Yarc extends tradition at CLC

Ally Yarc does not believe in specialization.

At Libertyville, she played volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter and soccer in the spring.

"Sports have shaped my character and have always been a big part of my life," she said. "I wasn't ready to give it up. I wanted to continue playing."

So Yarc continued a family tradition of playing for CLC. Her two older brothers played basketball for the Lancers. Her older sister, Arin, played soccer for Purdue.

Yarc has been a key figure on a CLC team (13-3) that earned a No. 2 seed in the state playoffs. The Lancers will play host to Oakton or Moraine Valley at 3 p.m. Tuesday in a semifinal matchup. There will be a tailgate and raffle beginning at noon.

Yarc has scored 27 goals and contributed 12 assists. This is the first time Yarc has played forward for the majority of a season. In high school, she was used more in the midfield and for defense.

Coach Dawn Vickers said Yarc has come through at the most opportune times.

"She scores in the tougher games," Vickers said. "She has the speed, vision and leadership. She's a team player who is not worried about scoring goals. She doesn't care about records. She just wants to play and win the game."

Although she's in her first year, the Lancers often take their cues from Yarc.

"She's such a key figure on our team," said Ingrid Johnson, a Lakes graduate. "She always comes to practices and games ready for anything. She plays sports year round so she knows what a team should be."

In CLC's 2-1 victory over Oakton on Oct. 3, Yarc kept the Lancers in the match after a slow start.

"I told her at halftime she did a great job picking everyone up," Vickers said. "Her leadership was just tremendous in that game."

Yarc will play basketball for the Lancers, but it will be hard to top the fun she has had this soccer season.

"I love playing with these girls," she said.