Girls soccer / Scouting Lake County
North Suburban Prairie
Antioch
Coach: Hannah Drye (third year)
Last season: 5-16, lost to Lakes in the Class 2A regional semifinals
Top players lost: Natalie Gonzalez, Sara Knupp, Sammi Mordawski
Top players returning: Mallory Fracek (Sr. MF), Melissa Spooner (Sr. F), Lauren Tiffany (Sr. D), Erica Slack (Jr. MF)
Top newcomers: Alexandra Fracek (Fr. MF), Kaylee Price (Fr. GK), Kali Pope (Fr. MF)
Other notable players: Gabby Boyce (Sr. D), Becca Clark (Sr. D), Emily Lazansky (Sr. MF), Danielle Smith (Sr. D), Emma Siemsen (Sr. D), Kelsey Tylkowski (Sr. D), Jessica Gonzalez (Jr. D), Callee Laurel (Jr. MF), Ashley Mihovilovich (Jr. MF), Shannon Mundt (Jr. MF), Kristan Rupprect (Jr. MF), Sam Toakarczyk (Jr. D), Alex Utter (Jr. D), Abby McIlhany (So. F), Ashley Walpole (So. F)
Outlook: The Sequoits are looking to get back on track after a disappointing 2010 season. The good news is, they return all-conference midfielder Erica Slack. “We have the potential to be much better,” coach Hannah Drye said. “We have upperclassmen girls working hard at practice and leading well. We should be a lot more competitive this year.”
Grant
Coach: Michael Kennedy (sixth year)
Last season: 5-10-5, lost to Lake Zurich in the Class 3A regional semifinals.
Top players lost: Roberta Avilez, Michelle Gazowski, Hope Lantz, Sam Pecorini
Top players returning: Ashley Flores (Sr. MF), Trisha Palmieri (Sr. D), Shelby Stuparits (Sr. D), Kassie Stimpson (Jr. D), Brianna Miller (Jr. D), Vanessa Forman (So. F)
Top newcomers: Haley Derks (Fr. D), Danielle Frazer (Fr. F), Lindsey Lewis (Fr. MF), Emily Weaver (Fr. GK), Alyssa Wilhelm (Fr. F)
Other notable players: Stephanie Aichholzer (Jr. F), Katie Brown (Jr. MF), Jennifer Jones (Jr. GK), Sophie Finerty (So. MF), Mallory Gizowski (So. F), Felicia Menon (So. F), Kyra Schmidt (So. MF)
Outlook: The Bulldogs will be young, which might not be a bad thing. Sophomore defender Kassie Stimpson made all-conference last year. Freshman Alyssa Wilhelm scored a hat trick against Round Lake at Grayslake Central on Tuesday. “With a very young team this year, we hope to compete and play hard for the entire game,” coach Michael Kennedy said.
Lakes
Coach: Kevin Kullby (sixth year)
Last season: 21-7, lost to St. Viator in the Class 2A sectional final
Top players lost: Alyssa Baker (Carthage), Sarah Bartlett, Ashley Chernich (Lake County), Jessica David, Michelle Kosmen, Brittany Mooney, Alex Neal (George Washington), Kristina Umlauf (Aurora)
Top players returning: Sarah Fitzpatrick (Sr. GK), Rebecca Hill (Sr. MF), Emily Mason (Sr. D), Ashley Neubeck (Sr. MF)
Top newcomers: Jenna Baker (Jr. D), Katie Mason (Jr. D), Hannah Jewel (So. F), Nicole Mogged (So. D, transferred from Carmel)
Other notable players: Anne-Marie Brugioni (Sr. D), Sarah Dreyer (Sr. D), Nicole Kruckeberg (Sr. D), Leah Baker (Jr. F), Anne Safron (Jr. MF), Alyssa Tillion (Jr. D), Jennell Umlauf (Jr. MF), Mikaela Brown (So. D), Paige Coddington (So. MF), Sarah Norkus (So. MF), Rebecca Pierce (So. D), Haley Simpson (So. MF), Megan Soderland (So. MF), Sarina Umlauf (So. MF)
Outlook: The Eagles have soared the last couple of seasons to a Class 2A supersectional two years ago and a sectional final last year. But they lost eight outstanding players, including Alex Neal (37 goals last season) and Michelle Kosmen (26 goals), to graduation. In total, the Eagles graduated five all-NSC players. They return four starters, including midfielder Ashley Neubeck (honorable mention all-NSC last year). “The team is solid in the starting lineup,” coach Kevin Kullby said. “My hope is that we can compete for the division, regional and sectional titles.”
