Girls soccer: Scouting Lake County

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

CARMEL CATHOLIC

Coach: Ray Krawzak (third season, 21-10-8)

Last season: 9-7-4, lost to Stevenson in Class 3A regional semifinals

Top players lost: Ali Cepon, Alex Gromala, Haley Miller, Shanon Murphy, Grace Nolan, Abby Potter, Angie Salvi (Vermont), AB Williams

Top returning players: Kathleen Graham Sr. F, Riley Harmon Sr. MF, Lily Sykes Sr. D

Newcomers: Zenaya Barnes Jr. F, Liz Galla Fr. D, Sarah Galla Fr. F, Mia Salvi Fr. MF

Other players: Annie Burkhalter Sr. GK, Emma Heinrich Sr. F, Molly Machala Sr. D, Gianna Sarallo Sr. MF, Morgan Simola Jr. D, Kylie Smith Sr. MF, C, Jen Cutro Jr. MF, Olivia Salvi Jr. MF, Sophia Sarkis Jr. GK, Maddie Splitt Jr. D, Caitlin Teehan Jr. MF, Lucy Tarcha Jr. MF, Clara Thomas Jr. D, Skyler Thomas Jr. MF, Olivia Pullin So. MF, Clara Thomas So. D

Outlook: Carmel lost a good number of talented players to graduation, but they return several young players ready to step in. A teamwork philosophy will be a great importance, as the Corsairs try to find success in the ESCC and by the end of the season. "We look to win the conference, and I think we have a chance," coach Ray Krawzak said. "We need to learn to play a system to perfection. Teamwork is more powerful than individual effort. Goals as a team are to minimize goals against us, especially in conference games."

NORTH SUBURBAN CONFERENCE

LAKE ZURICH

Coach: Michael Castronova (seventh season, 86-33-10)

Last season: 18-6, lost to Barrington in Class 3A sectional semifinals

Top players lost: Tara Frank, Madison Hart, Rebecca Kubin (Murray State), Mikayla McCreary, Erin Neeson, Kyra Ripoli (North Carolina), Siena Robinson

Top returning players: Kristen Brousseau Sr. F, Samantha Hartman Sr. MF, Morgan Long Jr. MF, Abby Willock Jr. D

Newcomers: Emma Daleske Sr. D, Jacklyn Schelender Sr. F, Anna Guzman Jr. D, Alaina Wol So. GK, Julia Cison Fr. D, Abby DeGustino Fr. D, Haley Brousseau Fr. MF, Tess Vages Fr. F

Other players: Claire Jones Sr. GK, Saffire Selof Sr. MF, Anna Biergans Jr. D, Callie Kleinke Jr. D, Rachel Kruger Jr. F, Mackenzie Parchment Jr. D, Maddy Piggot Jr. F

Outlook: All-area, all-sectional and all-conference player Kristen Brousseau (25 goals, 21 assists last year) leads a mix of players for Lake Zurich on the pitch. The Bears will need to come together. "We have some returning players who gained tons of experience last season and some new additions who are eager to show what they can do at the varsity level," coach Michael Castronova said. "If we can put it all together, we have the potential to be a team that can compete in our tough conference. Our goal is to be playing our best at the end of the soccer season."

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Shannon Etnyre (first season)

Last season: 10-5-1, lost to Warren in Class 3A sectional semifinals

Top players lost: Natalie Jaroch, Emily Olson, Maddie Olson (Eastern Michigan), Taylor Underwood, Makenna Yoor

Top returning players: Allison Tong Sr. D, Morgan Verbeten Sr. MF/F (Carthage College), Brynn Miller Jr. D/MF, Savanna Winiecki Jr. MF, Kendall Edwards So. GK

Newcomers: Jada Higgens So. MF, Emma Manolovic So. D/MF, Lauren Huber Fr. MF/F, Faith Roberts Fr. MF

Other players: Kaylee Gillespe Jr. MF, Emma Hollinger Jr. MF, Alex Houser Jr. D/MF, Elle Imm Jr. MF/F, Helena Janczak Jr. D, Abby Paglia Jr. D, Nicole Zaccaro Jr. F, Natalie Czajka So. D, Abby Noonan So. GK

Outlook: Shannon Etynre takes over the coaching reigns from Kevin Thunholm, who's now coaching the boys. Etnyre was the boys head coach at Vernon Hills from 2006 to 2011. She also has experience in the lower levels for the girls (three years at VH, last spring at LHS). Libertyville has a number of key returners, including keeper Kendall Edwards, dynamic midfielders Morgan Verbeten and all-area/all-sectional/all-conference player Jada Higgens. They will be competitive and should be in the NSC race. "We are fortunate to return a strong core from last year's regional championship roster," Etnyre said. "The team has been working extremely hard over the past two weeks, as one of their goals is to improve on their finish from last spring. I'm looking forward to seeing what we've got as a group when we play New Trier in a few weeks."

