Jessop leads Grayslake Central collegiate soccer movement
Grayslake Central soccer coach Mike McCaulou proudly notes that his boys and girls programs have sent more than 45 student-athletes on to play collegiate soccer.
Skyler Jessop’s recent commitment to attend Western Illinois University as a preferred walk-on further speaks to the success of McCaulou’s programs.
The senior was a four-year varsity basketball player and the captain of the Daily Herald’s Lake County All-Area team this past winter in leading the Rams to a sectional final. She was considering playing basketball at the next level, but chose soccer, another sport that she has played on varsity since her freshman year.
Jessop has been an all-conference and all-sectional midfielder in soccer, and this season she helped the Rams win the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division championship.
“Skyler is one of the best athletes we have had in our program, ever,” McCaulou said. “She has always wanted to compete at the highest possible level, and she will have every opportunity next fall as a Leatherneck. Her leadership on and off the field stood out tremendously this season for us and we are so excited for her future. Her work ethic is one of the best I have seen, and this alone will take her anywhere she decides to go in life, because she is never content with being average.”
McCaulou also announced the college plans of three other Grayslake Central soccer players. Asa Goldsmith will be attending St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minn., where he will be a student-athlete in the men’s soccer program. Michelle Lettenmair will be attending Wisconsin Lutheran, and Alex Wilson will continue her education and soccer career at Concordia in Chicago.
Goldsmith was a four-year starter playing out of the back. He was twice named all-conference and also made the Daily Herald All-Area team.
“Asa has the attributes to be a great player at the next level,” McCaulou said. “He will be tough to replace in the back next year and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors. He is one of the best natural defenders I have had the opportunity to coach in my tenure here at Central.”
At St. Mary’s, Goldsmith will play for coach Pete Watkins.
“Having been hired last spring to rebuild the program, it was important to recruit student-athletes who demonstrate leadership on and off the field,” Watkins said. “We’re confident Asa will be a key defender for us as a freshman and throughout his four years at Saint Mary’s, but we are also looking forward to the role that he will play in our locker room. His work rate, competitiveness, positive attitude and passion for the game are all qualities that we are hoping to instill in the culture of our new program.
“Asa’s leadership will be a big part of the success we hope to have in the upcoming years.”
Lettenmair, a sweeper, is a three-time all-FVC player and also has been an all-area selection. Another good athlete, she was a basketball teammate of Jessop’s and played with the same defensive tenacity that she displays on the soccer field.
“Michelle is one of the best defenders we have ever had in the women’s program here at Grayslake,” McCaulou said. “She always knew where to be and always found a way to get there first. Her character speaks volumes about her and she will do great at Wisconsin Lutheran next fall. We wish her the best and we know she will not be able to be replaced in regards to what she brought to our team year in and year out.”
Wilson is a two-time all-FVC selection and three-year varsity starter who plays a physical style.
“Alex is a type of player that always wants to compete,” McCaulou said. “She is a great kid and has a great future ahead of her. We know that Alex will continue to grow as a player in college and she will be greatly missed here at Central.”