Girls soccer: Scouting the Fox Valley
Aurora Central CatholicCoach: Kristy Kane (3rd year, 33-27-3)
Conference: Metro Suburban
2016 record: 10-13-1; lost to Nazareth in regional final
Top returning players: Gina Cortino (Sr., MF), Natalie Bruss (Sr., D), Alex Montalbano (Jr., GK), Anna Dudziak (Jr., MF), Victoria Opperman (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: Amy Flores (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: As one door closed on the Chargers, who graduated their first Division I player in keeper Bryanna Mandarino (Eastern Kentucky) in 2016, another door opened. And for last year's backup in Montalbano, it's now time to show what she can do between the pipes. "While goalies like Bryanna don't come along very often, Alex is a truly outstanding goalie in her own right and we are so lucky to have her stepping into the starting goalie role this season," Kane said. "She 100 percent deserves and earned this opportunity." Another plus is health for ACC, which was plagued by injury last season. Cortino was one of those players affected by the injury bug and both her and Dudziak will be looked upon to carry the bulk of the offense in the midfield, as scoring was another difficulty ACC endured last season. To counter, Bruss and Opperman are leaders to help aid Montalbano as the Chargers' first layer of defense. Though ACC might have a wild card up its sleeve in junior defender Meghan Johnson. "She is a returning starter who played club for the first time this offseason," said Kane. "(She) has really focused on improving her game and dedicating herself to soccer. She could definitely make a difference for us this season."
BartlettCoach: Vince DiNuzzo (2nd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2016 record: 18-6-1; lost in sectional semifinal to St. Charles North
Top returning players: Jenna Dombrowski (Jr., MF), Miranda Hedeen (Jr., D), Jessica Mirsky (Jr., MF), Tabitha Evans (So., F), Teagan Noesen (So., GK).
Top newcomers: Nykia Wetterman (Sr., GK), Brooke Bednarke (Sr., MF), Maddie Donnelly (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: Behind one of the most unselfish and prolific players in Mariela Alba and a good finisher in Shelley Lyjak, first-year coach Vince DiNuzzo and the Hawks amassed the most wins in program history last season and fell just shy of a sectional championship berth in an overtime loss to St. Charles North. It'll be hard to replace Alba and a group of seniors that were runner-up to Huntley at the PepsiCo Showdown, but the Hawks have over 15 returners, including Wetterman and Bednarke who are coming back from knee injuries. "The main key to success will be staying healthy through a quality strength of schedule," Di Nuzzo said. Bartlett will rely on all-conference mid Dombrowski, who had 4 goals and 2 assists last year and forward Evans, who notched 8 goals and 2 assists. A key strength for the Hawks is their defense and goalkeeping, as Hedeen helped the Hawks and Noesen amass 10 shutouts in 2016. Noesen made 132 saves for a 0.88 goals against mark as a freshman last year. But DiNuzzo believes they are ahead of where they were at last season as far as coming together as a team. "Our obvious strength is our chemistry and understanding how to get the best of one another," DiNuzzo said. "We believe our team has made great strides forward compared to last season."
BataviaCoach: Mark Gianfrancesco (6th year)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2016 record: 15-5-1, 4-1-1, lost in regional finals to Bartlett
Top returning players: Keegan Maris (Sr., F), Jenny Scara (Sr., GK), Cameron Hindel (Sr., MF), MacKenzie Foster (Sr., MF), Gracey DiBiase (Jr., D), Anna Rákos (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Shelby Key (Jr., MF), Jess Sneesby (Jr., F), Amy TenHaken (Jr., D), Avery Davis (So., F), Anna Holcombe (So., F), Jenna Nichols (So., D).
Season outlook: It's tough to lose a player the caliber of Megan McEachern, who was an All-Area selection last season with 20 goals and 16 assists. But the Bulldogs return a talented roster led by Valpo-bound Maris, the energizer bunny who scored 13 goals and 9 assists. "On paper I think we have a few players than can fit the bill," Gianfrancesco said. "Hindel and Bleakley have an opportunity to be included in the discussion as well as some of the newcomers. We might be more diverse in our scoring rather than depending on one person." But all three lines look to have depth for the Bulldogs who return another All-Area, all-UEC selection in goalkeeper Scara, who had 10.5 shutouts and 16 goals allowed (0.76 avg) last season. "She will be our rock in the back," Gianfranceso said. "She'll be organizing our back line, keeping us tight in games and starting our attack."
