CLC's Vickers doesn't plan big changes at first

When some people get their first head-coaching job, they immediately start making changes simply for the sake of it.

First-year College of Lake County coach Dawn Vickers is smarter than that.

As an assistant to long-time coach Dave Beck, she knew the Lancers' women's soccer program was held in high regard by recruits and area high school coaches.

"Dave had such a good reputation," Vickers said, " A lot of the recruiting was from word of mouth."

CLC captured the state championship last season, but had to replace the majority of players from that team.

Enter a stellar recruiting class, highlighted by Libertyville graduate Ally Yarc.

"We knew of her coming in because her older siblings had played here," Vickers said. "She is quite a player."

The Lancers also return several key players from last year such as Melanie Rasor (Mundelein), Mallery Drozol (Grayslake), Ashley Lowry (Antioch) and Kristen Cashman (Grayslake).

Rasor has the type of soccer skills that coaches covet.

"Her first touch is outstanding," Vickers said. "She can visualize the field in a way you do not always see at the junior college level."

Drozd tore her ACL toward the end of last year and missed the postseason.

"She showed the team that hard work pays off," Vickers said. "She directs everyone on defense. She keeps everyone going with a lot of positive reinforcement."

CLC opened the season Monday with a 4-2 loss to Elgin.

CLC and Elgin routinely battle for the Skyway Conference title. Yarc and Rasor each had goals for the Lancers. CLC led 2-1 early in the second half before surrendering 3 consecutive goals.

CLC bounced back with a solid 5-3 victory over the College of DuPage on Wednesday.

"The biggest think we are working on as a team is communication," Vickers said. "There is a lot of talent that we can put on the field."