Scouting Fox Valley girls soccer
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Enrique Anaya (5th year)
Last year’s record: 11-7, 3-3 Chicago Catholic Conference (7th place)
Top returning players: Maddie Berry, so., MF; Alexsa Javier, jr., D; Olivia Lujano, jr., MF; Isabella Matty, jr., F
Key newcomers: Kaydence Krauch, fr., MF; Viviana Lujano, fr., MF; Chloe Piceno, sr., F
Worth noting: Chargers welcome back their entire midfield and strikers after a tough loss in a regional final. Piceno and Matty hope to create headaches for opponents.
Bartlett
Coach: Vince Revak (7th year)
Last year’s record: 11-5-4, 6-0-3 Upstate Eight (2nd place)
Top returning players: Grace Johansen, sr., MF; Megan Kron, sr., GK; Amelia Medvid, so., MF; Anais Vazquez, so., MF
Key newcomers: Melissa Bautista, fr., MF; Francesca Russo, so., MF
Worth noting: The Hawks only allowed 9 goals last year but have a very new defense supporting Kron (31 career shutouts).
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco
Last year’s record: 8-10-2, 2-5-1 DuKane
Top returners: Riley Bainter, sr., D; Sarah Buckert, sr., D; Hannah Hickman, sr., D; Reece Recker, sr., MF; Elizabeth Rio, sr., D; Alexa Schorr, sr., MF; Addison Solomon, sr., F; Natalie Warner, sr., F; Emma Wecker, jr., MF
Top newcomers: Payton Haslett, jr., D; Eva Holzl, jr., D; Marissa Raiser, jr., F; Addison Wujciga, jr., MF; Rachel Carlson, so., D; Anna Grometer, so., MF; Gianna Reed, so., GK; Leah Zimberoff, so., D
Worth noting: The Bulldogs returned a good core from last season after falling in the regional championship. Gianfrancesco said he’s hoping that the team can build relationships throughout the season, and that it can translate to bringing out the team’s talent throughout the season.
Burlington Central
Coach: Jess Arneson
2024 season: 15-10-2, 7-2 Fox Valley Conference, Class 2A fourth place
Top returners: Kenzie Lorkowski, jr., GK; Lily Batani, so., D; Kendall Grigg, jr., M; Annie Magan, jr., M; Sydney Batts, jr., F; Ali Kowall, jr., D
Key newcomers: Elsa Carlson, fr., F; Alexa Arias Pereira, jr., M; Avery Fry, fr., D
Worth noting: The Rockets reached the state finals for the second time since 2017 and placed fourth in Class 2A. They’ll have a large group of returners ready to progress from last season. “The team is focused, motivated and ready to prove that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Arneson said. … Lorkowski, a Purdue commit, returns after earning All-FVC and Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-Sectional Honorable Mention last year. … Central will try to win its first FVC title since joining the conference in 2019. … Mekenzie Rogers, who scored 37 goals last year, won’t play high school soccer this year.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Anne Santucci (first season)
2024 season: 7-5-4 overall, 5-3-1 FVC (fourth)
Top returners: Morgan Csajaghy, sr., D; Sam Skerl, sr., M; Avery Stortz, sr., D; Ainsley Kemp, jr., GK; Taylor Hamann, jr., M; Brynn Harasimowicz, M; Malaina Kurth, jr., F; Addie Penrod, jr., M; Julia Valaitis, jr., F; Avery Hoffman, so., M; Gabby McMorris, so., D; Ava Santucci, so., D
Key newcomers: Kamryn Blumer, sr., F; Becca Dekett, jr., D/GK; Maddy Dieschbourg, jr., F; Elle Stawarz, jr., M; Ella St. Onge, jr., D/M; Ellie Gerstung, so., M; Julia Nichols, so., D; Avery Brown, fr., M; Alexis Stortz, fr., F
Worth noting: Anne Santucci takes over the program from Ray Krystal, who led the Trojans for 18 seasons. Krystal led C-G to eight regional titles. … The Trojans will have an experienced group with 12 returning players from last season. “I am looking forward to having the experienced leadership and consistency on the field,” Anne Santucci said. … Sophomore Alissa Penrod and senior Ellie Santucci will both miss the season after recovering from injuries. … C-G will try to close out close games after finishing in the top half of the FVC the last two years.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Caitlyn Dayton (second season)
2024 season: 11-10 overall, 4-5 FVC (sixth)
Top returners: Marin Gorman, so., M; Addison Hall, so., D; Tessa Melhuish, so., D; Raelynn Ranum, so., M; Maddy Landa, jr., M; Abbey Maher, jr., M/F/GK; Adi Schwab, sr., D