Burlington CentralCoach: Jess Arneson (3rd year, 46-10)
Conference: Kishwaukee River
2016 record: 17-7, 12-0 lost in regional semifinal
Top returning players: Anna McMahon (Sr., MF), Abbi Ciganek (Sr., GK), Elizabeth Gousios (Jr., D/M), Jordan King (Jr., MF/F), Sydney Pryor (Jr., M/F), Megan Majewski (Jr., MF), Alyssa Mariani (Jr., D), Jessica Clouser (Jr., D/M), Alexis Rosa (Jr., MF), Taylor Abbott (So., D), McKenzie Freeman (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Krysten Pellikan (So., MF/F), Zoey Hollhoff (Fr., MF/F), Kirsten Wyse (Fr., D).
Season outlook: With one of the more decorative and talented junior classes in the area the Rockets, who didn't lose any starters from last season to graduation, switch from the Big Northern to the Kishwaukee River and come in with some unfinished business after going undefeated in the BNC and then dropping the regional opener to Sycamore. "I think there is some serious drive there," Arneson said of bowing out early last season. "And I really think our regionals are tough so if we can get past the regional we have a huge opportunity we can take advantage of but this year they're pretty focused on winning the regional." And the Rockets come with heavy ammo again, as All-Area leaders in King and Gousios, are scoring machines. King, a natural scorer and 2-time All-Area selection, finished with 32 goals and 22 assists while Gousios, another 2-time All-Area selection, ended with 30 goals and 14 assists, the most of any duo in the area. The firepower continues with Majewski (15 goals, 14 assists) while Pryor added 18 goals and 11 assists. "Our team is uncommonly offensive-minded," Arneson said. "We have several offensive players that will consistently score throughout the season." But on the flip side, the Rockets did have trouble shutting out teams so the focus is on defense and conditioning and players in addition to Ciganek and Erin Rafferty splitting time in goal to start the season. "We had some gaps last year but we'll be reworking our system to make better fits this year. So far in practice has really worked well but I guess we'll see if it stands up."
Cary-Grove Coach: Ray Krystal (11th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 9-6-2
Top returning players: Miranda Malone (Sr., GK), Natalie Gallant (Sr., F), Alex Airhart (Sr., MF), Katie Conner (Sr., D), Izzy Robinson (Sr., F), Stephanie Scrima (Sr., M), Sofie Immens (Sr., MF), Kelly Stayart (Jr., MF), Maddie Jannusch (So., D).
Top newcomers: Katie Demert (Sr., GK), Teagan Jones (Jr., F).
Season outlook: The Trojans, who traditionally stay competitive every season, graduated a good crop of athletes that included All-Area selection forward Genna Sobieszczyk. But a mainstay the last two seasons in Stayart returns in the midfield, with Jones adding a major boost up top. Jones missed her sophomore season due to club play with the Sockers FC, which earned her a full ride at Purdue. And as always, C-G looks at everything from a team perspective. "There are plenty of opportunities for the players to step up into new leadership because of graduation and offseason injuries," Krystal said. "(We're) working to build team chemistry and learning to play together and it will take plenty of hard work and mental toughness to be successful in our strong conference."
Crystal Lake SouthCoach: Jay Mueller (3rd year, 42-17-7)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 16-6-1, 10-0, lost to Huntley in sectional final
Top returning players: Ann Lewandowski (Sr, D), Jenna Ross (Sr., D), Jessica Schoenfeldt (Sr., MF), Courtney Sengstock (Sr., F), Raquel Hess (Jr., D).
Top newcomers: Cameron Sengstock (Jr., F/M), Taylor Bittenbender (So., MF), Jillian Brokhof (So., F/M), Brooke Dunteman (So., D), Abby Wiegand (So., F/M).
