Girls water polo: Spieth, Stevenson set sights on another state title

Once again, Stevenson looks to be the team to beat this season in girls water polo.

The Patriots cruised to the state championship last season, winning all 36 matches. This season, the Patriots have five returning starters, namely 2025 Illinois Water Polo Player of the Year Olivia Spieth. All-stater Elsa Kusevskis, an elite goalie, is joined by Arohi Mather, Caroline Bichkoff and Dhanani Seneviratne.

“We have a good group of up-and-coming young athletes,” Stevenson coach Jeff Wimer said. “This year’s group is an experienced team and we plan to build up it.”

Naperville North is a team slated to contend to push the Patriots for the state title. The Huskies, who finished third last season, will welcome five starters back. Seniors Cate Czochara (75 goals last season) and Molly Depies are joined by juniors Natalie Brown, Ava Podkasik and Mia Podkasik.

Buffalo Grove is a young team attempting to make a jump this season. Simona Savova, Lorelei Garrard and Ellie Amartuvshin are players to watch for the Bison, according to coach Amanda Wiest.

Conant is hopeful to pick up from last season when the Cougars placed second in the MSL West. The Cougars are young with eight of the 10 varsity players either juniors or younger. All-conference standout Brook Broz, who had 52 goals and 73 assists last season, is joined by all-sectional goalie Kaya Rudzinski (226 saves, 49 steals).

Elk Grove tied for a program record with 18 wins last season, so look for the Grens to attempt to make another jump this season. Anastasija Jevtic, a senior, is coming off a banner junior season in which she scored 155 goals and currently owns nine school records. Naima Leonatti, a senior, is a player slated to make a big jump this season, coach Jason Spjuth said.

“All of our returning players made significant growth last year and make up a very strong starting lineup,” Spjuth said.

Fremd had a strong playoff run last season, beating highly ranked Hersey to reach the state tournament but lost to Naperville North. The Vikings have quality all over the pool, namely Wagner College recruit Cat Gaido, who was a third-team all-stater last season.

Hersey returns a quality group of experienced players, including junior Kayla Brace, senior Emily Steinberg and junior Melissa Loch, who had 76 steals last season to raise her career mark to 285 steals. Steinberg was seventh in the state last season with 111 points — 76 goals and 35 assists.

“We have a large group of new athletes who are eager to learn, compete and contribute this season,” coach Megan Brownley said. “Emily is a versatile and intelligent utility player who brings intensity and leadership to every game. Kayla has shown tremendous growth over the past year, elevating her confidence, decision making and overall impact on both ends of the pool.”

Hinsdale Central, which lost to Naperville North in the sectional semifinals last season, is a young team with solid chemistry and potential for growth, according to coach Chris Ortiz. Senior Vivan Kucklick will lead the defense in goal, while sophomore Rashida Moosabhoy, junior Chloe Van Houtte, who had 74 goals, 102 steals and 35 assists, and freshman Tali Mason are slated to be key contributors on offense.

Libertyville set team records for goals, assists and steals in 2024 to post the program’s best record and win percentage but lost to eventual state champion Stevenson in the sectional finals. Senior Leah Simpson split between the goal and field last season, but she remains on track to be a starter and primary goalie this season. Senior Ciara Simpson was the team’s leader with 73 goals to go with 110 steals and 40 assists.

“We will be doing some rebuilding this season, but we have a strong group of athletes who are willing to work hard,” Libertyville coach Tracy Balla said.

Glenbrook North is aiming high thanks to a bigger role and an influx of talent. Some of the key players include Amy Hillmann, Rita Beia, Sienna Wilson, Anna Rudometikin, Lital Frank and goalie Nate Seay.

Maine South has a big goal on topping last season’s sectional semifinal appearance, snapping a streak of three straight sectional finals trips. All-state sophomore Charlie McCauley and all-sectional goalkeeper Phil Rasic are key returnees, along with Luka Rasic, Alex Wajda and Ryan Conway.

“We have a young inexperienced team that is going to have major chances to improve over the next two months,” Maine South coach Ben Reiff said.

Naperville Central showed steady growth throughout last season to reach the sectional finals. With a strong core group and some talented new faces, the Redhawks are capable of taking the next step. Senior leaders Macy Fults and Julia Weber anchor both ends of the pool.

“Our returning players bring valuable varsity experience, strong water IQ and leadership, while our youth athletes add speed and energy,” Naperville Central coach Haley Green said.

Mundelein’s top returnees included Sophia Sauer, Allison Rogers, Madeline Everson, Alexis Southwick and Hayden Hilgart.

“This group has shown good chemistry and work ethic early in the season,” Mundelein coach Stephanie McClure said. “Their experience in key situations should help provide leadership, both in and out of the pool.”

Neuqua Valley is chock of experience with eight returning varsity players, including senior Samira Nadgar.

“Last year Samira was our leading scorer on the team, but we are looking to solidify our play in hopes of improving on our record from last year,” Neuqua Valley coach Kasten Lewis said.

Palatine (4-17) is relying on juniors Tessa Faltinek and Vivian Myers to lead the team this spring. Faltinek finished with 45 goals and 30 assists last season, and Myers collected 55 goals and 19 assists.

Prospect is coming off a memorable season, winning 16 matches and finishing second in the MSL East and reaching the sectional semifinals. Junior all-conference player Katelyn Royal is the focal point of the offense, finishing with 54 goals last season. Alexia Corbu (25 goals) is also a player with high upside.

“This year’s team is a blend of experienced players and girls looking to step into significant varsity minutes,’ Prospect coach Dick Mortensen said.