Key newcomers: Ariana Ali, fr., GK; Allison Ray, fr., D; Brooke Ryan, fr., F; Ellie Starnes, fr., M
Worth noting: South took a big step in Dayton’s first year last season, winning four FVC matches after winning none in 2023. The Gators will try to take another big step this season. “[We want to] continue to grow and develop as a team while bringing a competitive mindset every time we step on the field, striving to improve, challenge ourselves, and play at our highest level by May,” Dayton said. … The program graduated eight seniors and will rely on plenty of young players. “Our focus is on blending our skill sets, developing our identity as well as culture and competing at a high level as the season progresses,” Dayton said. … The Gators will be without the area’s top goal scorer Gracey LePage after she tore her ACL in December.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Rob Moulton (fourth season)
2024 season: 11-8-3 overall, 4-4-1 FVC (fifth)
Top returners: Charlene Hernandez, sr., D; Lynette Morales, sr., M; Mackenzie Lessner, sr., M; Olivia Ekersberg, sr., M; Alexa Trejo, sr., M; Rylie Mensik, jr., F; Ashling Otte, jr., D; Karissa Hernandez, jr., M; Lucia Farias, jr., D; Coral Peralta, jr., D; Lizbeth Romero, so., M; Madelyn Peralta, so., D
Key newcomers: Olivia Holic, fr., M; Valeria Rodarte, fr., D; Mia Flores, fr., D
Worth noting: The Chargers made a big jump in the FVC by winning four conference matches after failing to win any in 2024. Despite having a young team, D-C will try to make another big step. “We are a young team and we look forward to competing for a conference championship and the state tournament,” Moulton said. “We were in a lot of close games last year and look to finish more of those games in our favor.” … Mensik returns after scoring 14 goals and earning IHSSCA All-Sectional and All-FVC honors. … Hernandez is committed to play collegiate soccer at Dominican University.
Elgin
Coach: Alicia Knoll (14th year)
Last year’s record: 7-11-2, 4-5 Upstate Eight Conference (6th place)
Top returning players: Michele Ayala, so., MF/F; Izzie Castro, sr., D
Key newcomers: Ximena Magan, jr., MF
Worth noting: Ayala had 14 assists and 7 goals as a freshman while Castro leads a defense that will look to get on the other side of .500.
Geneva
Coach: Megan Owens
Last year’s record: 12-8-2, 3-4-1 DuKane
Top returners: Riley Prior, sr., D; Audrey Stredde, jr., MF; Alyssa Houk, sr., F; Lilly Vostal, jr., F; Olivia Hagen, jr., F; Maggie Anderson, jr., F; Ella Howard, jr., D; Elle Larsen, sr., D
Top newcomers: Sophie Peruba, jr., GK; Olivia Pohlman, so., MF; Tegan Modjeski, jr., D; Claire Reeve, so., F; Lila Homewood, sr., F; Reagan Grubb, fr., MF; Addison Sostak, jr., MF; Megan Basak, sr., D; Nicolette Sheridan, jr., D
Worth noting: Geneva is coming off of winning back-to-back regional championships, but will have an uphill battle to win a third. The Vikings only saw two starters (Prior and Stredde) return this season, and Owens knows that the newcomers have some big shoes to fill. But she noted that she expects that both the returners and newcomers will have plenty of healthy competition for playing time, which will help the team in the long run. “We have a nice balance of returning players, who bring a wealth of knowledge, and new additions, who are eager to prove themselves,” Owens said. “Over the course of the season, we expect to grow and jell and become a dangerous foe come postseason.”
Hampshire
Coach: Kelly Madison (sixth season)
2024 season: 9-10 overall, 3-6 FVC (seventh)
Top returners: Ilse Marquez, sr., M; Langston Kelly, so., F; Shayne Norris, jr., M
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Key newcomer: Anahi Martinez, fr.; Fabiola Martinez, fr.
Worth noting: Hampshire will try to show growth both in the FVC and in postseason play. The Whip-Purs dropped below .500 in conference play last year after finishing in the top half of the FVC the previous two seasons. They have also lost in the regional title match three straight years. … Kelly comes back after earning All-FVC honors as a freshman. … Kelly is hoping the Martinez duo can provide a spark to the lineup.
