie such an important player to this team and our program," says Stengren. "Her competitive spirit is way up there, and it's what inspires the rest of the team, while setting a great example for our younger players."

Batliner's scouting report is an impressive one.

As a central midfielder on her FCX club team, it's clear she is very comfortable on the ball, with good technique and always looking to play out from the back.

Batliner possesses an elegant, ball-playing style of defending, using intelligent positioning and exceptional timing. That allows her to frequently step in and intercept balls, rather than make last-gasp challenges.

The two-time all-area defender falls under the category of a fullback with winger traits, as she's blessed with blistering pace on the flanks. Her impressive stamina ensures that her work rate never drops, evidenced by an excellent pressing game.

"You can already see were she will be of great value in the collegiate game, because those types of players are very difficult to find," said Stengren. "Jackie covers more ground than any other player I've ever had - it's as if there's two of her out there sometimes."

Batliner has already committed to play at DePaul, a place that won her heart over on several levels.

"I'm a real family-oriented person, so I wanted to be close to home and my parents," she said. "Plus my two older brothers live in Chicago, and on my visits there I felt right at home with the coaching staff and players as well, so I knew I found the best place for me."

Soccer aside, DePaul offers an elite business school, which she will enter once there.

Her decision to stay and play at Barrington and not forgo her junior year, as many do in an effort to attract a quality college program, was an easy one for her.

"There's nothing like playing high school soccer," said Batliner. "I love my club team, many of which are on this team at Barrington. But for all I've learned in club and the great coaches we have working with us - being able to go out and play in our stadium, and having our friends from school there cheering for us or walking through the hallways and students and teachers telling us 'Good luck' on the day of a game, or 'nice game' the day after is something you just don't get in club."

Batliner says support from her parents, Stengren and her club coaches was especially important in her freshman season.

"Mom and dad were always there for me, encouring to work hard both in training and our games, while (Stengren) does an unbelievable job of getting us prepared and keeping us all together," Batliner said. "Playing as a team taught me a lot about those same things as they apply to me being a better player and leader."

With her college decision now behind her, Batliner can look ahead to this summer and the fall, in advance of her final season at Barrington.

"It's just soccer and academics from here on out," she said. "Our under-23 team at FCX will begin training in earnest, and for me, I want to continue to work on my technique, plus fitness and conditioning and my all-around play. Then get ready for our fall season in club with an eye on next spring, when we get back together here at Barrington for what all of us hope will be our best season ever."