Round Lake
Coach: Andres Orbe (second year)
Last season: 4-19, lost to Dundee-Crown in the Class 3A regional quarterfinals
Top players lost: April Barroso, Angie Carie, Nicole Mata, Krissy Ortiz, Natalie Ponce, Veronica Salgado (Trinity International), Hayley Vaughn (Western Iowa)
Top players returning: Mahyn Mata (Sr. MF), Kassey Tellez (Sr. F), Jasmine Huerta (Jr. MF), Claudia Nunez (Jr. D), Jackie Salgado (Jr. D)
Top newcomers: Bianca Mahoney (So. MF)
Other notable players: Ana Albor (Sr. F), Fiorela Tovar (Sr. MF), Bianca Duna (Jr. MF), Lorena Gomez (Jr. D), Claudia Hernandez (Jr. GK), Sidney Rose (Jr. MF), Katie Trujillo (Jr. D), Morgan Evans (So. F), Danielle Herdman (So. D), Evelyn Hernandez (So. MF), Naomi Kalume (So. D), Erika Quevedo (So. MF), Elizabeth Salgado (So. F)
Outlook: The Panthers are hoping to duplicate the boys’ success. Back are a pair of 2010 honorable mention all-conference choices in midfielder Jasmine Huerta and defender Claudia Nunez. “I expect this season to be the best one in Round Lake High School girls soccer history,” coach Andres Orbe said. “I have a group of determined athletes who are driven by a vision that was set in stone last season and will continue with this year.” The Panthers suffered a tough break when Mahyn Mata broke her collarbone, which means she will miss the season.
Vernon Hills
Coach: Vince DeLuca (ninth year)
Last season: 8-10-2, lost to St. Viator in the Class 2A sectionals semifinals
Top players lost: Jessica Feece, Jenny Manhard, Stephanie Pecht, Racquel Roos, Bridget Walsh
Top players returning: Kathryn Redig (Sr. MF), Julie Pecht (Jr. MF), Ikie Ostrovsky (Jr. GK), Brie Bahlmann (So. D), Courtney Corrado (So. D), Heidi VanderBloomer (So. MF)
Top newcomers: Kimberly Amari (Fr. F), Sara Gehrett (Fr. D), Emelia Jaskovska (Fr. D), Natalina Mariduena (Fr. F)
Other notable players: Polly Kalantzis (Sr. F), Leah Kelly (Sr. F), Marylena Lehockey (Sr. MF), Alex Goldstein (Jr. MF), Allisa Menotti (Jr. D), Anne Starykowicz (Jr. MF), Allison Clatch (So. F), Alina Lehockey (So. D)
Outlook: The Cougars are always competitive and this spring should be no different. Key players back include senior midfielder Kathryn Redig and junior keeper Ikie Ostrovsky, both of whom were all-conference last year. “We should be competitive enough to give teams a run for their money,” coach Vince DeLuca said. “We’ve got a great group of kids returning with lots of potential.”
Wauconda
Coach: Terry Stevig (17th year)
Last season: 10-11, lost to St. Viator in the Class 2A regional semifinals
Top players lost: Laura Bustos, Karina Flores
Top players returning: Emily Baird (Sr. D), Tammy Ellis (Sr. MF), Shannon Gilbert (Sr. D), Melanie Prudhomme (Sr. MF), Hannah Voyta (Sr. MF/F), Alissa Bustos (Jr. MF), Cara Leoni (Jr. GK), Maggie Sarich (Sr. F)
Top newcomers: Kelly Schaal (Sr. MF)
Other notable players: Lauren Guzman (Sr. D/MF), Haley Mulliner (Sr. MF), Laura Roncal (Sr. D), Natasha Braun (Jr. MF), Diana Enriquez (Jr. D/MF), Alicia Knight (Jr. MF), Melissa Latham (Jr. D), Megan Rohde (Jr. F), Kim Bower (So. GK), Madi Granata (Fr. D/MF)
Outlook: The Bulldogs return 15 players and are hoping to stay healthy. Injuries hurt them last year. Back are four all-conference players in midfielders Hannah Voyta, Melanie Prudhomme and Tammy Ellis and defender Emily Baird. Defender Shannon Gilbert and forward Maggie Sarich made honorable mention all-NSC last spring. “I think it’s a good group of kids coming back with potential,” coach Terry Stevig said. “It all depends on how well we come together as the season goes along.”
