Girls soccer / Northwest all-area team
By Mike Garofola
Daily Herald Correspondent
Kristin Abruscato Fremd
The three-year veteran and two-year starter impressed the Vikings coaching staff with her will to win and leadership skills which helped set her apart as the type of player all teams need, especially those who play into the final weekend of the season. “Kristin has an exceptional year as a defender, and sometime midfielder, even though she played with a torn meniscus for most of the season,” said Fremd coach Steve Keller. “What comes to mind is her toughness, tenacity and calm under pressure, with a lot of heart and grit, and a touch of feistiness all rolled in.”
Megan Boyle Hersey
Clearly one of the best box-to-box players in the area, this two-year starter plays with enough energy to power a small town, while doing the same for those all around her. “Megan has that extra something that separates her from the others,” said Hersey coach Brad Abel of the first-time all-MSL, all-sectional junior. “Offensively, she oftens starts the attack, and defensively, she has the job of neutralizing, and eventually containing our opponent’s best player.” Her boundless pace and ultra-competitive desire helped solidify the center of the park for the Mid-Suburban League champs.
Michelle Calmeyn Elk Grove
The alarm bell would always ring the instant this two-time all-area forward ventured into the opposing end as it likely meant the four-year veteran was about to fire yet another strike into the back of the net. “Michelle was a one-player wrecking crew for opposing clubs, and was the first player since Jen Buczkowski (three-time All-American at Notre Dame, and WPS star) and North Carolina star Katie Klimczak to have back-to-back 20 goal seasons,” said Elk Grove coach Dan Klaus. “She constantly made defenses very uncomfortable, with the ball, and was a terrific player and major contributor to our program.” The all-sectional captain is off to South Carolina-Upstate with 54 career goals (24 this season) 21 assists.
Kaitlin Chiero Conant
Chiero finished strong last weekend when she opened the scoring in the Cougars win over Fremd to capture the 3A third-place trophy. The three-year veteran finished with 19 goals and 10 assists this season, giving the Purdue-bound, and two-time all-MSL striker 56 and 30 to complete a superb career for coach Jason Franco. “Kaitlin is a hard-working forward, with a nose for the goal, and a relentless desire and passion to pressure to score, and to help others do so as well,” Franco said.
Amanda Filian Palatine
Fiercely competitive three-year star was one of the most versatile players at her position, who was equally at home in front of the back four, or just behind the Pirates strikers, where she pulls the strings for her club. “Amanda was a great influence on our daily preparation during training, and in our matches, because she works hard, and demands the same from her teammates,” said Palatine coach Willie Filian. Amanda was a tenacious tackler and so tactically sound she was able to organize, defend and disrupt in the defensive third, but still join the attack with well-timed runs for 12 goals and 11 assists for the Miami (Ohio)-bound captain.
Kelsey Foss Conant
A mainstay along the back every since she stepped into the first-11 for the Cougars, this two-time all-area defender impressed coach Jason Franco from the start. “As a freshman, Kelsey came in and played center back to help lead us to the state tourney, and this season, she has taken her game to another level, providing a calming presence back there for us, and showing that she can do just about everything,” said Franco, of his Ms. Reliable, who can score (8 goals), tackle well, with good angles, and was a key part in 15 shutouts and 16 goals allowed in 26 matches.
Katelynn Hammarlund St. Viator
Although this two-time all-area junior could be featured as a striker, or a creative force from a withdraw position this past season, coach Mike Taylor found a diamond in the rough when he moved her to shore up the backline as the sweeper for the final seven matches. “Katelyn has very good skill, and is always looking to improve her game, but the thing you have to like and appreciate about her is she will do anything to help our team win,” said Taylor. Hammarlund has verbally commited to play at St. Louis University in 2012.
Emily Hyde Barrington
Play would immediately flow in the direction of the two-time all-area striker as wary opponents knew trouble was brewing once the Fillies senior was in their end. “Emily was a constant threat for us offensively, and always worked hard to score some very big goals for us while she was here,” said Barrington coach Ryan Stengren. The three-year starter was awarded her first all-sectional honor and the Miami (Ohio)-bound senior had 42 goals and 37 assists for her career.
Elise Kotsakis Fremd
For affirmation of the striking qualities and all-around play of the Daily Herald all-area co-captain, just ask any backline which had to defend the Vikings captain, who starred the past three seasons and helped lead the way to a pair of state trophies. The Butler-bound Kotsakis had 36 goals this year and 65 for her career. “Elise is one of the best, if not the best pure strikers to come out of our area,” said Fremd coach Steve Keller.