Season outlook: The defending FVC champs might've graduated a slew of midfielders last season but their defense, to the dismay of the rest of the conference, is back for another go-round. That experienced defense features all-conference selections Lewandowski and the Loyola-bound Ross to go with Hess, and that bodes well for the Gators. "We've got an experienced and strong defense," Mueller said. "But we graduated 4 of 5 starting minds. So we'll have to work hard to possess in the midfield and connect to our attack." That attack though isn't so shabby. Schoenfeldt (IPFW) tallied 13 goals and 7 assists to make the All-Area and all-conference list for the second straight year in 2016. Another emerging threat came in the form of Courtney Sengstock, who scored 15 goals and 9 assists.
Dundee-CrownCoach: Sebastian Falinski (10th year, 42-129-12)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 6-11-1, 2-3 lost in regional semifinal
Top returning players: Sara Kuczynski (Sr., D), Taylor Coffman (Sr., MF), Maggie Griffin (Sr., D), Taylor Gonio (Sr., GK), Anna Kieltyka (Jr., F), Braylin Mensik (Jr., F), Claire Pape (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Autumn Seaton (So., MF), Diana Santillan-Ceja (So., GK), Kaitlyn Skibinski (Fr, MF), Rylee Quillen (Fr, F).
Season outlook: Depth and experience haven't been abundant for the Chargers in recent years. Returning forwards Kieltyka and Mensik will provide the offensive spark as Kieltyka is the leading scorer coming back with 7 goals while Mensik recorded 2 goals and 3 assists. Coffman added 3 goals from the midfield. "We have a good core group of players returning with valuable varsity experience that should help move the team in the right direction," Falinski said. "I believe if we want to be competitive this year in all our matches our returning players will have to set the tone for the season."
East AuroraCoach: Obed Mendoza (2nd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2016 record: 4-15-1
Top returning players: Leslie Carranza (Sr., MF/F), Marubeni Nieto (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Jennifer Garcia (So.).
Season outlook: The Tomcats come into 2017 down 9 seniors from last year's team so they will bank on their most tenured players, captains Carranza and Nieto, to carry the load and set the tone in hopes of creating out of the midfield. "In order for (our forwards) to finish they need good passes and we believe that Leslie and Marubeni are going to be able to provide those passes," Mendoza said. "(They) are players with a lot of experience in the midfield and will provide a strong connection in the body of our team." East does have 10 players returning including goalkeeper Daisy Quinonez, who made nearly 90 saves as a junior last year according to Mendoza. "Our team has improved from the previous season," Mendoza added. "I hope the changes that are already happening this season are for constructing a more solid unit."
ElginCoach: Alicia Knoll (6th year, 31-63)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 record: 10-9, 2-3 lost in regional final to South Elgin 1-0
Top returning players: Hannah Erickson (Sr., GK), Brittany Dazzo (Jr., MF), Guadalupe Sanchez (Jr., MF), Kylie Graves (Jr., D).
Top newcomers: Nancy Garcia (Sr., MF).
Season outlook: One name you didn't see on the field for much of last season was Dazzo, who was rehabbing from an ACL and MCL injury. Finally 100 percent, the 2015 All-Area outside mid should add another dimension for Elgin, which rallied without her last season but missed her strong left-footed boot. "She's obviously worked really hard at coming back and it was a process last year," Knoll said. "She looks really good and wants to prove something all over again and I think she's working very hard in practice to get that strength so when it comes to game time she's able to perform better than when she left." Another difference maker is Garcia, who returns to the pitch after a year away from the team. "She wants to prove herself up top and I think she's the one that's showed us the most right now," Knoll added. But it's not just Garcia, the team as a whole has showed consistency averaging 9 wins the last three seasons and they want to prove more than just that. "The girls see what potential they have," Knoll said. "I think they have bought into the program and are confident in it and how it works and it's coming out in their play. And now that more (girls) are coming back and what they bring to the table, I think we have a little more depth we can depend on that. We can go to our bench and feel confident in the numbers we have."
Elgin AcademyCoach: Kevin Talbot (4th year, 4-28-2)
Conference: Independent School League
2016 record: 3-10
Top returning players: Kalia Higa (Sr, MF), Helen Borchart (Sr., F), Sophie Borchart (Sr., D), Jenny Vernon (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: Marina Aristodemo (Fr., F).