North Suburban Lake
Lake Zurich
Coach: Meghan Kolze (third year)
Last season: 10-10-1, lost to Barrington in the Class 3A regional finals
Top players lost: Hailey Chmela (Valparaiso), Maggie Eisenhuth, Stacy Sanders, Sarah Stauner
Top players returning: Kate Arends (Sr. D), Brooke Sill (Sr. MF), Alex Nasca (Sr. D), Maisie Cox (Jr. MF), Catalina Abad (So. D), Vanesa Abad (So. F)
Top newcomers: Denise Rowan (So. F)
Other notable players: Katie Botwin (Sr. D), Amanda Green (Sr. D), Tracy Kapraun (Sr. D), Anna Kurowska (Sr. GK), Gina McCoy (Sr. F), Molly Murrin (Sr. F), Colleen Swanson (Sr. MF), Jenna Therrian (Sr. D), Josie Willman (Sr. D), Allison Zurawski (Sr. MF), Maggie Monson (Jr. GK), Jessica West (So. MF)
Outlook: The Bears are playing a different defensive style that should keep them in most games. Senior defender Alex Nasca was an all-conference choice last year, while defender Kate Arends and midfielder Maisie Cox were honorable mention all-NSC selections. “I believe we can compete in the top half of our division,” coach Meghan Kolze said. “If we master our new defensive concept and get fit, there’s no question that we will be among the top teams in our division.”
Libertyville
Coach: Scott Schinto (13th year)
Last season: 11-8-2, lost to Glenbrook South in the Class 3A regional semifinals
Top players lost: Claire Kakenmaster, Michele McCracken, Mackenzie Jaroch (Arizona), Christine Sickert
Top players returning: Lindsey Daly (Sr. D/MF), Haley Pike (Sr. MF/F), Allie Roeber (Sr. D/MF), Kaca Savatic (Sr. D/MF), Katie Swift (Sr. D), Valerie Van Roeyen (Sr. D/MF)
Top newcomers: Sydney Mudd (Fr. MF/F)
Other notable players: Sarah Felgenhauer (Sr. D), Elise Moderwell (Sr. MF/F), Gracie Vente (Sr. MF/F), Lauren DelPrato (Jr. D), Jess Faber (JR. MF/F), Kayla Gibbs (Jr. GK), Sam Julian (Jr. MF/F), Natalie LaPlant (Jr. GK), Colleen O’Connor (Jr. MF/F), Kat Keefe (So. D/MF), Sam Marsh (So. MF/F), Katie McAuliffe (So. D/MF)
Outlook: The Wildcats lost some experienced players but have others ready to step in. The returning talent includes senior defender Katie Swift and senior midfielder Haley Pike, both of whom earned all-conference accolades last season. Senior defender/midfielder Valerie Van Roeyen was selected to the honorable mention all-NSC squad. “We do have a lot of returning players and some great new additions,” coach Scott Schinto said. “We will be competitive and tough. (We’re) looking forward to a challenging schedule.”
