Presenting the 2008 Fox Valley all-area team

Fran Abate, Bartlett

With 3-multi-goal goal games, Fran Abate quickly became a driving force for Bartlett. Despite her offensive prowess, Bartlett coach Heather Thomas moved Abate from a forward spot into the midfield. "I moved Fran to the offensive center-midfield position because she has such incredible field vision," said Thomas. "She knows when to take players on and when to distribute the ball." Abate finished the year with 9 goals and 2 assists including game-winning knocks in a 1-0 win over Oswego and a pair of late goals against Oswego East for a 4-3. Her hat trick against Glenbard North helped the Hawks open the Bartlett tourney with a 7-1 win. "Fran is always a key part of our attack," said Thomas. "Time and again, she has come through with clutch goals or has been a part of them." In her third year at the varsity level, Abate earned all-conference (Upstate Eight) and all-sectional honors. "She is an all-skills player," Thomas said.

Lisa Anderson, Cary-Grove

"I wish there were more words to compliment Lisa, but she is simply the definition of both reliability and consistency," said Cary-Grove coach Raymond Krystal of this junior defender. A 3-year varsity athlete, Anderson is considered a first class citizen. "Lisa is very smart," said Krystal. "She is the type of player that as a coach you hope and pray for. There is no doubt in your mind that she will get the job done." Known for her great field vision and her natural ability, Anderson racked up a handful of assists from the back of the field this year. "Lisa's vision allows her to find penetrating passes that always put us in attacking opportunities," Krystal said. "She is a presence in the back that always finds targets and always plays with a purpose."

Brittany Brozek, St. Edward

Brittany Brozek opened the season with a difficult task at hand. When Katie Chambers and Liz Babowice graduated, they left the Green Wave 100 goals lighter between the two of them. A 3-year varsity starter and junior forward, Brozek had to fill that offensive void. Helping St. Edward to an 11-8-2 record which includes a sectional championship title, the first for any Elgin soccer team (boys or girls), Brozek scored 15 goals while dishing out 7 assists. More importantly, she did it consistently. "Brittany really emerged this year as one of the finer players in the area," said St. Edward coach Tim Brieger. "She had a goal or an assist in 16 of our 21 games to date, despite being heavily marked and defended." With 22 career goals, Brozek is currently ranked No. 7 all-time at St. Edward and is No. 2 in assists with 21 career passes.

Allison Clark, Elgin Academy

Currently, Allison Clark is known as the most accomplished soccer player in the history of the program at Elgin Academy. A 4-year starter, she went from being part of a team with a 3-14 overall record in 2006 to the leader of a team which has since gone 12-9-1 in 2007 and 12-9 this year including back-to-back trips to the sectional finals, a program first. With 13 assists as a junior, Clark will bid the Hilltoppers farewell closing her senior campaign with a dozen goals and 7 assists. She was a 2007 Daily Herald selection and a unanimous all-conference (Independent School League) selection.

Kim DeRaedt, Burlington Central

A future goalkeeper at Missouri South State University, Kim DeRaedt will forever be remembered at Burlington Central for her work ethic. A well-above average goalkeeper according to head coach Michael Gecan, she is an all-state candidate who has flown under the radar as a 4-year varsity starter. "I have been spoiled with Kim," said Rocket coach Gecan. "Her leadership on the field has been an inspiration to the team and to me, and she is technically the best goalkeeper I've ever seen in my life." DeRaedt allowed just 15 goals all season, collecting 9 shutouts for a 0.75 goals against average. With 160 saves in 2008, DeRaedt had 38 career shutouts and a career goals against average of 0.675.

Alex Field, Hampshire

Very deserving of all-area accolades according to Hampshire coach Patrick O'Brien is Alex Field. Appropriately named, this sophomore is all business on the 'field.' A 2-year varsity player, Field is the Whip-Pur captain and was an all-conference choice as a freshman. "Alex has tremendous soccer sense and a drive that is unprecedented in our program," said O'Brien. "I have never seen her take a second off while on the field." A repeat all-conference selection this year (Big Northern East), Field scored 8 goals and recorded 5 assists. "Alex has great field vision and has the ability to make everyone around her better," O'Brien said. "She is the person I want representing me on the field."