Ann Marie Lynch Rolling Meadows
Held the vital role of being the key creative force for the Mustangs, the ultra-talented three-year starter immediately took over the starring role for a second straight all-area season. The Marquette recruit had 14 goals and 8 assists. “Ann Marie showed this year what she is really capable of,” said Meadows coach Jeff Adkins. “Her dominance in the center was still powerful enough despite usually double-teamed for 80 minutes.”
Megan McCabe Prospect
Work ethic and a commitment to excellence is how Prospect coach Tom Froats begins to describe this two-year starter. “Megan is a human highlight film, with the ability to make acrobatic saves whenever she is called upon to do so,” said Froats of the program’s shutout leader for a career (25) and single season (11). Uncanny agility, super soft hands and penalty-saving prowess are all valuable assets for the junior who is terrific technically and in her decision making.
Maggie Moran Rolling Meadows
One can only imagine what kind of scoring numbers this lightning-quick striker would have amassed if a variety of injuries didn’t slow the Mustangs’ top goal-scorer. “Maggie’s breakaway goals provided some of the best highlights of our season, because her speed on the ball is amazing, and second to none,” said Meadows coach Jeff Adkins. In her first full season as a front runner, this three-year starter and junior captain struck for 14 goals (6 assists) despite missing all or part of eight matches.
Michelle Mottonen Fremd
Silky smooth midfielder was perfect alongside teammate Alexis Tice in the middle for the fourth-place state team in 3A as she provided the pace, movement, angled running and inch perfect passes to help to give her club one of the best midfield tandems in the area. “Michelle is one of the most talented players we have (here) skill-wise, and her great vision and understanding of the game allows her to do some special things out there during her first two years with us,” said Fremd coach Steve Keller. Had an astounding 19 assists to go with 8 goals.
Katie Naughton Elk Grove
In the same national pool arena with Conant’s Courtney Raetzman, this two-time all-area junior earned the biggest prize after the season when she received all-state honors. “Katie is the steadying force for us all the time, and we always have a chance to win, or shutout an opponent because she can do it all defensively in our end, but then go forward in a split second to fuel our attack. She is one of the best ever to wear a Grens shirt,” said Elk Grove coach Dan Klaus. Has 9 goals and 21 assists in two seasons and verbally committed to Notre Dame.
Alex Partipilo Rolling Meadows
This Illinois Wesleyan-bound four-year starter wore the captain’s armband proudly for three years and rarely allowed forwards to get comfortable. When asked to play up top, she proved to be a creative force as a wonderful ball-striker who had 7 goals and 4 assists this year and 20 and 9 for her career. “Alex is one of the most well-rounded players that I have ever coached, as with her skill on the ball and understanding on the game, she was easily one of the best attacking defenders in the area this season,” said Meadows coach Jeff Adkins of his two-time all-area star.
Kelly Pedersen Barrington
Pedersen closed out a magnificent career with 14 shutouts to finish with 40 over three-plus years with the Fillies. “Kelly does everything the right way, she is a sensational team leader, and an extremely hard worker, who has just a fantastic senior year for us, who will be nearly impossible to replace,” said Barrington coach Ryan Stengren. A fearless shot-stopper who possesses calmness and authority, boasts long reach, and superb reflexes for a tall (5-feet-10) keeper, she takes a 0.74 career goals against average to Boston College next fall.
Mary Pettit Hoffman Estates
This three-year veteran was a shining star on one of the most inexperienced sides around, striking for 10 goals (with 6 assists) to move her career totals to 23 and 20 and establish her as one of the top returning players in the MSL for 2012. “There are so many things which stand out in my mind about Mary, including her unselfish play, her leadership as a positive influence, both on the field and off, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help our team,” said Hawks first-year coach Ralph Tooren.
Molly Pfeiffer Barrington
This sophomore sensation broke onto the scene in her rookie season to strike for 10 goals, of which half were game-winners, then came back to send 14 into the back of the net despite missing 3 matches due to injury. Coach Ryan Stengren states his top scorer was the MVP of the postseason for the Fillies as they fell one victory short of advancing to the 3A state tournament. “Molly has the potential to be one of the best strikers in the state during the next two years, and she has already become one of our team leaders as a sophomore,” said Stengren.