Season outlook: The Hilltoppers won 3 games last season after going winless since 2014. Higa totaled 7 goals and 3 assists last season while Helen Borchart with 3 goals and 1 assist. "We will have a young, inexperienced but enthusiastic team this year," Talbot said. "They will work hard every day to improve and will be exciting to watch by the end of the season."
GenevaCoach: Megan Owens (9th year, 107-58-23)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 record: 15-6-2, lost in sectional final to St. Charles North
Top returning players: Leah Groven (Sr., D), Emma Harkleroad (Sr., GK), Emily Hauser (Sr., D), Molly McGavin (Sr., F), Maddy Rapach-Lagowski (Sr., MF), Maddy Yelle (Jr., MF), Lauren Albrecht (Jr., MF), Jaden Ciesieleski (Jr., D), Anneliese Lockner (Jr., D), Maddie Stellick (Jr., F), Jenna Dominguez (So., F), Sydney Gratz (So., MF), Caitlin Farrell (So., F).
Top newcomers: Jenni Santacaterina (Sr., MF), Stephanie Howe (So., F), Alicia White (Fr., F), Katie Montgomery (Fr., D).
Season outlook: The Vikings may have surprised some teams in 2016 but this season they won't sneak up on anyone after doubling their win total from 2015. Behind All-Area standout Kylee Dominguez's 20 goals and 5 assists, Geneva's spirited run, which included a regional title and a win over St. Charles East in sectionals, ended in a 1-0 loss to St. Charles North, a game the Vikes could've had. Minus Dominguez, the Vikings return with quality all around, which includes sophomore Jenna Dominguez, who shined as a freshman up front as Geneva's assist leader. "She's definitely more confident," said Owens. "It's finally her season and she's not under her sister's shadow so I think she'll flourish and step up and the team will look to her, a role she didn't have last year. She's looked very solid." But Dominguez comes with some extra firepower Geneva didn't have last year thanks to an extra supply of quality midfielders and Owens has a few ideas. "I'm looking to move a couple up top because they're too good of players to have on the bench … we're so strong in that position. We have 5 players with only 3 spots. It's a good problem to have." Another good problem to have? Two players not having much practice time due to state championship basketball. Keeper Emma Harkleroad and midfielder Maddy Yelle were on Geneva's Class 4A state title team so they'll have to get acclimated to a big goal post instead of a round cylinder rather quickly. Harkleroad, who was very impressive during last year's postseason, provides a 6-foot frame in goal but should feel at ease even with the lack of preparation for the season with 3 returning starters on the back line, anchored by Groven along with Hauser and Lockner. And very true to seasons past for Geneva, it's not how you start …. "It's not a sprint it's a marathon," Owens added. "It's how we finish and we've had some traditionally strong postseason runs. We play in a conference that always has one or two or three teams in a sectional game. It only makes you better. It only makes you work harder in practice and give them a confidence boost that they play with these top teams."
HampshireCoach: Colin Brice (1st year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 4-16
Top returning players: Darcy Dalby (Sr., MF), Alyssa Dimaano (So., MF), Alana Hatanaka (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Mattea Huerta (Jr., MF), Veronica Walker (Fr., D), Alessa Carranza (Fr., F).
Season outlook: When you look back at a 1-win season in 2015, the Whip-Purs are slowly but surely trending in the right direction and now have a new leader at the helm to do that in Brice, a 2007 Jacobs graduate and former graduate assistant at Dubuque. Brice has been with the girls program the previous 2 years and is the current head coach of the Prairie Ridge boys team. He will fluctuate to Hampshire's talent, which is finally starting to show signs of life. "This year we have mix a lot of young talent which is a good thing for me to see the program finally start the grow," Brice said. "Especially as the school is growing we're starting to see more quality girls soccer players entering the school." One in particular is Huerta, who played at Westminster Christian the previous 2 seasons and dazzled the midfield at times in the Northeastern Athletic Conference. She will team with returning minds Dimaano, Dalby and Hatanaka to strengthen that aspect for the Whips, who will see the scoring dispersed due to that. Many different girls can get on the scoring page for Hampshire but Brice also looks to develop a defense in a conference that has many potent attacks. "Having a stingy defense is going to be key for us because a lot of the teams we face are going to be more talented than we are. How we defend as a group - working together as a unit and teaching them defensive principles and making sure we execute on those - seeing the defenders develop and seeing the midfielders track back runners and defenders, hopefully they can build into some good counterattacks."