Megan Grassly, Crystal Lake South

Credited with being the leader of a very young team, Megan Grassly is one of the strongest defenders in the Fox Valley according to Crystal Lake South coach Anne Santucci. However, her defensive role did not limit her. Despite working primarily in the back, Grassly tallied 8 goals and 5 assists to be among the Gators' leading scorers. "Megan is versatile," said Santucci. "She is a very strong defender, but was also a big offensive threat which is rare. She is technically strong, and was a threat all over the field." A senior, Grassly earned all-conference (Fox Valley-Valley) and all-sectional honors.

Megan Hamm, Huntley

Having logged time on the field at Huntley as a starter for 4 years, Megan Hamm is a player that head coach Kris Grabner does not look forward to being without. A 3-time Daily Herald all-area selection as well as a 3-time all-conference (Fox Valley-Fox Division), Hamm earned all-sectional honors behind her ability to play both sides of the ball. "Megan gets so much of the work done for us," said Grabner. "She is an absolute impact player. She has also been an outstanding leader and role model to this team." Hamm is best known for her defensive contributions. From the midfield, she helped the Red Raiders to a 21-1 record which includes 18 shutouts and a berth in the sectional championship game for the first time in program history. "Megan makes it impossible for teams to attack us up the middle," said Grabner. "You cannot earn 18 shutouts without a defensive center-midfielder." Hamm also scored 5 goals, including the only score in a sectional semifinal win over Conant. "All of Megan's goals have been big ones," said Grabner. " Her shot range is about 45-yards with both feet."

Alex Holland, Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove completed the season with a 15-3 overall record, and a share of the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division conference title at 9-1. You can't lose if the other team doesn't score. With Alex Holland in goal, the Trojans allowed just 4 goals all year, none of which came in any of their 15 victories. "Alex is very well trained and very smart," said C-G coach Raymond Krystal. "Her desire to be the best has driven her to seek the most competitive opportunities to learn." A member of the Eclipse Club team, Holland has also been a part of the Illinois Olympic Development Program for the past three years. "Alex is a difference maker," said Krystal. "She has excellent hands, she is aggressive and she has great reaction time. More than anything she is smart with her positioning." In her third season at the varsity level, Holland is an all-conference (Fox Valley-Valley Division) all-sectional selection. "Alex had a very solid, very impressive statistical year. Her communication skills were an important part of leading this team."

Kelli Johnson, Larkin

Just a junior, sweeper Kelli Johnson did it all for the Royals this year. A forward in club soccer, Johnson brings her offensive mind-set into her defensive attack. "Kelli has a lot of speed and very good instincts," said Larkin coach Ken Hall. "She has great anticipation and rarely, if ever makes mistakes. She was the anchor of our defense." When she wasn't preventing offensive strikes, she was creating them. Johnson finished the year with 4 goals via the direct kick. In the Pepsi Classic, Johnson scored the only goal against Fenwick for a 1-0 Royal win. A 3-year starter, and this year's team captain, Johnson's effectiveness exceeded her skills alone. "Kelli took on a big leadership role," said Hall. "She gave her all in every game, her communication on the field was invaluable and her versatility in the back kept us in every match."

Licia Keyes, Dundee-Crown

The true definition of a student athlete, Licia Keyes led the Dundee-Crown offense with 11 goals and 3 assists as a junior forward while maintaining a high G.P.A. taking several AP classes. Known best on the soccer field for her work ethic, Keyes scored both goals in a 2-0 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division win over Woodstock. "She is one of the fastest players in the Fox Valley," said first year coach Sebastian Falinski. "She can use both feet, her speed consistently helped us create both turnovers and scoring opportunities and her work ethic alone speaks volumes. "Despite battling asthma, Keyes put in a ton of minutes this year and grew as an athlete. "Licia has come so far," said Falinski. A 3-year varsity starter, Falinski considers Keyes to be a role model to all and the Chargers look forward having her for another year.

Karly Kuranda, Burlington Central

Slated to continue her soccer career at Dominican University, Karly Kuranda will leave Burlington Central as a 4-year varsity starter who finished her career with 46 career goals and 13 assists despite missing her sophomore year with an injury. "Very rarely do you get one of your most intelligent players who is also your most skilled player as is Karly," said Rocket coach Michael Gecan. Said to be one of the most dominant players on any field, this midfielder is best known for her shot which earned her 10 goals this year helping BC to a 11-8-1 finish. "Her shot has more impact than most," said Gecan. "She puts a sting behind her ball. It's a laser beam, just a well driven ball every time. When Karly chooses to lead, that is when we play the strongest."