Stephanie Pouse Schaumburg
This three-time all-area and Illinois-bound star is the type of player who can take the spirit right out of an opponent and brings a ferocious appetite to win and succeed, which the Saxons’ did plenty of in a 18-3-2 season. “Stephanie is the strongest player on our team, who is a well-trained ODP (Olympic Development Player) player, and easily the heart and soul of our defense,” said Schaumburg coach Greg Charvat. Pouse’s spirit was the primary reason for the Saxons’ 12 shutouts, but the four-year starter is quite adept at going forward.
Courtney Raetzman Conant
Technically and tactically, there was no equal to this three-time all-state elegant playmaker, who is as near a complete footballer than any other. “There might be better goal-scorers out there, but none that combine her willingness to defend and pressure, then turn around and go forward in the attack,” said Conant coach Jason Franco. Already verbally committed to play at Kentucky, she had 23 goals and 15 assists to bring her career totals to 65 and 39 en route to all-Midwest honors.
Chrissy Rosales Conant
This high-energy junior midfielder was the heartbeat of the Cougars in the middle of the park in their run to finish third in Class 3A. “Chrissy did all the dirty for work us, and despite her size (5-feet-2) she is a tremendous ball winner and tackler, who doesn’t back down from anyone, and goes box-to-box, never backing down from anyone,” said Conant coach Jason Franco. The Conant captain is unselfish, has a desire to track and defend and demands the ball before jump-starting the attack.
Ali Schmalz Schaumburg
Another ODP regional player from the 2011 all-area team, this 3-year starter might just be one of the best left-backs around after a sparkling junior season where the Saxons allowed just 14 goals in 23 matches. “Ali is a tenacious defender, with crazy athletic ability, who attacks balls in the air better than any other player, and is likely overlooked sometime because of her teammate (Stephanie Pouse) — but I can tell you she is one of the best marking backs in the state,” said Schaumburg coach Greg Charvat.
Taylor Skala St. Viator
A starter ever since her rookie season, when she began a run of four straight appearances on the all-ESCC team, this two-sport star (all-area basketball) added ESCC co-player of the year this season, and female athlete of the year at St. Viator later on to put an exclamation point on a brilliant career with 22 goals and 27 assists. “Taylor might be the best athlete that I have ever coached,” which says a lot considering Viator coach Mike Taylor just completed his 32nd year. “She has produced year-after-year, scoring goals you wouldn’t think were possible, with her great speed, agility and determination like no other.” Off to Rockhurst College in Iowa to play basketball next season, Skala has 91 goals (third all-time in the program) and a school-record 38 in 2010.
Olivia Stasiuk Hersey
Another in a long-line of terrific central defenders for the MSL champions and was the East player of the year. “Olivia was our best 1 v. 1 defender, and she took over role in which (Kathryn) Korff held for us last season, and supplied the same outstanding job in which Kathryn did when she won player of the year honors,” said Hersey coach Brad Abel. A starter along the back on the outside in 2010, the junior combines superb quickness and closing speed in the tackle, and great agility to win most 50-50 balls.
Kelsey Steenstrup Schaumburg
This two-time all-area midfielder has already begun to build an impressive resume in her first two seasons and also earned all-state cross country honors. “Kelsey is one of the main reasons that we’ve gone 30-5-5 over a two-year span, and it’s her relentless work rate, tremendous level of fitness and understanding of the game, as well as her leadership skills, which set her apart from others,” said Schaumburg coach Greg Charvat. All-sectional first-timer had 11 goals and 2 assists to give her 25 and 10 for her career.
Alexis Tice Fremd
Fremd coach Steve Keller said this three-year veteran is an unsung hero and hasn’t received the attention she deserves until now. The all-sectional captain does all the hidden dirty work with a tireless work rate which borders on the unbelievable at times and enables others to shine. “Alexis is the physical presence in the midfield which every team needs and wants, but we were so fortunate to have. She covers an incredible amount of ground during the game, and (she) can disrupt the other team for 80 minutes, while still finding the time to generate our attack when we need her to,” Keller said. The Toledo-bound Tice had 7 goals and 4 assists and 13 and 7 for her career.
