Girls soccer: Lake County all-area team

Amy Andrea Vernon HillsMore than a role player, Andrea excelled in taking on a key change in roles as she migrated from defense to the midfield to shore up a team need. She'll get a chance to show off her versatility next year at Arkansas State. In her senior season, Andrea scored 6 goals and had 4 assists, earning all-sectional honors after a four-year varsity run. "Her relentless play in helping anchor our central midfield was a big reason we had a good year," Vernon Hills coach Vince DeLuca said. "She not only filled in the midfield, but her attitude to win every ball and defend with passion is what helped her to excel at that position."

Madeline Blasko Lake Zurich

When it came to being competitive and putting others in a position to succeed, Blasko was a regular winner. She had 11 assists to go with 10 goals this spring on her way to all-sectional honors. "Madeline is a very competitive player and was able to control the midfield and help make our team go." Lake Zurich coach Michael Castronova said. "Madeline has some of the best foot skills I've ever seen for a high school player. She's able to distribute the ball very well and is usually the one who makes the pass before the final assist pass. She's also a good defender and is able to mark the other team's best midfielder and is able to win the ball in key places on the field to help our team transition to offense."

Liz Carrano WarrenWith back-to-back all-area selections on her resume, Carrano was the last line of defense for the Blue Devils, earning 8 shutouts for a young team that advanced to a Class 3A regional final. "She showed that she could be in such command, and she organized the back line," Warren coach Ryan McCabe said. "She plays the ball well with both feet on clearances. Liz reads the play so well that saves seem easier than they actually are. She also made some tremendous saves that kept us in games against the state's best teams."

Megan Carroll MundeleinA rock-solid defender, Carroll held things together for Mundelein in the back also and moved up to midfield when called upon. She'll take her skills to Wisconsin-Lacrosse next fall after scoring 2 goals with 2 assists in an all-sectional season that caps a four-year varsity career. "She was once again the rock of our defense," Mundelein coach Ernie Billittier said. "Her first touch consistently sets up her next pass, which is why she has a high passing percentage. She has fantastic vision that allows her to make penetrating passes easily. As a center back she was able to build the ball out from the back because she could split opponents' lines with her accurate passes."

Blair Coughenour Lake ZurichDefense was a big part of Lake Zurich's strong season and eventual trip to the Class 3A sectional finals. Coughenour was a key cog in that defense, and her four years of varsity experience helped her earn all-sectional status. "She has amazing speed and steps to the ball extremely well," Lake Zurich coach Michael Castronova said. "Blair was a physical defender, a tough 1 v 1 defender and she never comes off the field for us. She is a vocal player and has been a leader for our defense this season."

Elly Daleske Lake ZurichBetter and better each year, Elly Daleske has steadily improved not only as a keeper but also as a leader for Lake Zurich in a return all-area team selection. Her stats this season - 15 shutouts and a .67 goals-against - are impressive, along with her four-year varsity career total of 44 shutouts in 84 games. "She comes off her line very well, has great hand-eye coordination, is great at defending crosses and shots in the air and has great foot skills for a keeper," Lake Zurich coach Michael Castronova said. "Elly has been huge for us this season. She's made at least 2-3 game-changing saves every game. She steps up when her team needs her most and comes up big in key situations. She's been a huge reason why we've been successful this season, and the past four seasons."

Ellen Daugerdas Libertyville

A dangerous player in the air, Daugerdas made her mark with a fierce approach to headers. That led to her scoring key goals in leading the Wildcats to victories, and she also showed great strength as a defender. "She was our best player at heading the ball," Libertyville coach Andy Bitta said. "She really organizes the defense for us and always communicated to the other players on the field. She's our inspirational leader."

Nicole D'Ambrose LakesScoring came naturally for D'Ambrose, both in the air on headers and with her feet. She finished with a team-best 17 goals and had 7 assists for the Eagles this season, with totals of 45 goals and 20 assists in three varsity seasons. "She has a knack for scoring and setting her teammates up for goals as well," Lakes coach Kevin Kullby said. "She'll be taking her talents to play college soccer next season at Viterbo in Lacrosse Wisconsin."

Caroline Dempsey StevensonMidfield was a strength for Stevenson, and Dempsey was a big reason for it. She led the way offensively for the Patriots, dishing out 17 assists along with scoring 4 goals. She'll compete at Washington University in St. Louis next fall after earning all-sectional honors this spring. "Caroline was a force defensively in the center of the field," Stevenson coach Kevin Heffernan said. "Opponents would have to avoid the middle of the field and attack down the flanks or risk losing possession. She was one of the best players in the state because of her soccer IQ. She would be able to read defenses and adjust in order to get the ball into scoring positions."

Kaitlin Gramins Vernon HillsVernon Hills depended on Gramins to be a first-rate finisher, and she certainly delivered. Gramins led the team with 13 goals and 12 assists and earned all-sectional recognition. "She's been one of our most dangerous attackers coming out of the left side midfield," Vernon Hills coach Vince DeLuca said. "She's very fast and aggressive, and has a knack for scoring the 'big' goals. She also carries a charming personality and always displays positive leadership on and off the field."

