Girls soccer: Scouting 2026 Cook and Lake County season
Fremd and Hersey have been perennial powerhouse clubs in the MSL, displaying consistent, high levels of play on both sides of the ball while almost always ending up a strong force during the postseason.
However, with Barrington seemingly always in the way, these two clubs have found themselves on the outside looking in.
It appears that may change this season, and with the newly realigned divisions in the MSL, both Fremd and Hersey have what it takes to be among the best in the league.
"(Fremd) has four legitimate players who can score,“ Barrington coach Ryan Stengren said. “(It) all begins with Gwen (Zimmerman, two-time all-state, Northwestern recruit) who is just a great player, plus (Sami) Serpico, (Lilly) Mayer, and Gia Gillespie are all dangerous.
"Gracie Lisota is an unbelievable scorer up top for Hersey, and now with Nora Eitz coming back from club, I really think you'll see them both score 20-25 goals each to make Hersey a team to really watch."
The mention of Lisota is a correct one as she possesses one of the strongest and most lethal left-footed shots that has seen the Huskies senior earn all-state and MSL East POY honors two years in a row.
Lisota offers exceptional creativity and finishing, is highly dangerous when cutting inside, and has that magical 'wand' of a left foot that led to 24 goals a year ago to make her the all-time point scorer in program history and second in goals scored.
"I've been very fortunate to play in a program here at Hersey where we have a head coach (Mike Rusniak) who believes in each and everyone of us (both) on the field and off which makes us all feel like family," said Lisota, who scored 18 goals as a sophomore with 12 assists.
"(Kristen) Gierman is a great assistant, who is able to give me so much insight coming from the defensive side of the game that she played. Together the two of them have made me just love being part of Hersey soccer."
Gierman was a star center-back for the Huskies (2008-2009) and would go on to play at Illinois.
Lisota played alongside Meghan Mrowicki during her rookie season and would gain valuable experience from the Notre Dame-bound Mrowicki, who in 2023 scored a school-record 30 goals.
"I learned so much from Meghan about playing up top. And recently she was a big help in the recruiting process also," said Lisota, who has signed on to play at UIC in the fall.
"(The) staff team at UIC really believes in me, and they really want to turn the program is something special, which I want to be a part of," said Lisota, who at the onset will major in marketing.
Lisota is excited about her final year wearing the Huskies colors.
"This team is really close, and there is a lot of talent already here, and some terrific new players with us now. Even though we lost some great players from our backline, I feel we have others who are ready to step in to assume their spots along the back and at other spots."
Here is a look at all of the teams in the area.
BARRINGTON
Coach: Ryan Stengren (18th year).
Last year: 20-2-2 (10-0-1, MSL champion, Class 3A third place).
Top returning players: Seniors Lauren Cobb (F), Grace Fuller (D), Grace Gierthy (MF-D), Dominique Klujian (GK), Skye Lundy (F); Maddie Martin-Johnston (MF), Gabby Masterson (MF-D), Aybree Sanchez (D-F), Whitney Stacey (D); sophomore Olivia Otto (F).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Jazlyn Fertig (D).
Outlook: The Fillies have had a vise-grip hold on the MSL championship trophy for an unprecedented 13 straight years, and during that time, they have claimed nine state trophies and two state titles. Players such as three-time all-state GK Megan Holland (Kentucky), four-time all-state forward Piper Lucier (Marquette) and Madeline Lewis (NIU) are just three of the stars who have come through this proud program. This year it appears the Fillies will be the ones chasing with Daily Herald Top 20 teams No. 1 Fremd and No. 5 ahead of Ryan Stengren's club. "Fremd and Hersey have something everyone would like to have and that is players who can score goals," said Stengren. "It's going to be a work in progress this season as we sort things out after our graduation losses, so the hope is we figure things out about who we are, and to maximize our potential in order to become a tough out at the end of the season." All-state junior Aybree (AJ) Sanchez is a super player and University of Utah recruit.
BUFFALO GROVE
Coach: Pat Dudle (20th year).
Last year: 5-8-2 (3-6-2, 4th, MSL East).
Top returning players: Seniors Ella Halter (D), Brooke Wells (MF); juniors Olivia Jaworski (F), Amanda Kowalski (D); sophomores Emma Larkowski (D), Angela Pasdo (D).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Lauren Fink (D), Samantha Kowalski (F), Sasha Lorman (GK); sophomore Angelina Sanchez (MF).