Mundelein
Coach: Dave Ekstrom (23rd year)
Last season: 19-3-3, lost to Fremd in Class 3A sectional final
Top players lost: Stephanie Emery (Dayton), Lisa Garza, Molly Rohan
Top players returning: Ashley Begrowicz (Sr. F), Abbey Ekstrom (Sr. MF), Nathalie Mathis (Sr. D), Melanie Swager (Sr. GK), Aarika Cancelli (Sr D)
Top newcomers: Caroline Emdy (Sr. D), Molly Rosenow (Jr. F), Stephanie Johnson (So. MF), McKenna Joy (So. D), Kaila Cancelli (Fr. F)
Other notable players: Ashley Asher (Sr. MF), Sarah Bassett (Sr. MF), Shannon Frainey (Sr. F), Ashley Munley (Sr. D), Jenny Small (Sr. MF), Kelsey Hiegel (Jr. D), Gaby Miranda (So. MF)
Outlook: It’s the final season for coach Dave Ekstrom, whose Mustangs look strong, despite the graduation of all-state striker Stephanie Emery (28 goals), the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team. The team returns 11 seniors, a number of whom who saw extensive playing time. Senior forward Ashley Begrowicz (18 goals), senior midfielder Abbey Ekstrom, senior defender Nathalie Mathis and senior keeper Melanie Swager all made all-conference. Senior defender Aarika Cancelli was honorable mention all-NSC. “We expect to be very successful this season,” Dave Ekstrom said. “A key for us will be how the returning starters mesh with the new players.”
Stevenson
Coach: Mark Schartner (17th year)
Last season: 14-5-2, lost to Hersey in the Class 3A regional final
Top players lost: Allison Bottner, Jo Jo Kurth, Missy Lorretto (Trinity), Emily Niedermayer (Cedarville), Nicole Sodomire, Jackie Wynn
Top players returning: Taylor Connington (Sr. D/MF), Austin Gregorcy (Sr. MF), Lizzy Sanscrainte (Sr. GK), Katie Krejsa (Jr. F), Olivia Whalen (Jr. F)
Top newcomers: Jenna Weiner (So. MF), Hannah Levi (Fr. MF)
Other notable players: Christine Gregory (Sr. MF), Caeli Loris (Sr. D), Hannah Scher (Sr. MF), Kara Ballard (Jr. F), Molly Brandt (Jr. D), Jordan Jabeck (Jr. GK), Micaela Miller (Jr. D), Ali Olson (So, D), Alise Tokars (So. F), Erin Bailey (Fr. D), Carolyn Briggs (Fr. D), Cori Calcaterra (Fr. GK), Anne Geocaris (Fr. D), Hallie Goldenstein (Fr. MF), Haley Green (Fr. F), Megan Petrick (Fr. D)
Outlook: The defending NSC champs have gone from an experienced team with a number of upperclassmen to 12 freshmen and sophomores. However, don’t let the youth fool you. Keeper Lizzy Sanscrainte has signed with Illinois. She was an all-conference selection a year ago, as were junior forward Katie Krejsa and senior midfielder Austin Gregorcy. “We have one of our youngest teams in our history,” coach Mark Schartner said. “We’re athletic. I’m just not sure how good we can be. It’s a matter of working on the strategic things at the varsity level. It’s also knowing how to use our strengths. I expect things can only get better. They are young, hungry and coachable.”
Warren
Coach: Jeff Knouse (eighth year)
Last season: 12-11-1, lost to Glenbrook South in the Class 3A regional finals
Top players lost: Kelsey Armour (Wisconsin-Parkside), Kerry Eddy, Natalia Jovanovic (University of Chicago), Megan Kilroy (St. Ambrose), Sarah Musick, Kelsey Taylor (North Park), Kirstin Taylor (North Park)
Top players returning: Jackie Luka (Sr. MF), Sky Anselm (Jr. F), Amanda Macuiba (Jr. GK), Katelyn McDermott (Jr. F), Rachel Walz (Jr. D)
Top newcomers: McKenna Hofflander (Fr. F), Katherine Schwede (Fr.)
Other notable players: Megan Byrd (Sr. GK), Stephanie Church (Sr. F), Mariah Lewis (Sr. MF), Rachel Stemplewski (Sr. D), Kelly Ditmars (Jr. MF), Katie Murphy (Jr. D), Rylee Parker (Jr. D), Kenzie Verheyen (Jr. D), Alexandra Reyes (Jr. MF), Haley Church (So. MF), Courtni France (So. MF), Ellie Gallo (So. MF), Taylor Jamil (So. F), Paige Jespersen (So. MF), Tatiana Katres (So. D)
Outlook: The Blue Devils lost some notable players but have some solid returning talent, including all-conference senior midfielder Jackie Luka. “We will be a competitive team that will give you a battle every time we step on the field,” coach Jeff Knouse said. “We are a young team that will gain experience in every match.”