Harvest ChristianCoach: Nate Baron (2nd year)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2016 record: 8-6-2, won regional title
Top returning players: Taylor Keeran (Jr., D), Isa Garcia (Jr., GK), Sonja Jenkins, (Jr., MF), Hannah Caldwell (Jr., D),
Holley Colclasure (Jr., MF), Rebecca Gafrick (So., MF). Jessica Olsen (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Amanda Moore (Jr., F), Grace Ozburn (So., D), Emily Halter (Fr., F).
Season outlook: The taste of winning a regional title for a young squad like the Lions has left Baron's group wanting to improve their skills even more in hopes of more postseason hardware. Keeran and Caldwell provide a line of defense that might make a hardware store jealous as Baron claims Keeran is a wall while Caldwell is as tough as nails. Their insulation? Garcia in goal, who provided 156 saves, 26 goals against and 5 shutouts last season as a sophomore. "Our defense is stellar and our offense has the ability to penetrate defense and shoot from distance." Those shooters would be the quick Gafrick (7 goals), along with Colclasure who sat out most of 2016 with a concussion, and Jenkins, whose ankle and knee injures kept her out for most of the year. "Our overall strength will be our intensity, effort and ability to posses the ball," said Baron, who added that Olsen, a sophomore mid is good both on passing and possession. "Our team goals are to pick up the intensity throughout the season, win one game at a time and learn from every opportunity that presents itself."
HuntleyCoach: Kris Grabner (14th year, 213-69-13)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 18-5-3, fourth place at Class 3A state tournament
Top returning players: Samantha Heustis (Sr., D), Tayah Owens (Sr., D), Abbey Brown (Sr., GK), Brenna Keegan (Jr., F).
Top newcomers: Alyssa Xanos (So., MF), Taylor Kaufman (Fr., MF), Zoe Zuzzio (Jr., D).
Season outlook: The upside to last season - Huntley won its first supersectional and brought home a fourth place trophy from the Class 3A state tournament in Naperville. The downside? Fox Valley All-Area captain Taryn Jakubowski, Alyssa Kaufman, Bri Wilder, Paige Renkosik and Ally Sunter have all graduated. Jakubowski accounted for 30 goals and 11 assists while Wilder added 10 goals and Kaufman dished a team-high 13 assists. Renkosik also amassed 18 shutouts in goal. Replacing that production would be a tall order, but a testament to Grabner and his program over the years is that going young isn't always the worst thing since depth has been a plus in recent years. The Red Raiders still have experienced players on defense. All-Area and all-conference backliner Heustis returns while Owens and goalkeeper Brown should help keep Huntley in games. Offensively and as a whole, there's a lot of moving parts to begin the season and that will be Huntley's challenge throughout the year. "We know we have to work on our offensive structure and how we're going to attack to be better … we have our own challenges but I hope it gives teams a different focus when they're playing against us," said Grabner, who already complimented this group's technical skill, which he perceives as better than last year. "We may be quicker overall but we're young and inexperienced," he said. "Last year's team had been together for so long it was easy to walk into that and put the components together where we wanted them. All these moving parts we have to fit together and that's our challenge."
JacobsCoach: Stephanie Schuck
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 7-9, 1-4
Top returning players: Karissa Gottardo (Sr., MF), Emily Pasetes (Jr., GK), Maddie Bello (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Liz Schwartz (Fr., F), Kelsey Medina (So., MF).
Season outlook: The Golden Eagles will add to their soccer family when coach Schuck goes on maternity leave for the birth of her first child around Easter time. Assistant Michael Hanley will take over but Schuck finds the positives for the girls with her absence upcoming. "It's a good thing for them they also realize and recognize that they need to take a lot more ownership and a lot more responsibility for themselves this season and for their team. I've seen a lot more leadership this year stand out and it's really cool to see them have an opportunity to step in and stand out." Pasetes, an all-FVC goalkeeper, and Bello, an all-FVC midfielder, have taken that to heart and led by example in the offseason. Bello does have some added firepower in the midfield and up front with Schwartz up top to fill in the role Talia Surges had in recent years. Another plus is that Schuck likes the mobility she's seen and the angles the Golden Eagles have been able to develop in training and it helps to the newcomers adapting right away. "Liz is our only freshman who should be a good asset and Kelsey Medina, she didn't play for us last year, but definitely been one to be standing out a little bit more of the newer players."