Outlook: The Bison figure to be in the mix of the newly realigned division which features early favorite Palatine. "With the changes in the MSL, we hope to compete in every divisional game, and with the steady defensive improvement we made last year, plus the return of many from our 2025 roster, we'll look to build on both our quality of play and team chemistry," said Pat Dudle. The Bison will lean on two seniors: MF Brooke Wells and center-back Ella Halter.
CONANT
Coach: Jeff Melone (3rd year)
Last year: 5-9-2 (2-7-2, 5th, MSL West).
Top returning players: Senior Lilly Maio (F-MF); juniors Vivian Brand (F-MF), Lexi Ludwig (F-MF), Annabel Durso (GK); sophomore Sienna McCarthy (D-MF).
Outlook: The Cougars roster took a big graduation hit, but coach Jeff Melone has a major influx of new players to take their place as next in line. "We have nine brand new young players who are excited to compete and continue to develop together," said Melone, who will need to replace one of the best center-backs in the area in Reese Stanciak (Carthage College) in front of his veteran GK, Annabel Durso.
ELK GROVE
Coach: Vladan Gacanovic (1st year).
Last year: 8-10-1 (4-6-1, 4th, MSL East).
Top returning player: Senior Azzul Rascon (D-MF).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Yamilette Suarez (MF); freshman Veronika Lis (MF).
Outlook: Vladan Gacanovic will face more than his share of challenges during his first term as coach of the Elk Grove girls program. "We lost 10 of our starting 11 and have only one real team leader because of those big graduation losses," said Gacanovic, who most recently was the men's head coach at Harper Community College. Senior captain Azzul Rascon will lead a young, hungry and committed squad according to Gacanovic.
FREMD
Coach: Steve Keller (26th year).
Last year: 13-6-4, (9-2-0, 2nd, MSL West, regional champions).
Top returning players: Seniors Erika D'Angelo (D), Gia Gillespie (F), Sophia Kennedy (MF), Lilly Mayer (F), Sami Serpico (F), Gwen Zimmerman (MF); juniors Ciera Ewanio (D), Josie Thomas (D); sophomore Jordan Farrell (MF).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Ruth Helms (D); freshmen Addison Barlo (GK), Maddison Stanczak (F).
Outlook: The Vikings are in possession of the best attacking trio in the area in Gia Gillespie, Lilly Mayer and Sami Serpico, plus two-time all-state star Gwen Zimmerman in the middle. Together they have incredible synergy, blistering pace, and the ability to provide high intensity pressure which makes Steve Keller's club the team to beat this spring season. "We should be a sound attacking team, with dangerous players all over the field, and we'll look to peak at the right time of the season in order to make a good run in the postseason," said Keller. The loss of the terrific partnership along the back in Cami Tofilon and Lia Digirolamo plus GK Jazz Ocampo will be areas Keller will need to address.
HERSEY
Coach: Mike Rusniak (8th year).
Last year: 13-8-2, (10-0-1, MSL East, regional champions).
Top returning players: Seniors Sam Fetzer (GK), Kristin Getz (MF), Gracie Lisota (F); junior Grace Balis (D); sophomore Lexi Miyares MF-D).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Ellie Eitz (GK); sophomore Nora Eitz (MF); freshman Katrin Dzhokova (MF).
Outlook: Consistently at the top of table and strong postseason contenders, the Huskies will clearly be one of the favorites in the MS and the area thanks in part to a strong core of players returning, led by two-time all-state forward Gracie Lisota. "We have a dynamic group of offensive players who play with a high work rate and are extremely capable of creating a lot of pressure in the final third," said coach Mike Rusniak, who welcomes club player Nora Eitz to go with Lisota as a lethal duo up top, capable of scoring 20-plus goals. "An area we'll need to develop early on is our defense. We graduated some players so we will need a few new players to step in to take bigger roles as we build that unit." Sam Fetzer is back between the sticks where she recorded 12 shutouts.
HOFFMAN ESTATES
Coach: Mary Dansdill (5th year).
Last year: 4-11-0, (1-10-0, 6th, MSL West).
Top players returning: Seniors Ariayanna Jasser (MF), Mariella Montes De Oca (D); junior Erin Troyer (MF); sophomore Evelina Henning (D).