Lizzy Niles, Elgin

Even in an off year for Elgin, Lizzy Niles found ways to make a name for herself. With 46 career goals, this 4-year varsity starter set a new school record in career goals scored ousting her sister Sarah who previously held the school record with 45 goals. A natural forward, Niles sacrificed statistics to be the team's all-position player in 2008 spending time in the midfield and at sweeper. "Lizzy was a leader this year," said Elgin coach Dave Borg. "She came out from the shadows of her sister and became someone that we could rely on for anything." Her talent never escaped the eyes of opposing coaches. "Lizzy is a fantastic player," said cross-town rival Larkin coach Ken Hall. "She is as good as anybody we have faced." Showing her effectiveness all over the field, the Maroons held 2007 Class AA state champion Waubonsie Valley scoreless for 25 minutes with Niles at sweeper. "She has speed, excellent ball skills and can move north, south, east and west," said Borg. "She'd be a successful starter on any team."

Maggie Olsen, Prairie Ridge

Said to be the best athlete on the roster, Maggie Olsen did the little things for Prairie Ridge assisting it to a strong 9-10-2 overall finish despite a slow start. "Maggie is very skilled with both feet and really understands how to play," said Wolves coach David O'Leary. "She is a good defender who is not very big, but she is strong and uses her body well." Just a sophomore, Olsen scored 5 goals as a midfielder while also spending time at forward and sweeper. An all-conference selection, O'Leary believes that she could be comparable to Kelsey Passaglia a year from now.

Kelsey Passaglia, Cary-Grove

An all-state, all-sectional and all-conference selection (Fox Valley Conference Valley Division), Kelsey Passaglia is also this year's Daily Herald all-area honorary captain. With 19 goals and 16 assists, this 4-year varsity athlete will never be forgotten at Cary-Grove. "Kelsey is leaving a legacy which is basically an instruction manual or a blueprint for how a team leader should behave," said coach Raymond Krystal. After spending half of her freshman year in goal, Kelsey has continued to display her diversity on the field helping the Trojans as a midfielder, a defender and most importantly as a forward. "The word we like to use is trust," said Krystal. "Myself and the entire team trusts Kelsey to fill in at each of those positions if needed." With 51 career goals and 25 career assists, her position on the field was irrelevant. "She is a force and a presence," said Krystal. According to Prairie Ridge coach David O'Leary, "Kelsey is the type of player that makes anyone around her better. She should be considered for Player of the Year if there is such an award," O'Leary added.

Bianca Ramirez, St. Edward

Scoring a second half goal against Elgin Academy in the Westminster Christian sectional final, Bianca Ramirez helped the St. Edward girls soccer team become the first Elgin team (boys or girls) to make an appearance in the Elite Eight in Illinois. The goal, which led the Green Wave to a 1-0 sectional championship, was her fourth of the year. "Bianca is one of the best ballhandler/playmakers I have ever had," said St. Edward coach Tim Brieger. "She has amazing moves with the ball and is a calming force in the midfield. A senior and 3-year starter, Ramirez has collected 15 career knocks and 18 assists. She racked up 11 assists this year. "Bianca is a leader in every sense of the word," said Brieger. "Having played the entire year with severe knee pain, she is one of my toughest players who plays well beyond her diminutive size."

K.C. Roller, Jacobs

Opening the season 1-7, K.C. Roller helped Jacobs turn things around to finish the year 9-13 despite playing a tough schedule. Whether she was scoring a goal or dishing out a perfect assist, Roller played a part in every win the Golden Eagles tallied this year. "We tried to get her involved in every situation," said coach Jim Dzialo. "She is very athletic and has very good soccer intelligence. She is also very aggressive and was willing to one-versus-one any opponent, any time." A junior, this 3-year varsity athlete was an all-conference (Fox Valley Conference Valley Division) selection who led by example. "K.C. has unbelievable ball skills," said Dzialo. "She turns on the ball very well and in game-time, every ball went through her. She has an excellent work ethic, is always positive and she would make any team a better team."