Harvest Christian Academy
Coach: Brandon Keeran (3rd year)
Last year’s record: 3-10-1, 3-2 Northeastern Conference (4th place)
Top returning players: Sophia Johnson, sr., F; Daniela Martinez, sr., MF; Ellie Semerau, sr., F
Key newcomers: Lily Johnson, fr., D/MF; Audrey Phoneprasith, fr., F
Worth noting: The Lions graduated 9 seniors yet boast a roster of 23 after having only 11 players a year ago. They play a tough schedule against fellow 1As as well as 2As.
Huntley
Coach: Matt Lewandowski (eighth season)
2024 season: 15-5-4 overall, 7-1-1 FVC (second), Class 3A regional champions
Top returners: Jaci Laramie, sr., D; Maddie Cummings, sr., F; Evelyn Stec, sr., D; Itzel Martinez, so., M; Sophie Bator, sr., M
Key newcomers: Nyla Rueda, fr., D; Peyton Ruffner, jr., F; Emma Emricson, jr., F
Worth noting: The Red Raiders captured their second straight regional title last season before losing to Barrington in overtime in the sectional semifinals. With a core from last season’s team returning, Huntley will try to build upon last season’s success. “We should be a tough, disruptive group to play against,” Lewandowski said. “The experiences we got at the end of last season will help to get us one step further.” … Huntley will compete for a FVC title after finishing in the top-three the past two seasons. … Cummings is back after earning all-sectional honorable mention and All-FVC last year.
Jacobs
Coach: Colin Brice (fifth season)
2024 season: 7-9-1 overall, 1-7-1 FVC (ninth place)
Top returners: Gabby Wojtarowicz, sr., F; Sam Diaz, sr., M; Isabella Farias, so., M; Ava Nisi, jr., D
Key newcomers: Kylie Deegan, fr., F; Clare Leib, fr., M; Lauren Sandage, sr., M; Avery Michalak, fr., M; Addison Hunsicker, fr., GK; Braelyn Schwartz, fr., M; Kayla Koney, fr., F
Worth noting: The Golden Eagles will try to learn from some tough moments last year. They’ll bring back some experience as well as some new talent. “We are excited with our talent returning and a great group of freshmen to mix in with them,” Brice said. “I think we will be a much improved team from last season.” … Wojtarowicz returns after scoring 33 goals and will be one of the area’s top players. The Loyola-Chicago commit earned all-sectional and All-FVC honors last year. … Jacobs wants to be more competitive in the FVC after winning one match last season.
Kaneland
Coach: Scott Parillo
Last year’s record: 13-8, 9-1 Interstate 8
Top returners: Natalie Myers, sr., GK; Hannah Boyer, sr. MF; Zoe Gannon, sr., D/F; Erin Doucette, jr., MF; Kyra Lilly, jr., MF
Top newcomers: Myells Ramos, jr., D/MF; Corinne Faivre, fr., D; Taylor Mills, fr., MF/F
Worth noting: Kaneland’s 2024 season ended in heartbreaking fashion, losing to Sycamore in penalty kicks in the regional final. This season, Parillo is confident that the team can make sure they don’t see a similar fate. Doucette and Lilly will lead the offense after both netting 10-plus goals last season, while Myers will man the net once again after recording 12 shutouts last season. “This is a great group of girls who are working very hard to be the best they can,” Parillo said. “We look forward to a challenging schedule, competing for the conference championship and going deep in the playoffs.”
Larkin
Coach: Mike Huizar (5th year)
Last year’s record: 2-18-1, 0-8-1 Upstate Eight Conference (9th place)
Top returning players: Brinlee Jimenez, jr., MF; Asiris Perez, so., MF
Worth nothing: The Royals gained a lot of experience last spring with a couple freshmen and 9 sophomores logging a lot of minutes. How will that pay off a year later? Huizar expects his team, if healthy, to compete every time they play.
Rosary
Coach: Amy McMahon (5th year)
Last year’s record: 0-13, 0-7 Chicago Catholic Conference (11th place)
Top returning players: Kaylany Aburto, jr., MF; Asia Huerta, so., D; Jalen Lawson, so., F
Key newcomers: Jillian Anderson, fr.; Brianna Crispino, fr.; Camilia Reyes, fr.; Danielle Walter, fr.
Worth noting: Rosary will be young with at least four freshmen stepping into roles this spring. McMahon said her group has a higher soccer IQ than last year’s squad which was outscored 95-2.