Newcomers to watch: Seniors Avery Anderson (F), Hannah Ku (D).
Outlook: The Hawks lost several from their starting 11; however, Mary Dansdill remains upbeat on her 2026 roster. "We have a great group of returning players mixed in with some new faces, and it's the work ethic and positive attitude around this team that I am most proud of," said Dansdill. "With only four players back, we'll obviously have some gaps to fill, but I am confident our new players will rise to the occasion.“
LEYDEN
Coach: Jim Rossetti (5th year).
Last year: 7-12-1 (1-5-1, 6th, WSC Gold).
Top players returning: Seniors Kim Pazos (MF), Nataly Ulloa (D), Nataly Salgado (MF), Reyna Morales (D).
Newcomers to watch: Senior Evelyn Flores (GK); junior Helena Cycz (F).
Outlook: With all-sectional senior Nataly Ulloa ready to anchor the Eagles backline once again, Jim Rossetti feels her composure, experience and presence will help fortify the final third. "We will be strong defensively, and adding Evelyn Flores as our keeper should make us tough to score on," said Rosetti, who will lean on newcomer Helena Cycz to add some scoring up top. "Helena will be a scoring threat, but we'll need to find players to complement her, which should help us rebound from a down season a year ago."
MAINE EAST
Coach: Harold Bailey (3rd year).
Last year: 4-20-0, (0-5-0, 6th, CSL North).
Top returning players: Seniors Deisy Cisneros (F), Marissa Tobin (F); juniors Ava Suboni-Kaufman (D), Jimena Cisneros Montesinos (F), Anuska Oli (F), Marialis Parra (D-MF), Ashley Giron-Salazar (D), Sara Al Zandawi (GK); sophomore Alyssa Diaz (F).
MAINE SOUTH
Coach: J.J. Crawford (29th year).
Last year: 12-7-3, (1-2-2, 4th, CSL-South, regional champions).
Top returning players: Seniors Anya Chojowski (MF), Mia McNeil (GK), Kathleen Noone (D), Ella Rice (MF-F), Layla Sellegren (D).
Outlook: The Hawks lost all four of their all-CSL players from a year ago, but there's plenty to be happy with according to J.J. Crawford. "We're solid everywhere, have a very good core of players returning, and our goal is to win another regional and finish top three in conference," said Crawford. The Hawks have experience all along the back (Noone-Sellegren) and between the sticks with Mia McNeil, who along with former teammate Lourdes Bottari-Tower recorded 7 shutouts.
MAINE WEST
Coach: Jeff Bishop (14th year).
Last year: 3-14-0, (1-4-0, 3rd, CSL-North).
Top returning players: Seniors Mariana Espinoza (D), Natalia Vivar (MF); junior Madelyn Jackson (D); sophomores Isabel Reveles (F), Ava Warnock (D).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Lia Cornelius Hernandez (MF); freshmen Mina Brnic (F), Julia Rejdak (MF).
Outlook: The Warriors team bus will put on plenty of extra miles this spring in advance of their home park becoming happy owners of a brand new turf field. "We will not have a single home game this season in preparation for a new turf field, so the challenge of always being on the road is tough — even for the best of teams. So if we're going to be successful, we'll need to overcome some adversity," said Bishop, who will lean on his all-sectional defender, Mariana Espinoza.
PALATINE
Coach: Aaron Morris (4th year).
Last year: 9-7-2, (5-5-1, 4th, MSL West).
Top returning players: Seniors Maddie Ramos (D), Jolee Waddington (F); juniors Jocelyn Bonilla (F), Illiana Hernandez (MF-D); sophomore Kiera Siefert (F).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Aubrey Deluga (D); sophomore Grace Abhaulter (D); freshman Saige Leinheiser (MF-D).
Outlook: In the new MSL realignment, it appears the Pirates will enter the season as the favorite to win a division crown. "We have a lot of experience coming back up top. We'll be able to attack quickly and have a very nice mix of talent in our attack that should complement each other very well," said coach Aaron Morris. All-Around gymnastics state champion Waddington and Bonilla will provide the dynamic partnership up top.
PROSPECT
Coach: Mike Andrews (3rd year).
Last year: 8-7-1, (6-4-1, 2nd, MSL East).
