Modest Tooren lets her talent do the talking
The introduction of Chrissy Tooren in Hoffman Estates' first 11 three years ago allowed the then-freshman to demonstrate the type of natural qualities seen of a top-flight striker.
Full of energy, pace and forceful play up top, Tooren, after a 17-goal season last spring, earned a second-straight appearance on the Daily Herald All-Area girls soccer team - with a chance for bigger and better things in her final season under coach Rob Schmidt.
"There is no question who our leader is (out) there and who garners so much attention with and without the ball," Schmidt said. "Her (stats) are so misleading in that she is sometimes double- and triple-teamed, and yet is able to make things happen, while making everyone else all around her better."
Tooren, who is closing in on 50 career goals, is most dangerous when given just a hint of open space, where she can then unload one of her patented, well-aimed blasts on frame.
"I know it's important for Chrissy to have her own identity, but when you see how explosive she can be and with such great ball control, it is so reminiscent of her brother (Karl) who starred for our boys program for four years as well," said Schmidt of the former two-time Daily Herald All-Area striker.
"When we were younger we used to play together a lot in our backyard, and it was something I really enjoyed," said Chrissy Tooren, who recently underwent minor surgery before the season-opener to repair her sinus. "But yes, I kind of get tired of being compared to Karl because I want to be my own type of player and person."
The 2008 all-Mid-Suburban League and sectional pick is an impact player on her club team as a sweeper when needed.
She comes from a longtime soccer family, with dad Ralph not only Schmidt's assistant, as well as with the boys and Matt Sriver, but also a longtime Olympic Development Program goalkeeper coach and former Hoffman star keeper in the late 1970s.
"It's kind of ironic that Ralph was an all-conference, all-area goalkeeper here at the school, while Chrissy enjoyed the same honor but on the other side of the ball trying to score on keepers just like her father was," Schmidt said.
"I really like having my dad as one of our coaches," Tooren said.
A modest Tooren finds it difficult to talk about herself, and she is uncomfortable recounting any memorable strikes or matches in her career - instead saying only hard work and extra training will make her better.
But others, such as Wheeling coach Darren Llewellyn, were quick to respond when asked.
"Chrissy is a big-time player, period," said Llewellyn. "She has the rare combination of speed, size, vision and terrific technical skill that makes her one of the best.
"I really believe she has to be defended like Ata Ozbay (Barrington boys co-player of the year last fall) in that you allow her to get the ball out front of your defense, with plenty of numbers behind her. Because once she gets inside with the ball, you're going to get scored on."
Tooren is close to deciding where she will play her college soccer, with Loyola and Elmhurst College her top two choices.
"I've been sorting (things) out between the two schools, and getting closer to making my decision," said Tooren, who will study education with an eye on eventually coaching at some level.
Once back to being fit and at 100 percent following her surgery, Tooren will join the Hawks and likely be paired with all-Mid-Suburban senior Leah Tednes and up-and-coming freshman Mary Kate Pettit.
"I am really anxious and excited to get back (playing) again because I miss (it) so much, and I really feel that we've got some good players coming back along with a few young players who could really make the difference this year," Tooren said.
"If we can get some players to complement Chrissy up top and in the middle, then we can take some of the scoring (weight) off of her shoulders and maybe become a dangerous team when attacking," Schmidt said