Girls soccer: Fox Valley All-Area captain Cummings helps Huntley dominate FVC
As a team-first player with speed, skill and an unmatched work ethic, Maddie Cummings was truly special this spring for Huntley, helping them to a fantastic season during her senior year.
The Red Raiders were unbeaten through their first 17 games and went undefeated in the Fox Valley Conference for the first time in 12 years.
Cummings, who collected 16 goals and 8 assists, has been named the captain of the 2025 Daily Herald Fox Valley All-Area girls soccer team.
“She’s a four-year varsity player who had the potential to play every minute of every game during that time,” Huntley coach Matt Lewandowski said. “People follow her. She’s a tremendous worker and leads by example. She’s a leader with her voice as well. I think that started when she was hurt her sophomore year and missed half the season and saw it in a different light. She’s been someone the girls look up to, a real guidepost for us in terms of what we want our varsity team to look like.”
The Red Raiders won 15 games by two goals or more and outscored their Fox Valley Conference foes, 95-7. They tied Class 3A state runner-up Naperville North, 0-0, on April 9.
Huntley senior defender Jaci Laramie (Judson) called Cummings the most reliable teammate she’s likely ever had.
“I know if I send a ball her way, whether it’s a good through ball or a hard ball to control, every single time she will be there to get it,” Laramie said. “She has so much speed to beat others around her, no matter their size. I can honestly say she is an incredible player.”
Complacency didn’t have a chance to sidetrack Cummings.
“In the offseason I focused more on my endurance to stay in shape to play a full game,” she said. “I stuck to a consistent routine. Also over the summer I did a lot of my training and workouts at Paradigm (Performance Center in Elgin). They have been a big part of my play, speed, recovery and strength.”
Cummings, who will play next year at Elmhurst College, is committed to the game.
“I have been told in my recruiting process that my work ethic is better than most,” she said. “I would say I am a more defensive player even though I play offense. I would consider myself a team player looking to give others success. I would say I am also pretty fast which really helps me move the ball quickly down the field.”
As awesome as Cummings was this spring on the pitch, she was equally as influential off it.
“Not only is she an amazing teammate, but an even better friend,” Laramie said. “She is the most caring person and will always do what’s right. She has led this team in such a positive direction and Huntley soccer was truly lucky to have her.”
Cummings was the lone freshman on the team four years ago.
“She is truly an amazing girl and a huge inspiration to look up to,” Laramie said. “She has demonstrated what hard work and determination to strive to be the best looks like.”
Huntley certainly had one of its best seasons, finishing with a 17-2-3 record.
"I think the season went so well because we all worked as a team and celebrated victories to make everything enjoyable,” Cummings said. “I think our team chemistry really helped build a lot of confidence for people who are more shy. I also think the goals that we set at the beginning of the season pushed us to be better and earn our achievements. We really just held each other accountable to be the best versions of ourselves on and off the field.”