Lauren Steimle, Elgin Academy

Just a sophomore, center-midfielder Lauren Steimle found herself with 9 multi-goal games in 2008 including 5 hat tricks. In a 5-1 win over Christian Liberty, Steimle was the difference with 4 goals bringing her season tally to 27 goals. "Lauren is a very smart and very skilled player," said Hilltopper coach Greg Repede. "She is very mature for a sophomore and despite her youth, she works constantly with other players to help them improve." Because her attack begins in the midfield, making her the mark seldom stopped her. "She is a difference maker," said Repede. "Teams would key on her, but coming out of the midfield like she does, people continually struggled to stop her." When she wasn't scoring goals, she was helping others get the job done collecting 8 assists. "She is a hard worker, and plays the game very unselfishly," said Repede. Among the Top-3 leading scorers in the Independent School League, Steimle was a unanimous all-conference choice.

Alanah Thompson, Streamwood

Behind great footwork and field vision that cannot be taught, Alanah Thompson led the Streamwood offense with 10 goals and 10 assists. Spending time at forward and at sweeper, Thompson could most often be found in the midfield. "Alanah is just a presence on the field no matter where we have her," said Sabre coach Matt Polovin. "I could put her up top, and she would score goals with both feet. She is soccer smart and a very hard working player." An all-conference (Upstate Eight) and all sectional selection, this junior has spent her entire high school career at the varsity level recording 22 career goals to date. "Alanah is also a two-sided player," said Polovin. "She always gets back and marks up. She give 110 percent at all times." In a 5-2 season ending loss to Elk Grove at the Elk Grove regional, Thompson scored both Sabre goals. "I needed Alanah to step up and she did," said Polovin.

Alyse Williams, Huntley

It's difficult to ignore a freshman defender that can successfully mark and contain the areas best forwards which is exactly what Alyse Williams has done for Huntley. "I haven't seen a better defender all year," remarked Red Raider coach Kris Grabner. "She can absolutely mark the best." With the poise, strength and the skill of a veteran player, Williams was a big part of helping Huntley to 18 shutouts and a berth in the sectional championship for the first time in program history. "I don't see her having a weakness," said Grabner. "She is great in the air and she traps the ball incredibly well." Known by teammates as the 'eraser' Williams also displays diversity on the pitch. "When someone makes a mistake, Alyse cleans it up," Grabner said. "She can strike the dead ball like nobody I've seen. She has a special talent for it." In a 3-0 postseason win over Jacobs, Williams booted a shot past Jacobs' keeper Jessica Taldone from nearly 40 yards out. "It would be difficult to choose one game where she excelled because she has been one of our most consistent players from the start."

Erica Williams, South Elgin

Despite being a freshman, the South Elgin girls soccer team, veterans included, voted for Erica Williams as the team's most valuable player. Williams entered the big leagues and quickly stepped into a key defensive role. "Erica made a lot of stops for us," said Storm coach Tiffany Disher. "She has great field vision, she cuts off angles well, dribbles well and played every minute of every game for us." Said to be like a second goalkeeper in the back, Williams also did her share to benefit the offense. "She can settle balls at her feet, look up and pass with precision," Disher said. "She can also pass directly via the header. She could play offense, but she is such a strong athlete, that we wanted her in the back."

Aimee Wronski, Huntley

Freshman forward Aimee Wronski opened up the 2008 season scoring in eight consecutive games to quickly put herself in a 3-way tie for 7th all-time in the Illinois record books for most consecutive matches scored in. According to Huntley coach Kris Grabner, her speed makes fast players look slow. Closing Fox Valley Conference Fox Division action against Grayslake Central, Wronski quickly caught the eye of the Butler University assistant coach who was at the game scouting a Grayslake player. "That coach got on the phone with Butler's head coach right after the game and said that he had to get out to see Aimee play," Grabner recalled. "She is just a play-maker. She serves a great ball, she is excellent at getting the shot off and already her first touch is well above-average." Her 17 goals and 4 assists undoubtedly helped Huntley to a 21-1 record, a regional championship title and a berth in the sectional championship game. "Aimee always finds a way to get it done," said Grabner. "She changes direction so well, and her ability to turn and burn enables her to take the double team easily."