KanelandCoach: Scott Parillo (13th year, 151-87-24)
Conference: Northern Illinois Big XII East
2016 record: 17-5-1, lost in sectional final
Top returning players: Holly Collingbourne (Sr., MF), Taylor Zitkus (Sr., D), Kylie Kurz (Sr., D/MF), Lauren Ortiz (Sr., D/MF), Lindsay Penkala (Jr., D/MF), Abby Taylor (Jr., F/MF), Abbie Lomahan (So., M/F), Emma Ball (So., GK), Rachael Lutter (So., D).
Top newcomers: Gabrielle Faletto (Jr., F/MF), Sarah Baerenklau (Fr., D), Bailey Prichard (Fr., D/MF), Oliva Lutter (Fr., D), Vanessa Theobald (Fr., D/MF), Evelyn Alanis (Fr., D).
Season outlook: The Knights have 10 underclassmen this season who will have to fill the void left by graduated standouts Gabby Cano (midfield) and Emily Chapman (keeper), All-Area selections who helped Kaneland to the sectional final. Cano and Chapman were mainstays so midfielders Collingbourne as well as back line anchors Zitkus, Kurz and Ortiz will be looked upon to lead the way. "We hope to stay healthy and be competitive," Parillo said. "Having 10 underclassman - that is a strength and a weakness. We have great leadership from our seniors and hopefully that will carry us far in the playoffs."
LarkinCoach: Ken Hall (20th season)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 record: 12-8-3, lost in regional final 1-0 to Harlem
Top returning players: Stephanie Nunez (Sr., F), Angela Smith (Jr., MF), Elizabeth Baeza (Jr., F/MF), Yosilin Sanchez (Jr., D).
Top newcomers: Amy Leon (Fr., D), Arriana King (Fr., D), Jackie Perez (MF), Osiris Leon (MF).
Season outlook: Coach Hall marks his 20th anniversary as girls coach so he's been around long enough to judge the field pretty well and this year is no exception. "After two-straight winning seasons and a strong freshman class I am expecting better things this year," said Hall, who six years ago had one club player on his team and now has club players filled up on the bench. "I truly believe that this is the best Larkin team since the 2006 team was 25-4 and advanced to supers." The change in attitude and skill level at Larkin has the Royals looking at 2017 with big hopes. It starts with Nunez and her 18 goals from last season, which provides the punch the Royals need up top. Baeza will be one to watch in the midfield and the combination of those two could develop into something this season. "I really like that combo of that speed," Hall said. "With Elizabeth's speed and Stephanie's ability to finish, I'm excited." The change of Smith going from forward to mid paid huge dividends last season for Larkin, which now boasts a stronger midfield whereas the back line is starting two freshmen and a sophomore to help Haley Casebeer in goal, who has had trouble staying on the field due to three ACL injuries.
RosaryCoach: Janice Eddington (2nd year)
Conference: GCAC White
2016 record: 10-9-2
Top returning players: Emma Porteous (Sr., MF), Julia Isaacs (Sr., GK), Elizabeth Kvitek (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: Rachel Chason (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: Five starters were lost to graduation that were a part of the 2016 conference championship team that boasted 6 all-GCAC players, including Ella Wagoner and Katie Thilen. But Isaacs, Porteous and Kvitek have stepped up their roles and will be relied upon to be a driving force this season as anchors at their position. "We have another large group of seniors this year, along with a large number of freshmen, so we're looking to balance our lines with experience and lessen the learning curve for the freshmen," Eddington said. "We lost last year's captain and MVP Sarah Woodford to injury so we have a big hole to fill in terms of leadership on and off the field."
South ElginCoach: Laura Szwaja (1st year)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2016 record: 12-10-2, lost in sectional semifinal
Top returning players: Missy Greco (Sr., MF), Ella Struwing (Sr., MF), Ari Wlaters (Sr., D), Grace Franks (Sr., D), Gabby Danesi (Sr., F), Citali Sanchez (Sr., MF), Alyssa Kalke (Sr.).