Top returning players: Seniors Rachel Asper (F), Sienna Murray (MF); juniors Addison Coval (MF-F), Anna Dover (MF-F); sophomore Bella Kowal (D).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Neala Weinberg (D); freshman Sage Smentowski (MF-F).
Outlook: The new-look MSL sent the Knights into a division led by state powers Fremd and Barrington. That challenge does not worry coach Mike Andrews. "This squad has the mentality of a winning team, and the work ethic they have demonstrated thus far has really impressed me," said Andrews, who has a solid returning core of Asper, Coval, Dover, Koval and Murray.
ROLLING MEADOWS
Coach: Mike Drenth (15th year).
Last year: (8-10-1, 4-7-0, 5th, MSL-East).
Top returning players: Seniors Lizzie Andriano (MF), Eve Kakavetsis (D-MF); juniors Anna Andriano (MF), Molly Dudle (GK), Kendall Niemiec (MF), Payton Ullrick (D-MF).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Morgan Ashcraft (MF), Meghan Riggi (D).
Outlook: There was plenty of reason for hope for the 2026 campaign after advancing into a regional final with a group that would only lose a few major contributors. "I was pretty confident ahead of this season until our best player decided to play club and us also losing our two-year starting keeper Molly Dudle (surgery)," said Mustangs coach Mike Drench. "With that said, we have a solid starting 11, but not very much depth." Senior (Kakavetsis) is an all-sectional defender.
SCHAUMBURG
Coach: Tracy Serafini (3rd year).
Last year: 7-7-3 (7-3-1, 3rd, MSL-West).
Top returning players: Seniors Larisa Baldwin (MF), Grace Nelson (MF), Sophia Snow (D), Katelyn Valdes (D).
Newcomers to watch: Senior Emma Grossman (F); junior Peyton Liles (GK); freshman Eliza Baran (MF).
Outlook: The Saxons lost a big-time goal scorer: Caroline Chalberg (Loras College) plus veteran keeper in Sophia Dietz (Beloit College). "We started several freshmen last year who now have a year of varsity experience, so we're looking forward to seeing the increased physicality and soccer IQ of those players, in addition to the core group of experienced players who will help us fight through our tough schedule," said coach Tracy Serafini.
ST. VIATOR
Coach: Byron DeLeon (5th year).
Last year: 12-12-1 (2-4-0, 5th, ESCC), regional champions.
Top returning players: Seniors Jenna Caputo (MF), Maggie Drake (MF); juniors Frannie Drake (D), Camila Fuentes (MF); sophomore Judith Saji (GK).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Claire Salatino (MF); freshmen Madelyne Finke (MF), Maddie Ohrel (F).
Outlook: The Lions would reach a sectional final a year ago with a talented and veteran group which has since moved on, leaving coach Byron DeLeon a pair of terrific midfielders (Caputo and Drake) to run the show. "Our strength will be the energy and competitiveness of this team. While we have a good mix of returning players, we also lack the experience that we lost to graduation," said DeLeon.
WHEELING
Coach: Kevin Lennon (5th year).
Last year: 4-14-0 (0-11-0, 6th, MSL East).
Top returning players: Seniors Kim Rufino (D), Evelyn Simon (MF); juniors Kira Harnaha (GK), Allison Parada (F); sophomore Maya Perez (MF).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Vanessa Aviles (D), Jenny Gonzalez (MF).
Outlook: The Wildcats have shown considerable improvement since their three straight winless seasons. "We graduated a lot of experience with many of our seniors also four-year players. But we've come a long way of late — winning three two years ago and four last season — (the) most by our program in over a decade," said coach Kevin Lennon, who will lean on defenders Rufino and Aviles to keep things organized.
Lake County
There are plenty of top-performing clubs with the North Suburban Conference the home to several, along with the Northern Lake County Conference, which features Lakes Community and Wauconda as the favorites.
Like the rest of the ESCC, Carmel Catholic will be chasing perennial league power Benet Academy, while Vernon Hills will take aim at a second straight title in the CSL North.
The NSC could possibly be a five-team race, led by 2025 league champion Libertyville, followed closely by Lake Zurich, Stevenson, Warren and Mundelein.
There is also a long list of top-tier players in the area with a select few who earned all-state honors.
One such player is Shea Krakowski.