MUNDELEIN

Coach: Ernie Billittier (seventh season)

Last season: 9-6-3, lost to Barrington in Class 3A regional final

Top players lost: Amanda Bogseth, Lexi Brown, Kristi Chernesky (St. Nortbert), Leah Goldman (Michigan Tech), Rachel Hansen, Emily Ollendick, Lexi Pawlowski (Wisconsin-Stevens Point)

Top returning players: Hadlee Linane Sr. D, Molly Mishler Sr. D, Myah Strokosch Sr. MF/F (UW-Parkside), Nicole Robb Jr. MF

Newcomers: GiGi Sahagun Jr. MF, Addison Spilman Fr. MF/F, Lia Pirelli Fr. GK, Eva Their Fr. D, Carly Zentz Fr. D

Other players: Gillian Beginski Sr. GK, Jackie Tyma Sr. MF, Morgan Albertson Jr. F, Megan Griparis Jr. D/MF, Stephanie Griparis Jr. D, Kate Hay Jr. MF, Lauren Loding Jr. MF, Madigan Franzen So. MF, Becca Nielsen So. D

Outlook: All-area players Myah Strokosch and Nicole Robb will lead a hardworking group of players. The Mustangs have been successful the last several years and are expected to be in the NSC race again. "I expect our team to compete to win every game we play," coach Ernie Billittier said. "To be successful, we need to adopt a team-first approach and train at the appropriate level, creating a winning atmosphere within our team. All of our players are key. We are a team. Our goal is to win soccer games."

STEVENSON

Coach: PepeJon Chavez (first season)

Last season: 4-9-2, lost to Warren in Class 3A regional final

Top players lost: Camryn Cadiz (Winona State), Paige Copeland, Kiersten Kindler, Hannah Petrich (Kenyon), Charity Shaw (WI-Stevens Point), Jenny Staten, Jill Steinbrink (IUPUI)

Top returning players: Cassandra Farber Sr. D (Ohio Wesleyan), Lauren Micek Sr. D, Brianna Van Zanten Sr. F. (Case Western University), Hannah Lapeire Jr. MF (Purdue)

Newcomers: Alyssa Bende Fr. MF, Kayla Constabiello Fr. D, Tess Koleno Fr. D, Isabella Michael Fr. D/MF, Gaby Nyc Fr. MF

Other players: Kelly Bailey Sr. F, Zoe Friedman Sr. GK, Anna Koruna Sr. MF, Emma Murphy Sr. D, Rebecca Riekki Sr. D, Katie Sakshaug Sr. MF, Jessica Baigorria Jr. F, Krissy Hill Jr. F, Abigail Kalou Fr. F, Nina Kalou Jr. D, Mackenzie Karabetsos Fr. D, Kaitlyn Machado Fr. GK, Emma Nolan Jr. MF, Jessica Inman So. D/MF, Grace Wingfield So. MF/F

Outlook: PepeJon Chavez takes over from Kevin Heffernan as head coach. Stevenson has a strong number of seniors returning with varsity experience. The Patriots also have several young players who hope to gain experience as the season goes on. All-Area/all-sectional junior Hannah Lapeire and seniors Cassandra Farber, Lauren Micek and Brianna Van Zanten will be key leaders. "Our focus is conference and being prepared for playoffs," Chavez said. "Of course competing against Libertyville and Warren is big on our radar, as they have troubled us in the past."