Fox Valley Fox
Grayslake Central
Coach: Mike McCaulou (ninth year)
Last season: 13-7, lost to Vernon Hills in Class 2A regional final
Top players lost: Maggie Klees, Brittani Risinger
Top players returning: Kat Dickson (Sr. GK), Michelle Lettenmair (Jr. D), Lauren Labello (Sr. MF/F), Allison Mitchell (Sr. D), Skyler Jessop (Jr. MF/F), Emily Schrader (Jr. MF)
Top newcomers: Jordan Larson (So. MF/F)
Other notable players: Allie Black (Sr. MF), Kelly Jay (Sr. D/MF), Brooke Swearingen (Sr. D/MF), Colleen Daly (Jr. MF), Sarah Gauger (Jr. MF), Jocelyn Gaughran (Jr. D), Emma Shepard (Jr. MF), Kelsey Skutnick (Jr. MF), Savannah Mudd (So. D/MF), Caitlin Nance (Jr. D), Alex Wilson (Jr. F), Marissa Labello (So. MF)
Outlook: The Rams return with a number of experienced players, including three-time all-FVC keeper Kat Dickson and 2010 all-area defenders Michelle Lettenmair and Allison Mitchell. “I expect good ball movement and possession from this year’s group,” coach Mike McCaulou said. “I also feel we will create many good scoring opportunities. Our focus is on finishing. I think we will be very strong in back and have a solid group.”
Grayslake North
Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (fifth year)
Last season: 10-12-1, lost to Vernon Hills in Class 2A regional semifinal
Top players lost: Megan McHugh, Lainey Pasternak, Alyssa Soulis (Concordia)
Top players returning: Chloe Basa (Sr. MF), Kim Shurtliff (Sr. MF/F), Katie Lahera (Jr. MF), Andrea Lamb (Jr. D), Katie McGrath (Jr. D/F), Hannah Mitchem (Jr. D), Brooke Sauer (Jr. GK), Lyz Steinhoff (Jr. MF), Maggie Stojak (Jr. F), Jaclyn Brennan (So. MF)
Top newcomers: Kendall Detweiler (Fr. D), Chelsea Olson (Sr. MF)
Other notable players: Taylor Cashman (Sr. MF), Melissa Hohensee (Jr. D), Kelly Casey (So. D), Taylor Wright (So. MF)
Outlook: The Knights continue to grow each season. And they’re not done. Junior sweeper Katie McGrath was an all-area choice last spring. “I still expect us to continue to show progress and compete in every game we play,” coach Adam DeCaluwe said. “We have been making consistent progress over the last couple seasons and, without a doubt, that should continue this season.”
East Suburban Catholic
Carmel Catholic
Coach: John Halloran (eighth year)
Last season: 11-7, lost to Fremd in the Class 3A regional final
Top players lost: Maddie Allen (Wheaton College), Kassidy Brown (Illinois), Leah Einarsen, Jessica Gilstrap, Lauren Lehman
Top players returning: Lauren Bowles (Sr. MF), Shannon Kouba (Sr. D), Jessica Petermann (Sr. MF), Kelly Trillhaase (Sr. D/MF), Helen Wagner (Sr. D/MF), Caitlin Jung (Jr. D), Shannon Jung (Jr. MF), Maggie Karich (Jr. MF), Sarah McHugh (Jr. MF), Ashley Orth (Jr. MF/F), Meegan Johnston (So. MF)
Top newcomers: Maggie Avampato (So. GK), Elizabeth Bream (So. F), Brianne Carlson (So. MF/F), Kate Larson (So. GK), Caitlin Murphy (So. MF), Claire Ogrinc (So. D), Sadie Jung (Fr. MF), Jenna Bauer (So. GK)
Outlook: The Corsairs started their season battling through some injuries, but expect to be healthy soon. Returning seniors include 2010 all-ESCC choices Lauren Bowles and Kelly Trillhaase. “We’ll have to fight through the first couple of weeks,” coach John Halloran said. “We expect to be very competitive in the area and will be looking to win both a conference and regional championship this year.”