The Libertyville senior has emerged as a high performing, box-to-box engine in the middle for the Wildcats. She excels in possession, creativity, long-range shooting and the ability to influence the game in so many different ways.
The four-year starter enjoyed a breakout rookie season when she helped her club reach the Class 2023A state tournament and finish third overall alongside her older sister Jenna.
"That was a great moment for me to not only be on the same team with Jenna, have a great year together, and to bring home a state trophy," said the Wildcats captain.
Shea scored the opener for her 16th goal of the season in that third place match against Lincoln-Way East, while Jenna earned the assist on the eventual game-winner.
More Krakowski family trivia? The girls mother, Nikki (Klainos) Krakowski played on the 1991 Libertyville state championship team.
Shea Krakowski, who hit for a career-best 24 goals a year ago, will enter this season with 61 goals and 25 assists to further validate her unselfish play.
"I am super excited for this upcoming season,“ Krakowski said. ”We lost some very good players to graduation, but we've added some terrific new players. Along with our returning core, I really believe we can reach the goals we've set forth."
The two-time team MVP will play next fall at the University of Southern Indiana, where she will major in nursing.
"The USI program is on the rise. (Their) head coach is supportive of my academic goals and journey, and everything about the college and program is the perfect fit for me," said Krakowski.
Libertyville will be one of many to keep an eye on this season, so let's take a closer look at the rest of the area:
ANTIOCH
Coach: Maddie Lyon (4th year).
Last year: 6-12-2 (2-5-0, T5th, NLCC).
Top returning players: Seniors Nellie Hill (GK), Hannah Nelson (D); sophomore Kenzie Dordick (F).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Teresita Orduna-Santos; freshman Kailie Maloney.
Outlook: As the talent level in the NLCC continues to rise, the same can be found in the program at Antioch. "Our strength lies in our defensive core and returning leadership. Our experienced keeper (Nellie Hill) and defender (Hannah Nelson) will help us compete in a conference that continues to be competitive from top to bottom," said Lyon, who adds the name of the sophomore Kenzie Dordick and the attacking threat with pace, and a willingness to take people on.
CARMEL CATHOLIC
Coach: Stephanie Kile (7th year).
Last year: 9-10-2 (5-1-0, 2nd, ESCC).
Top returning players: Seniors Maron Bowes (GK), Josie Hartman (D), Libby Magnone (MF), Ryleigh Sydell (MF).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Addison Brincks (D), Samantha Decker (D), Olivia Maze (F).
Outlook: The quartet of Bowes, Hartman, Magnone and Sydell are the spine of club — keeper, center back and center midfielder, who together provide stability, leadership and control. "The teamwork, discipline, and the values they embody will allow this team to succeed," said Kile. "With the strong athletic ability and skill that we have, this group has the tools to compete and grow together." The Corsairs have moved up to Class 3A this spring while they try to dethrone league champion Benet Academy.
GRANT
Coach: Ben Burnet (4th year).
Last year: 8-10-2 (2-5-0, T5th, NLCC).
Top returning players: Seniors Ryan Kadlec (MF), Kylie Wells (MF); sophomore Teagan Stadfield (D).
Newcomers to watch: Senior Sujely Robles (F); junior Emily Horbus (F); freshman Lillyanna Paz (D).
Outlook: UW-Whitewater-bound Ryan Kadlec, a two-time all-sectional player, will be the creative force in the middle for the Bulldogs, who will also be asked to balance her role with box-to-box play. "We should be at our best in the midfield and in the center of our backline. (The) loss of seniors and their experience will be a concern of course," said Burnet. "However, we are expecting a lot of growth from our new players and excitement for the seniors who are four-year players knowing they are ready to make the most of their final season."
GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL
Coach: Keith Andersson (7th year).
Last year: 8-10-0 (4-4-0, 4th, NLCC).
Top returning players: Senior Ava Henne (MF); juniors Cate Durey (F), Peyton Hoffman (D), Karlee Santee (GK), Olivia Wood (D); sophomore Tanith Fowler (D).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Ansley Carlson (F), Madi Nelson (MF).
Outlook: Keith Andersson lost one of the top four-year players, two-time all-state midfielder Dahlia Rodriguez (NIU). Replacing their leading scorer and driving force will be a difficult task. "We'll need someone to step up and do their best to fill her shoes," said Andersson. “With Peyton Hoffman, we will be very strong along the back, and despite still being a young team with just four seniors, this is a great group of young women to be associated with."