Carolynn Wieland Buffalo Grove
Success of young Bison club finally brought some much deserved acclaim to this three-time all-MSL striker, who led her club in scoring during that same time. “Carolynn is a threat with either foot and the combination of speed, power and quickness helps create chances for others, as well as herself,” said BG coach Pat Dudle. This three-year starter is the perfect target player and her power and skill on the ball leads to several quality strikes. Had 10 goals and 5 assists to give her 35 and 19 for her career.
Eileen Zydek Hersey
Bruising defender was a key figure in Hersey’s run to the MSL crown, while also one of the most dangerous players in the area coming forward whenever a set-piece opportunity was created. “Eileen was such a composed and versatile player for us, whether along the back, or as a holding midfielder, yet one of her other great qualities was her vision, and ability to target out of the back, or dribble out of tight spaces,” said Hersey coach Brad Abel of the four-year veteran and three-year starter. Had 9 goals this year and 20 career and will attend Indiana.
All-Area roster
Player School Pos. Yr.
Kristin Abruscato Fremd D Sr.
Megan Boyle Hersey MF Jr.
Michele Calmeyn Elk Grove F Sr.
Kaitlin Chiero Conant F Sr.
Amanda Filian Palatine MF Sr.
Kelsey Foss Conant D Jr.
Katelyn Hammarlund St. Viator MF-D Jr.
Emily Hyde Barrington F Sr.
*Elise Kotsakis Fremd F Sr.
Ann Marie Lynch Rolling Meadows MF Jr.
Megan McCabe Prospect GK Jr.
Maggie Moran Rolling Meadows F Jr.
Michele Mottonen Fremd MF So.
Katie Naughton Elk Grove D Jr.
Alex Partipilo Rolling Meadows D Sr.
Kelly Pedersen Rolling Meadows GK Sr.
Mary Pettit Hoffman Estates MF Jr.
Molly Pfeiffer Barrington F So.
Stephanie Pouse Schaumburg D-MF Sr.
*Courtney Raetzman Conant F Jr.
Chrissy Rosales Conant MF Jr.
Ali Schmalz Schaumburg D Jr.
Taylor Skala St. Viator F Sr.
Olivia Stasiuk Hersey D Jr.
Kelsey Steenstrup Schaumburg MF Jr.
Alexis Tice Fremd MF Sr.
Carolynn Wieland Buffalo Grove F Jr.
Eileen Zydek Hersey D Sr.
* — Honorary co-captains
Special mention
Lucero Aguilar (Leyden, Sr, F), Emily Basten (Fremd, Jr, D), Alexa Ben (Schaumburg, Fr, F), Mia Calamari (Barrington, Fr, D), Cindy Castillo (Wheeling, Sr, MF), Maddie Conlin (Rolling Meadows, Sr, D), Teagan Eberle (Schaumburg, Jr, MF), Nicole Gierman (Hersey, Fr, MF), Emmelie Hirdes (Barrington, Sr, D), Kelli Hubly (Elk Grove, Jr, MF-F), Amanda Kelly (Schaumburg, So, D), Kelly Lomas (Conant, Sr, D), Kelly Mahoney (Buffalo Grove, Sr, D), Gabbi McArtor (Palatine, Sr, F-MF), Erin Reiff (Hersey, Sr, GK), Ashley Torres (Leyden, So, F), Sammi van de Linde (Conant, Jr, MF).
Honorable mention
Carly Brown (Buffalo Grove, So, MF), Kaitlyn Burke (Palatine, Jr, MF), Kelly Cerri (Maine West, Sr, D), Lindsay Fillingim (Conant, Sr, GK), Jennifer Freeman (Fremd, Sr, D), Rosa Gonzalez (Maine West, Sr, MF), Skylar Groth (Buffalo Grove, Fr, F), Kathleen Kane (St. Viator, Sr, D), Soibhan Klinkenberg (St. Viator, Sr, MF), Kelsey Maczko (Wheeling, Sr, D), Erin Malone (St. Viator, Jr, D), Kaitlyn Mayer (Palatine, Jr, F), Ailish O’Connell (Maine West, Sr, D-MF), Nicole Pietro (Hersey, Jr, F), Lindsay Puppolo (Buffalo Grove, Sr, D), Taylor Smith (Prospect, Jr, D), Sara Stephanovich (Maine West, Jr, GK), Kellie Strauss (Palatine, Jr, D), Maeva Waterman (Hersey, Sr, F), McKenzie Wiedemann (Palatine, So, MF), Kelly Ziegenfuss (Prospect, Jr, D).
Selection and profiles by Mike Garofola