Top newcomers: Fatima Bustamante (Jr., MF), Nicole Peeters (Fr., F), Taylor Lassonas (Fr., D).
Season outlook: First-year coach Laura Szwaja, an Elk Grove alum who coached the JV there for 7 years, has a bevy of experience. She played club at University of Illinois and coached the South Elgin boys underclass levels the last 4 years. She inherits a well-seasoned Storm squad that fell in sectionals last year and has one more year of All-Area standout Greco, who's committed to Winona State. The Storm, who return the bulk of their midfield that includes Struwing and Sanchez, will have to fill the void of Corinne Hildebrandt, an outside defender who was last year's top scorer with 6 goals and 11 assists - all from the back line. But right now Szwaja has taken a different approach to a mental factor last year's regional champs wanted to fix with focus being the key. "As a new coach I'm taking on a team that feels frustrated with some of the final scores from last year and some of what they were not able to accomplish in years past. I have reminded them that I am here to do the worrying, they are here to play." And with 7 returning seniors, the leadership is strong and the Storm will look to generate more scoring and shots on goal from a handful of minds and forward who have the potential to score according to Szwaja. Some wild cards could be Peeters and Bustamante, the former who isn't afraid to challenge seasoned defenders or the latter, who's battled ACL injuries both her freshman and sophomore seasons and has come on strong so far. "We have a few we are bouncing back from, but are very excited about having 19 healthy girls, soon," Szwaja added. "If we're going to succeed this season, (our leaders) must not only lead in attitude but also in production on the field."
St. Charles EastCoach: Paul Jennison
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 record: 18-4-1, lost in sectional semis to Geneva
Top returning players: Claire Rasmussen (Sr., MF), Morgan Kull (Sr., D), Megan O'Neal (Sr., MF), Kaitlyn Dziubinski (Sr., MF), Hannah Kolb (Sr., MF), Madison Kady (Jr., MF), Chantel Carranza (Jr., F).
Season outlook: The Saints return much of their core that earned their third-straight regional title in 2016 and nearly posted a second-straight 20-win season. Though East fell just 2 wins shy of that mark and graduated All-Area standouts Julia Peterson and goalkeeper Alison Chesterfield, there's a lot to be excited about. "We've added two sophomores and four freshmen to the mix and one through 20 we feel as if we have a very positive group," Jennison said. "The style of soccer we're looking to adopt is possession based, I think it's a progressive style of trying to get the most out of the technical and tactical aspects." The Saints' identity is simple as they'll work the ball up a particular way as All-Area selections Rasmussen, who scored 8 goals and dished 16 assists, and Kolb, 11 goals and 7 assists, headline a talented midfield that includes O'Neal. But the Saints' main threat in the attack is just a junior and Carranza, an All-Area, all-UEC selection should be one to watch after scoring 20 goals and totaling 7 assists last season. "She's got to keep working hard - she's got many intangibles that make her a quality player, she's definitely one of the best in the state but the best thing about her is that she's a good teammate," Jennison said. "She's genuinely thinking of the others around her first and it puts her in a position to be successful more than anything else."
St. Charles NorthCoach: Brian Harks (2nd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 record: 20-4-1, lost to New Trier in supersectional
Top returning players: G Sami Sample (Sr., GK), Claire Barresi (Sr., D), Hailey Rydberg (Jr., MF), Gia Wahlberg (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Claudia Najera (So.).
Season outlook: The North Stars embarked on a 20-win season in 2016, capped by the team's first supersectional appearance since 2013, which seems kind of odd knowing all the success North has had since 2003. "It didn't dawn on me that every single player on the field, that was their first supersectional they played," Harks said. "The experience from that postseason run is going to carry over into this year." And while North graduated a few All-Area standouts in Morgan Rerko and Lauren Neslund, opponents won't be thrilled with who's coming back. The dynamic Michigan State-bound Wahlberg and the versatile Rydberg, who combined for 31 goals and 26 assists, return as just juniors and should be aggressive toward the goal. "Both Hailey and Gia have a really good connection with one another. They've been playing together from a very young age and it's clear that they work well with one another," said Harks. "They make each other look good as well as just being all-around workhorses and hard-nosed players who just love to compete." Potent up front, North is loaded in the back as Barresi (Minnesota State) has a leadership role on the back line and will also look to its forward and center-mids to also be good defenders while Illinois-bound Sample seems to get better and better. "Sami proved to be a consistent goalkeeper that really started to take control of the box over the course of last season she is gaining more and more confidence every game," Harks said. "I know we're replacing some players from the back line but I feel like it's an opportunity for some newcomers to step into a little bit bigger role and own that spot."