GRAYSLAKE NORTH
Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (20th year).
Last year: 11-4-2 (6-2-0, 3rd, NLCC).
Top players returning: Seniors Rylee Jaramillo (MF), Ellie Sopiarz D); juniors Hillary Cabanillas (D), Madeline Butler (D); sophomore Katie Burns (MF).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Lauren Anderson (F), Tanner Bernardi (MF), Andrea Cervantes (F), Harlow Jaramillo (D), Emily Sweeney (D), Suri Valdivia (D).
Outlook: Their crosstown rivals said goodbye to one of the best around, and so did the Knights, who bid farewell to all-everything captain, MF Izzy Ceaser, now at West Virginia. "We graduated a couple of incredibly talented players who would impact the game in a big way for us. However, we're excited about a very young team, with the majority of our roster comprised of freshmen and sophomores," said Adam DeCaluwe. Senior Jaramillo is a talented technician who will be in charge of the attack while providing superb box-to-box play.
LAKES COMMUNITY
Coach: Kevin Kullby (21st year).
Last year: 14-3-0 (7-0-0, NLCC champs).
Top returning players: Seniors Raina Schmitt (F), Anya Silver (MF); juniors Cici Hopkins (MF), Leah Rojas (MF).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Macy Samulak (F); freshmen Clara McCabe (D), Madison Schrader (MF).
Outlook: There were just a few in the area last season that could handle the important position of center-back with confidence, composure, first class awareness and near perfect tackling accuracy — one of those few would be Ella Sager. "Ella was easily the best defensive and overall player we've ever had come through our program," said Kevin Kullby. As difficult it may be to replace his former star along the back, Kullby has four marvelous players back to lead the way in Raina Schmitt (44 career goals), Anya Silber, Leah Rojas and three-year starter CiCi Hopkins.
LAKE ZURICH
Coach: Mike Castronova (15th year).
Last year: 17-3-2 (5-2-0, 4th, NSC).
Top returning players: Seniors Grace Morton (D), Kelly Nelson (GK), Lizzie Quinsinberry (D), Sam Tritsch (D); junior Reilly Novak (F); sophomores Zoe Chang (MF), Sophia Korovilas (MF).
Newcomers to watch: Senior Megan Suttmann (F); sophomore Sarah Sprau (MF); freshman Fiona May (F).
Outlook: Lake Zurich did just about everything right last season. Super-stingy defense, won its own tournament, near spotless overall record, etc. Unfortunately, for the third consecutive year, the Bears would meet state power Barrington late in the postseason, who would dash their dreams. The Bears, along with another NCS power Libertyville, will compete in Class 2A. "We have returning players who are ready to go along with some new players who are ready to contribute right away," said coach Mike Castronova. "We play in a tough soccer conference but we have experience along the back, players who can score, and the goal will be to come together and to be playing our best soccer going into the playoffs." All-state and Creighton-bound junior Reilly Novak is a top forward.
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Ian Taylor (2nd year).
Last year: 18-2-3 (6-1-0, NSC champs, lost in supersectional).
Top returning players: Seniors Shea Krakowski (MF), Meg O'Donnell (MF), Tatiana Valdez (GK); junior Lainey Chung (D); sophomore Danica Meller (MF).
Newcomers to watch: Senior Amira Chavez (F); junior Megan Phillips (MF); sophomore Meghan Tolzien (D).
Outlook: Following a major graduation hit, this is not the same Wildcats club that fell one win short of state. However, there is plenty of talent back for the reigning NSC champions, beginning with all-state MF Shea Krakowski and teammate Lainey Chung, who is a first class central defender. "We did graduate 10 seniors, which left some holes along the back and up top, but our center midfielder group (Krakowski, Welker, O'Donnell) has a lot of talent and experience at this level and in the postseason," said Ian Taylor. “I'm confident the new players coming in will make an impact and feel despite having one of the toughest schedules ever, that this team is capable of having another great season."
MUNDELEIN
Coach: Alix McArthur (3rd year).
Last year: 10-7-3 (2-4-1, 5th, MSC) regional champions.
Top returning players: Seniors Samantha Biesterfield (F), Bridget Russ (F); junior Carlie Bestler (F).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Lilah Albano (D).
