Girls soccer: Lake County captain Krakowski completes stellar four seasons at Libertyville in style
The role of a captain cannot be understated.
Not only whoever wears the armband leads by example on and off the pitch, but also is a key component in keeping her teammates together while making real-time decisions, and keeping the team organized and focused.
Such a skill set is not always made for certain characters, but for some, they are the perfect player for the role.
Shea Krakowski is that perfect player for the role.
Her legacy at Libertyville High School is firmly cemented with a trophy case filled to the brim.
Twice all-state, four-time all-NSC, two-time NSC all-academic and team MVP, all-tournament at the Naperville Invite and Malnati Deep Dish Classic, 80 goals, 30 assists, and so much more, the Wildcats captain has been named the captain of the 2026 Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team.
"I am super honored to be named captain of the All-Area team. It means so much to me, and it's something that could have never happened without an awesome bunch of teammates," said Krakowski, who will play in the fall at the University of Southern Indiana, where she will pursue a degree in nursing.
Krakowski, who led the Wildcats in goals all four years, helped her club to a third-place finish in state during her rookie season of 2023, the same year she played with her sister Jenna, who is currently in grad school at the University of Tennessee.
"It was cool to be on that state team with my sister, and for it to be a second state trophy in the family since my mother (Nikki) was on the first ever state championship team in 1991," said Krakowski, who scored 16 goals in 2023.
Krakowski has been a key figure in the four consecutive NSC and regional titles, and is a prime example of what an exceptional attacking player at the No. 8 position is all about.
Libertyville’s creative talent in the middle of the park was always the energetic spark in an attack that averaged 80 goals in her four years.
Krakowski does so many things at a high level: outstanding control and composure on the ball to break up defensive lines with her passing, finding space in congested areas to open up play for others, and displaying her terrific passing range to help teammates get into dangerous positions and do what they do best.
In addition, Krakowski would play deeper in the Wildcats end to build the attack from there, or be the aggressor in order to break up play from the opponent. And above all, she exhibited a powerful, accurate right foot to score from distance.
"Shea was a dominant player in the midfield who led the team in goals once again to give her career stats that place her towards the top of our program record books," said Wildcats coach Ian Taylor.
"She played so well on both sides of the ball, defending when needed, while pressing our attack into the final third when needed."
"(Shea) grew as a leader this year, built strong connections with her teammates during the season, and has made a major impact in our program all throughout her four years at Libertyville."
Krakowski, ever the workout warrior, begins her day at 5 a.m. to travel to Milwaukee along with former Libertyville stars Sydney Dulak, Kate Hopma and Ellie Rebmann to play for the Milwaukee Torrent Women's Professional team.
Rebmann was the 2023 Daily Herald All-Area captain.
"We fell a little short of reaching the state tournament, but it was still a great year. I'll miss my teammates and the Wildcats soccer community most of all," said Krakowski.