Girls soccer: Lake County All-Area captain Stanciak leaves Warren as all-time scoring leader
There were so many talented soccer players in Lake County this past spring with Izzy Ceaser, Shea Krakowski, Shannon Phillips and Dahlia Rodriguez all rightfully earning all-state honors for their marvelous efforts.
After torn labrum hip injury slowed her rookie season in 2022, senior Addison Stanciak became an instant hit for the Warren Blue Devils as a sophomore, and the three-time all-state forward hasn't let up since.
After a magnificent record setting, four-year career for Blue Devils, and coach Ryan McCabe, Stanciak has been named the captain of the 2025 Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team.
"I was completely surprised when I heard of this honor, especially since there are so many great players here in Lake County," said Stanciak, who was also named NSC offensive player of the year, and female player of the year at Warren.
"Addison has made a remarkable impact on our program from her very first game with us, constantly proving herself as a key player, leader and goal scorer," said McCabe.
"Her commitment to excellence and natural talent have raised the competitive level around here, and her leadership as a captain has set a high standard for everyone around her."
"She is a fierce competitor, who has a deep love for the game, is dedicated to her teammates, and as a trusted leader and mentor, she's been an amazing role model."
Stanciak is a bona fide top flight soccer player and student-athlete, who was the No. 1 recruit for St. Louis University, where she will look to earn a degree in medical sciences, with an eye on a career as a physician assistant.
In that regard, Stanciak would travel to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville during the school week as part of the Penwasciz Program that provides medical internship programs.
The Blue Devils captain was also the chapter President of Morgan's Message at Warren this year, which is part of a national organization that is dedicated to eliminating mental health stigma within the student-athlete community.
"(The) coaches at SLU (said) if I work and train hard, stay fit and come ready to play, I'll have a chance to compete for playing time," said Stanciak, who plays for the Milwaukee Torrent of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) along with Libertyville star Sydney Dulak, who is also on her way to SLU in the fall.
After scoring 23 goals in 2023, then 20 a year ago, Stanciak bagged 28 this season in just 19 games played, which set a season single scoring record.
In addition, Stanciak set program records for most goals (78) and most points in a career (182), as well as an astounding 21 game winners, while having a hand in 34 of the goals the Blue Devils scored.
It was far more than statistics for Stanciak, who is the ultimate difference maker and always on the radar of the opposition. Her two-footed technical wizardry, incredible soccer IQ and exceptional passing range make it difficult for even the most agile and talented defenders to keep under wraps.
Playing with a badly injured right ankle during the final five games, Stanciak scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory over NSC rival Lake Zurich and the game-winner against Deerfield before netting four in the regional opener.
Stanciak would cap her brilliant career with a final day strike in the Blue Devils’ 2-1 regional final defeat to Mundelein.
"I am going to miss so much playing for (Ryan) McCabe and (Jason) Ahonen, as well as for my school, soccer program, and teammates, who I've developed so many friendships during my four years at Warren," said Stanciak.