WARREN

Coach: Ryan McCabe (seventh season, 80-45-14)

Last season: 21-2-2, lost to Barrington in Class 3A sectional final

Top players lost: Kaitlyn Chomko (Nova Southeastern), Jessica Dietzen, Lindsey Ditmars, Maddie Gryzik (club), Lindsey Hardiman (Loyola University), Baylie Mabbett, Kayla Malaker, Natalie McNally (IUPUI), Alliyah Parker (Lipscomb), Rebecca Pineau, Alissa Ramsden (Illinois State), Skylar Reilly, Ellen Szostak

Top returning players: Jamie Kwon Sr. D (Winona State), Kate Weyrich Sr. D, Courtney Chomko Jr. MF

Newcomers: Emma Brown Sr. D, Annika Attia So. D, Sarah Barbosa So. GK, Morgan Liebau So. MF, Elizabeth Weinberg So. F, Olivia Wolf So. F, Melissa Cole Fr. MF, Catherine Cullison Fr. F, Amber Langosch Fr. MF, Liza Matimore Fr. MF, Emily Soriaga Fr. MF, Zoe Wagner Fr. D

Other players: Ayusha Ayatur Sr. F, Carly Baun Sr. MF, Lydia Sundberg Sr. GK, Megan Best Jr. MF, Emma Preda Jr. MF, Hannah Rawhoof Jr. D

Outlook: Warren had one of its best teams in school history last year, reaching the sectional final before getting stopped by state champion Barrington. The Blue Devils graduated 12 players but will have young players ready to step in. "We're fortunate to have so much young talent coming through our program," coach Ryan McCabe said. "They are motivated and have been working hard to mesh with the solid core of returning players. With many new faces, our main goal is to have our on-field chemistry sorted out. I have great faith in this group of girls that we will each settle into our roles as the season gets started."

NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY CONFERENCE

ANTIOCH

Coach: Marni Polakow (seventh season, 67-53-15)

Last season: 15-6-2, lost to Wauconda in Class 2A regional final

Top players lost: Gracie Bouker, Tessa Furlong, Megan Hegesen, Christina Michaels

Top returning players: Morgan Keefer Sr. F, Karly Monaco Sr. D (Wisconsin-Oskosh), Rachel Moore Sr. F, Ella Roberts Sr. MF (Winona State), Monica Wilhelm Sr. GK (Iowa), Gabby Michaels Jr. D

Newcomers: Lauren Gissel Fr. D. Katelyn Holmes Fr. F, Chloe Krumrai Fr. MF

Other players: Danielle Brose Sr. MF/F, Natalie Hill Jr. MF, Karina Steitz Jr. MF, Sam Champney So. D, Briana Galan So. F, Mikayla Holway So. F, Kacey Melzer So. D, Sarah Smith So. MF

Outlook: Antioch has plenty of seniors, including Iowa-bound keeper Monica Wilhelm. Wilhelm, Karley Monaco and Rachel Moore were all all-area players last season. The trio should make the Sequoits a top contender in the NLCC. "We have a lot of seniors with four years of varsity experience who are ready to step up and take this team far," coach Marni Polakow said. "Monica Wilhelm should keep us in games and give us a chance against any opponent."

GRANT

Coach: Olivia Jansen (first season)

Last season: 3-9-2, lost to Cary-Grove in Class 3A regional semifinals

Top players lost: Brianne Barnes, Brittany Kolle, Emily Miles, Hazel Moreno, Sophia Richards, Jessivel Uribe, Madelyn Westhoff

Top returning players: Savannah Barnes Sr, MF, Rachel Ramirez Sr. D, Lexi Werve Sr. GK (Lenoir-Rhyne University), Brooke Barnes So. D

Newcomers: Iran Gomez Jr. D, Jackie Hernandez Jr. MF, Natalie Hernandez So. F, Hayley Myers So. D, Leslie Perez So. D, Maddie Pongetti So. D, Chloe Todd So. F. Addy Karpilovsky Fr. F, Madelin Richards Fr. MF, Nicole Stigler Fr. MF

Other players: Emily Urbina Jr. MF, Melissa Valdovinos Jr. F, Bella Villareal Jr. MF

Outlook: Olivia Jansen takes over from longtime coach Michael Kennedy. Jansen is a graduate of Johnsburg and Wartburg College. "We have great leadership in our returners and some very talented underclassmen joining us this year," Jansen said. "We were shut out in a lot of games last year, so I really want us to be more of an offensive threat this season. There's a lot we can build and improve on from last year. Hopefully we can peak at the right time and be a strong competitor in our conference. The girls work very hard and are excited to get the season started."

