CL South’s Robles grabs opportunity

Success tends to open the door to opportunity.

That certainly can be said for Crystal Lake South senior Nick Robles.

Robles, a three-time state-qualifier, capped off his high school golf career by finishing third at the recent Class 3A state tournament. He was the Class 3A state champion as a junior.

His success on the links has translated into opportunity at the next level. Robles verbally committed to play at the University of Illinois next season.

“After my visit (in January) there, the facilities, the campus and the coaches, everything felt right,” he said. “I had a pretty good idea that was where I was going to be at. They have great state-of-the-art facilities and access to a number of courses within 10 miles of campus. It’s a good atmosphere there and there’s good chemistry there. I’m excited to be part of that.”

Robles was given no assurances of immediate playing time.

“It’s all about playing and qualifying on your own,” he said. “If you play well, you are going to play there. If not, you’ll stay on the bench until you are ready to contribute. There is opportunity to play, but you have to go out and earn it.”

Robles, who would like to study finance in college, got the ball rolling with Illinois with his own legwork.

“I had sent (Illinois) coach (Mike) Small an email letting him know who I am and this is my resume and I am interested in the program,” he said. “After my junior year, coach said I was on his radar and that we would talk more. I stayed in touch with him. The relationship started small and grew.”

Robles, who also talked with Division I programs such as Marquette and Iowa, is thrilled to have the opportunity to take his game to the next level.

“It’s amazing,” he stated. “It’s a goal and a dream I’ve had for a long time. It’s a great feeling. It’s a dream come true and a great fulfillment.”

Robles, who shot a 151 at the state tournament earlier this fall, counts course management as his greatest advancement this season.

“I’ve gotten better at when to put the accelerator down and when to play smart,” he said.

Robles, who is continuing to work on improving his short game from 100 yards and in, added he has benefitted from playing in high-stakes events such as the state tournament.

“I’ve always played better when I have pushed myself when I am playing with better guys,” he said. “Now, I’ll be playing the best of the best. It’s a great challenge and one I am looking forward to.”

Holland headed to Marquette: Cary-Grove junior girls soccer player Erin Holland has committed to the University of Marquette women’s soccer team.

Holland also plays for the Chicago Eclipse Select Soccer Club U-17 squad. The defender is in her seventh year with the Eclipse club.

Marquette recently won its third-straight Big East Conference American Division title and qualified for the NCAA tournament.

Holland said Marquette’s build-from-the-back style is attractive to her.

“Our Eclipse Select team right now likes to keep the ball in play and maintain some rhythm,” she said in an Eclipse-issued news release announcing her signing. “That’s pretty much how (Marquette coach Markus Roeders) wants to play.”

Marquette’s three-back formation creates an interesting situation for Holland.

“I’ve been playing center back, but I used to play holding midfield,” Holland said. “They play with only three in the back, so I could play in the midfield.”

Holland is no stranger to college soccer, though. Her older sister, Alex, is a backup goalie at South Carolina.

“Ever since (Alex) was at Eclipse, I’ve been around players at the highest level,” she said. “We’ve always gone in the yard and played different games — juggling and other competitions.”

Holland started at Eclipse as a U12 player. She’s held team captain roles and has been on an Illinois State Cup title team (2011) and three semifinalist teams (2006, 2008 and 2009).

Dean at North Central: Elgin High product Jordan Dean is a freshman defensive back on the North Central College football team. To start the week, Dean had played in seven of the team’s first 9 games and had 11 total tackles to go with 1 interception, 1 pass deflection and 1 forced fumble.

North Central was off to an 8-1 record. The team was ranked No. 4 heading into its game at the University of Redlands (Calif.). Redlands downed North Central 35-29. Dean had 1 tackle in the contest.

Beachler earns honor: Westminster Christian alum Tyler Beachler was recently named the Mid-Central College Conference men’s soccer player of the year.

The senior forward was one of seven Taylor University players named to the all-MCC teams as voted on by the league’s head coaches. Taylor coach Gary Ross was named the league’s coach of the year after leading the team to a 16-1-1 regular-season mark and its first MCC regular-season title since 1997.

Beachler, now a 4-time all-MCC selection, is in the midst of one of the more productive seasons in program history. At the time of the award, Beachler was leading the conference in points (39), assists (11), game-winning goals (6), shots (77) and shots on goal (44), while ranking second in goals (14). At the time of the award, he was ranked in the top 10 nationally for assists, game-winning goals and points.

Taylor defeated Mt. Vernon Nazarene 1-0 in double overtime in its first game in the MCC tournament. Beachler then scored his 15th goal of the year in a 2-0 win over Grace in the tournament semifinals.

A five-time MCC offensive player of the week throughout his career, Beachler has scored 55 career goals and 16 game-winning goals over the last four seasons.

Beachler and Taylor will play in their first MCC tournament final Saturday against Spring Arbor. The NAIA tournament begins on Nov. 19.

Off at college wants your help: Send information and/or statistics on Fox Valley area athletes playing collegiately to Mike Miazga at difibulator@aol.com.