South Elgin
Coach: Jerzy Skowron (6th year)
Last year’s record: 16-7-2, 7-0-2 Upstate Eight Conference (1st place)
Top returning players: Nevaeh Gyurko, jr., F; Avianna Hernandez, jr., MF; Christina Slovik, so., F; Lucy Tomasi, so., MF; Mia Traver, sr., D
Key newcomers: Ava Baker, sr., F; Ellie Vidic, jr., MF; Lindy Vidic, fr., MF
Worth noting: Gyurko (26 goals, 12 assists) leads an attacking quartet that scored 69 goals last spring and won a second straight conference title. Ellie Vidic and Ava Baker are healthy after missing most of 2024. Traver and four-year starter Ashley Gonzalez are looking to take the team on a deep postseason run.
St. Charles East
Coach: Vince DiNuzzo
Last year’s record: 16-5-6, 3-1-3 DuKane Conference
Top returners: Sidney Lazenby, sr., GK; Sophia Wollenberg, so., F; Presley Kannaka, so., D; Payton Rivard, jr., MF; Averie Foulkes, so., D
Top newcomers: Mya Leon, fr., F; Qori Strotkamp, fr., MF; Georgia Smith, fr., D
Worth noting: St. Charles East is coming off its 10th straight consecutive regional title from last season, and is hoping that its young core of three freshmen and eight sophomores can push the streak to 11. Lazenby (Illinois-Chicago commit) returns to the net after only allowing 17 goals across 27 games and earning All-State honors last season, while Wollenberg will look to be a main catalyst on offense once again after scoring a 16 goals and adding 16 assists, which led all freshmen in the state, in her first season. “We are excited about the flexibility we will have tactically with the new players that have joined the team,” DiNuzzo said. “We hope that the schedule gives us the opportunities to discover the best version of ourselves towards the end of the season.”
St. Charles North
Coach: Brian Harks
Last year’s record: 18-3-5, 5-1-1, Class 3A runner-ups
Top returners: Kaitlin Glenn, sr., F; Chloe Kirsten, sr., D; Keira Kelly, sr., MF; Lauren Korioth, jr., GK; Aubri Magana, so., D
Top newcomers: Madi Shanahan, fr., F/MF; Addison Ybarra, so., F; Addie Shook, so., D; Maddie Room, so., F; Keira Connolly, so., MF; Brooke Beller, so., MF
Worth noting: St. Charles North is coming off of a season where they came just a penalty kick away from their first state title in program history. Despite losing a lot of offensive starters, including Laney Stark, to graduation, Harks is confident that the returning starters from last season can help lead the newcomers early, and help the North Stars make the trip back to state. “There is a core group of returners that are setting the tone for a group of young talented players who are looking to prove themselves,” Harks said. “This is a very athletic group that has already shown signs of living up to the North Star traditions.”
St. Edward
Coach: Tim Brieger (31st year)
Last year’s record: 10-12, 1-5 Chicago Christian Conference (6th place)
Top returning players: Bre Epounge, jr., GK; Jillian Garcia, sr., D; Lizzy Leadley, sr., F; Taylor Kapetan, jr., MF; Gabbie Sperling, so., MF/F
Key newcomers: Emma Devoll, jr., MF; Emma Fargo, so., D; Jocelyn Hidalgo, fr., MF
Worth noting: The Wave lost close to 75% of their scoring from last year. Hidalgo is emerging as a key field general already.
Streamwood
Coach: Santiago Martin (2nd year)
Last year’s record: 1-17-1, 0-8-1 Upstate Eight Conference (10th place)
Top returning players: Nataly Barrera, so., F; Milanie Martínez, sr., MF; Emilee Martínez, so., D/MF; Valeria Pinedo, so., MF/F; Sharon Salazar, jr., MF/D
Key newcomers: Evelyn Díaz, so., MF/F; Jazmín Pelico, sr., MF; Ashlee Ramírez, so., D
Worth noting: The Sabres return 17 players from a 17-loss team. They remain young with just three seniors.
West Aurora
Coach: Jorge España (2nd year)
Last year’s record: 9-10-1, 5-6-1 Southwest Prairie Conference (7th place)
Top returning players: Morgan Adler, so., D; Sarahi Carlos, so., D; Olivia Del Toro, sr., MF/F; Makayla Parra, so., MF; McKenzie Perch, jr., MF
Worth noting: Del Toro (James Madison) will look to lead a young Blackhawks squad towards a winning season in her final one.
— Joel Boenitz and Michal Dwojak from Shaw Local contributed to this preview