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL

Coach: Daniel DePaz (first season)

Last season: 8-10, lost to Deerfield in Class 2A regional semifinals

Top returning players: Emily Bez Sr. D, Meghan Kube Sr. D, Malana Chiodi Jr. D, Maura Fitzgerald Jr. F, Grace Hermann Jr. MF, Kate Pearson Jr. GK, Hannah Kolb So. MF, Madeline Mussay So. MF/F, Emma Stopka So. D

Newcomers: Victoria Medina Jr. MF, Briana Storino Jr. D, Taylor Ford So. D, Amanda Kocialkowski So. MF, Adine Mendoza So. MF, Georgia Kate Bond Fr. MF

Outlook: Daniel DePaz is the Rams' new coach, as Bethany Martin is taking a break from coaching to focus on her young family. DePaz has been with Grayslake Central as assistant for three years. He's a University of Minnesota graduate. He inherits a group that features seniors Emily Bez and Meghan Kube and a lot of underclassmen ready to step in. All-area junior keeper Kate Pearson also returns. "I'm excited about what I've seen so far from the team, and look forward to a successful season," DePaz said. "We have a good group of hardworking girls. They want to prove themselves and see what they can do."

GRAYSLAKE NORTH

Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (11th season, 105-111-12)

Last season: 11-6-1, lost to St. Viator in Class 2A regional final

Top players lost: Cammy Cowperthwaite, Sophia Deligiannis, Tania Garcia, Iman Hamilton, Morgan Lyon, Sydney Paez (Northern Arizona), Kelly Petrillo

Top returning players: Lauren Davis Sr. F (Bethel University), Katelyn Dameron Jr. D, Emily Dunne Jr. GK, Jordyn Gerdes Jr. MF, Arianna Gotshall So. F

Newcomers: Haley Leanna Sr. GK (University of Chicago), Grace Kedzior Jr. D, Daniella Adams Jr. D, Eden Hartigan So. D, Ashley Hutson Fr. MF

Other players: Sarah Rauch Sr. MF, Maddie Wilkinson Sr. MF. Lauren Hansen Jr. MF, Emma Hochstein So. D, Maddie Kubas So. MF, Nicole Lacke So. MF, Gianna Marrero Fr. MF, Rachel McBride Fr. D

Outlook: Grayslake North may have lost some talented players to graduation, but the Knights have young players ready to step in. The Knights will rely on the senior leadership of all-area/all-sectional/all-conference player Lauren Davis (11 goals, 10 assists last season). "This season we have a nice mix of youth and experience," coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "Which should allow us to feel comfortable with each other. ... While we graduated several four-year starters, we have solid players with experience that are excited for the opportunity to step into those roles - in addition to some very experienced players looking to take on larger leadership roles this season. The group of girls we have are incredibly hardworking and seem to get along with each other really well."

LAKES

Coach: Kevin Kullby (13th season, 148-108-19)

Last season: 10-10-1, lost to Prairie Ridge in Class 2A regional final

Top players lost: Bella Pighini (Western North Carolina), Lindsay Smith (Cornell-Iowa)

Top returning players: Molly Bakrins Sr. GK, Alyssa Bombicino Sr. MF, Callista Haas Sr. D, Rylie Matchett Sr. MF/F, Casey Mocynski Sr. F, Hannah Morway Sr. D

Newcomers: Taylor Primack Fr. GK

Other players: Olivia Beller Sr. D, Savannah Good Sr. MF, Sami Heft Sr. MF, Kelly Kao Sr. D, Makenna Mason Sr. D, Mikayla Pacourek Sr. F, Faith Conway Jr. MF, Sophia Donis Jr. MF, Simone Lippman Jr. F, Sydney Schmidt Jr. D, Madison Baker So. D, Riley Beggs So. F, Abby Findlay So. D, Elise Moran So. D, Noella Padilla So. F

Outlook: Lakes was hit hard by graduation, but the Eagles have some talent. They should be in the running for the NLCC title. "We will not have the talent we had last year in the back or in scoring, but we have a team that's more cohesive and, like the boys this past season, this team will play with more passion," coach Kevin Kullby said. "Hopefully, they will get the breaks and make the plays that will lead to a successful season. We should be very competitive at the (Class) 2A level but how we fare against the 3A competition remains to be seen."