Outlook: The Mustangs claimed their first regional crown in recent history a year ago, thanks in part to superb central defender Ailani Zires, now playing at Elmhurst, and Grace Cordova, who along with returning forwards Biesterfield and Bestler proved to be a dangerous trio. "We graduated two key players from last year, but we also return all but three, but we'll need to find a few new leaders from our roster," said Alix McArthur, whose club stunned Warren in the regional final.
ROUND LAKE
Coach: Hugo Tellez (2nd year).
Last year: 5-11-2 (2-5-0, T5, NLCC).
Top returning players: Senior Alexa Vega (MF); juniors Fernanda Sotelo (MF), Katherine Forest (MF); sophomore Analee De Anda (MF).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Lindsey Guzman Sanchez (MF); freshman Sofia Tellez (F).
Outlook: The Panthers lost their fair share of veteran players, but the return of the all-conference duo of DeAnda and Vega should ease the concerns of coach Hugo Tellez. "The leadership from our younger players and a very strong midfield group who are capable of building our attack is our strength. So is our defense, so we'll look to finish games off and do our best to dominate both halves of soccer," said Tellez.
STEVENSON
Coach: Jay Bulev (4th year).
Last year: 10-5-3 (5-1-1, T2, NSC).
Top returning players: Senior Grace Harper (D); juniors Morgan McKelvey (F), Abby Samson (MF); sophomore Sydney An (F).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Rylee Shields (D); freshman Ariana Glavatsky (F).
Outlook: This is a program that is always in the race for the big trophy in the NSC. They were last year until the regular season finale loss (1-0) to Lake Zurich gave rival Libertyville the league title. "We're expecting a better record and further advancement in the playoffs because we have a strong core of players back. Although we lost one of the best center-backs in the area (Annabelle Egeland) to a D-1 program, we have another terrific D-1 player (Grace Harper) who will step into that position and give us the same level of play," said coach Jay Bulev.
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Cory Smith (4th year).
Last year: 6-8-2 (4-0-1, CSL North champs).
Top returning players: Senior Milania Mirjanic (D); juniors Morgan Straza (GK), Addy Noyes (F).
Outlook: Cory Smith's club will look to repeat as CSL North champions, but it will need to be done without Sophie Ackerman and Frannie Poulos, his two best players from a year ago that are now playing at Loyola and the University of Indianapolis. "We'll hopefully have more depth this season, but we will also be very young, so we're looking for new leadership on the field," said Smith, who will lean on senior defender Milania Mirjania.
WARREN
Coach: Ryan McCabe (14th year).
Last year: 12-5-2 (5-1-1, T2, NSC).
Top returning players: Senior Kate Mondejar (MF); juniors Jackie Amezquita (D), Elise Weidemann (MF), Kimberly White (D); sophomore Brianna Nunez (F).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Michalea Wilkinson (MF); freshmen Brooklyn Leicht (F), Kenzie Szczerowski (F).
Outlook: The impact on 80 minutes of soccer by 2025 Lake County All-Area captain Addison Stanciak was far more than the two-time all-state forward would provide with 78 career goals and 182 points. "Addison set the standard for everyone around her, and when she moved on to college (St. Louis) along with five other significant contributors, the primary concern is always going to be the split-second, decision-making that only comes from being under pressure in big matches," said Ryan McCabe, who believes the foundation set forth from his returning players has already gone a long way. All-sectional midfielder Mondejar will run the show with her pace and ability to connect passes.
WAUCONDA
Coach: Connor Reid (1st year).
Last year: 11-6-0 (6-1-0, 2nd, NLCC).
Top returning players: Juniors Isabelle Gerle (MF-F), Meagan Gerle (D), Kelly Funkhouser (D), Morgan Aldrich (D), Claire Zimmerman (MF-F).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Mariah Zastrow (F); sophomore Jillian Kacinski (F); freshman Bria Hortillosa (MF-F).
Outlook: Connor Reid is fortunate to have 11 back, including a terrific group of juniors that have all been with the big club since their rookie seasons. "We have a lot of experienced three-year veterans plus a very strong freshman class to help us compete for a NLCC title," said the Bulldogs coach. Isabelle Gerle, a 25-goal scorer, is one of the best at her position, while her sister Meagan along with Funkhauser and Aldrich provide quality along the backline.