St. Edward Coach: Tim Brieger (22nd year, 260-189-44)
Conference: Metro Suburban
2016 record: 7-14-1, 1-5, lost in regional final to Harvest Christian
Top returning players: Cecilia Kochanek (Sr., F), Ava Matsas (Sr., MF), Taylor Gredzieleski (Jr., D), Madison Knott (Jr., MF/F), Marial Franco (Jr., GK), Madalynn Duffy (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Rachel Hicks (So., D), Katie Ellsworth (So., MF), Lauren Biggins (So., D), Rachel Martini (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: 2017 looks to be one of the younger rosters on Locust Street and with that comes a very youthful starting lineup. The Green Wave bring back 5 upperclassmen and only 2 were starters from 2016. The flip side of that is that 9 underclassmen gained valuable experience last season. "The good news is that nine of them are full-time starters from last year," Brieger said. As for the two starting seniors, Kochanek is the lone 4-year starter and will pair with the speedy Knott up top while Matsas, the other starting senior, will aid the Green Wave midfield, a strong suit this year for Brieger. "We'll be strong up the middle," Brieger noted. "Duffy and Martini will anchor our attack and get the ball up to Matsas, Kochanek and Knott. (Kochanek) looks to build on her strong junior season and lead the young girls with her experience." The Green Wave's defense is anchored by Gredzieleski, a 3-year starter while Franco, who played on the back line last season, will now move from marking back to goalkeeper this season. According to Brieger she brings a lot of athleticism and talent to the position.
StreamwoodCoach: Kristin Duffy (2nd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 record: 6-14, 0-6
Top returning players: Alondra Blanco (Sr., MF), Shonali Pierce (Sr., F), Michaela Gundersen (Jr, MF).
Top newcomers: Melanie Ramirez (So., MF), Paulette Carranza (So., MF).
Season outlook: Four-year starters are hard to come by but for Blanco and Pierce, they have been mainstays on the Sabres' roster since 2014. Blanca's junior go-to registered 9 goals and 4 assists while Pierce added 3 goals and 2 assists. They have been potent in the midfield and up front as underclassmen but now share the role as senior leaders, a role they've watched others handle the past 3 years. But along with Gundersen, the now veterans will be thrown into the mix of youngsters, a spot they're familiar with and players Duffy is excited about. "I am confident with the talent that we have on our team and that we'll have a successful year," said Duffy. "I'm excited to see what this season brings because we have a lot of younger, talented girls who have moved up to varsity."
West AuroraCoach: Laura Wagley (9th season, 62-84-38)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2016 record: 8-12-1, 1-3-1
Top returning players: Kat Stephens (Sr., F), Riley O'Brien (Jr., F).
Top newcomers: Olivia McPhearson (Fr., MF), Kiara McPhearson (Fr., MF), Mackenzie Thompson (Fr., D).
Season outlook: There's a lot to be excited for the Blackhawks as Stephens and O'Brien form a dynamic duo up front and will give teams a handful with their offensive power. Stephens, who will head to Loyola, scored 20 goals and dished 7 assists last season as an All-Area selection while O'Brien, committed to Illinois State, scored 4 goals but tallied 10 assists. "Our strength will be our offense and finishing," Wagley said. "We have to improve on that from last year because we missed a lot of scoring chances that ended in a loss for us." On paper that looks to be a strength this season, but what's noticeable is the youth as the McPhearson twins and Thompson are 3 of 7 freshmen up on the varsity this season. "We are returning eight starters but moving up seven very solid freshmen," Wagley added. "Our biggest obstacle will be getting them to play together. They are all coming from different clubs with different formations."
Editor's note: Westminster Christian did not respond to requests for information.