ROUND LAKE

Coach: Josue Jimenez (fourth year)

Last season: 7-14-1, lost to Fremd in Class 3A regional semifinals

Top players lost: Jasmine Cruz

Top returning players: Claudia Hernandez Jr. F, Giselle Raygoza Jr. GK, Alexandria Wawrzyniak Jr. MF, Dana Devera So. F

Newcomers: Stephanie Calderon Jr. D, Niurka Munoz Jr. D, Noelia Andujo So. MF, Andrea Guzman So. MF, Sophia Melesio So. D, Leslie Lopez Fr. D, Kimberly Salgado Fr. MF, Anna Vasquez Fr. MF

Other players: Selena Vasquez Sr. D, Susana Albor Jr. MF, Vanessa Cruz Jr. MF, Karla Gomez Jr. F, Dausy Lemus Jr. D, Katherine Najera Jr. MF, Amalinalli Notiega Jr. MF, Tays Rodriguez Jr. D, Citlali Suarez Jr. D

Outlook: Round Lake will rely on a couple of key players in Dana Devera and all-area and all-sectional player Alexandra Wawrzyniak. The Panthers have been improving year to year and have younger players mixing in. "This is a young team, but we're looking to be more offensive this year," coach Josue Jimenez said. "Being able to possess more is a very important goal that I have for us. In order to improve we also need to be more consistent and not give up the easy goals."

WAUCONDA

Coach: Beau Shogren (third season, 32-4-3)

Last season: 18-1-1, lost to Prairie Ridge in Class 2A sectional final

Top players lost: Aimee Berg, Katie Flammini, Josie Karg, Leah Leoni, Erica Miller (Dubuque), Gabi Reyes, Natalie Thompson (Elgin Community College)

Top returning players: Rachel DeNovo Sr. M, Annalyse Maze Sr. D, Jill Rejczyk Sr. GK (Trine University), Kayla Wisniewski Sr. F, Olivia Kuch Jr. D, Kayla Llewellyn Jr. MF, Abigail McHugh Jr. MF, Megan Sinnott Jr. F, Savannah Johnson So. D, Morgan Lung So. MF, Sarah Rizzo So. D, Madelyn Thompson So. D

Newcomers: Tara Bierdz So. D, Oceanna Pfeiffer So. F, Bianca Pilaski Fr. F, Rosalie Wisniewski Fr. MF

Other players: Madison Rejczyk So. MF, Dakota Thompson Jr. F, Amayna Ribar Fr. F, Cynthia Trujillo Fr. MF

Outlook: Wauconda won the NLCC and a Class 2A regional last year. Expectations are riding high again, as the Bulldogs have many returners. Included is all-area/all-sectional/all-conference player Kayla Wisniewski (25 goals and 18 assists), Rachel DeNovo, Annalyse Maze, Abigail McHugh (all-area, all-sectional, all-conference player), Megan Sinnott and goalkeeper Jill Rejczyk. "Much of our lineup has returned this year, so if you ask any of the players what the expectations are, you will get some pretty bold answers," coach Beau Shogren said. "We have a much more challenging schedule ahead of us this year, so we need to stay grounded and deal with adversity when it comes. We should have a fun team to watch."

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Mike McCaulou (third season, 20-15-2)

Last season: 10-6-2, lost to Wauconda in Class 2A sectional semifinals

Top players lost: Becky Bahlmann, Sammie Biede, Kate Burrow, Alex Napierkowski, Emma Pappano

Top returning players: Lindsey Brettman Sr. D, Alex Ludolph Jr. MF/F, Julia Neary Jr. MF, Ryan Schofield Jr. MF

Newcomers: Danielle Jarrell Fr. GK/F, Gill Johnson Fr. D

Other players: Frances Ferolo Sr. MF, Piper Bedell Jr. D, Cassie Pappano Jr. GK, Sophi Schofield Jr. GK, Katie Wilkowski Jr. MF, Leah Wilkowski Jr. D, Madeleyn Woodrow Jr. D, Lily Blasé So. MF, Abby Kempf So. F, Marley Reback So. MF, Emily Singer So. MF, Brynn Ziemke So. D

Outlook: Vernon Hills is on the rise with a number of young players returning with varsity experience. The Cougars return all-area/all-sectional/all-conference player Ryan Schofield. "We should be very competitive with one of the strongest (Class) 2A strength of schedules in the state," coach Mike McCaulou said. "We need to stay composed on the ball and be creative in the final third. All of our players can stand out if they believe in themselves and the system."