Kayla Handel Carmel CatholicHandel hand a handle on continuous improvement throughout four outstanding years on the varsity and earned a repeat selection to the all-area team. She contributed 4 goals and 10 assists this spring for the Class 2A state champs and will play soccer next fall at Swarthmore College. "This year, we used Kayla in a new role as an outside midfielder," Carmel Catholic coach John Halloran said. "After a short period of adjustment, she became a major contributor for us, picking up the game-winning assists against Mundelein and Benet and the game-winning goal against St. Viator in the sectional championship. Her intelligence in big games was also instrumental to our success, as she often dropped into our back line late when we were protecting a lead and acted as a fourth defender."

Erin Johnston Carmel CatholicJohnston scored the game-winning goal in the Corsaits' Class 2A state championship effort against Chatham Glenwood. The Marquette-commit finished the season with 3 goals and 9 assists. "I think the fact that Erin scored the game-winning goal in the state championship game was the perfect reward for her," Carmel Catholic coach John Halloran said. "All year, Erin had been one of our key playmakers, often making the pass that broke our opponent's defense down. But because that pass was often the second or third pass before the goal, it wasn't noted on the scoresheet. Even so, we never doubted Erin's ability or the impact she was making for us in games. Erin was one of many players for us this year that was forced to play slightly out of position (at forward) because we simply had too many attacking midfielders to put on the field at the same time."

Jackie Lung WaucondaA hard-wrking leader for Wauconda at midfield, Lung helped the Bulldogs make big strides in improving their record this season. She earns a second straight selection to the all-area team. "She's been the engine in the middle of the field that drove our team to a 10-win season," Wauconda coach Patrick Heckmann said. "She really has pushed herself in the off seasons to get faster and stronger, both with and without the ball. Subsequently she led the entire team in minutes per games played. She has matured greatly and has exemplified what a varsity athlete looks like."

Morgan Lyon Grayslake NorthThe Knights proved difficult to solve on defense, and Lyon had a lot to do with that as she helped Grayslake North set school records for the fewest goals allowed in a season to go with 11 shutouts. She also was able to score 3 goals and dish out 8 assists from the back. "Morgan was a top-notch defender that attacks as well as she defends," Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "She reads the game incredibly well and she is a great tackler. This allows her to be very aggressive in her approach and for us to get her forward as much as possible."

Haley Miller Carmel CatholicTo start the season, Miller was asked to fill a defensive role. It turned out to be a great fit, as she helped lead a unit which contributed to 15 shutouts. Miller also scored twice on set pieces and had an assist. "She was so impressive and stepped into our center back role as a sophomore," Carmel Catholic coach John Halloran said. "She didn't flinch for one second. On the field, Haley had a senior to her left, a senior to her right and two seniors directly in front of her. Still, she was always completely composed, even in the biggest of games. Obviously, Haley was a huge part of our success this season and a big reason why our defense only gave up 1 goal in seven playoff games."

Leah Nehila GrantThe dependable Nehila helped lead a Bulldogs defense that came up with 7 shutouts this season. Her abilities will take her to the next level as she'll compete at Wisconsin-Whitewater in the fall. On top of her defensive contributions, Nehila scored 3 goals and dished out 6 assists. "Leah was an outstanding leader on and off the field," Grant coach Michael Kennedy said. "She played a key role in our backfield and kept all the girls working together. She was a versatile player that could play every position and did it well."

Julia Neiweem LibertyvilleA dependable defender who was frequently asked to play further up the field, Neiween accepted both challenges and thrived. She scored a couple of goals and had an assist while earning all-sectional honors. "She was our best all around player," Libertyville coach Andy Bitta said. "She can play many positions on this team. She has a very strong right leg and took most of the restarts. Julia covers a lot of the field with her speed and was a great tackler."

McKenzie Runyan Carmel CatholicAfter an outstanding season on multiple levels, Runyan captains the all-area team. The East Suburban Catholic Conference player of the year and all-sectional choice finished with 14 goals and 16 assists. She played midfield and forward, setting the tone for success with hard work all season for the Corsairs as the program netted its first state championship. McKenzie will join her twin sister Megan to Rochester College next fall.

Sydney Paez Grayslake North

Paez displayed a knack for leadership that defies her youth. Her hard work defensively and in setting up the attack was an asset all season for the Knights. "Sydney ran the show for us, and we go as Sydney goes," Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "She has incredible stamina as she is the engine in our midfield, playing on both sides of the ball from box to box for nearly the entirety of almost every one of our games. Sydney is incredibly strong in the tackle, quick with the ball, and purposeful in her possession."

Alliyah Parker WarrenIn her second varsity season, Alliyah led Warren with 16 goals and 8 assists, netting her all-sectional honors and a repeat selection to the all-area team. "She's a sophomore that I have put a lot of responsibilities on as an attacking player," Warren coach Ryan McCabe said. "She scores goals and gets assists in big games. I have asked her to be a playmaker as well as an all-out attacker at different times this year. Alliyah has great skill and can creatively make opportunities around the goal. She has dangerous speed and as a sophomore shows composure around the goal like a veteran."

Maya Schmitt Lakes

Displaying remarkable consistency and determination, Schmitt played in every game in her four years on Lakes' varsity for a total of 87 matches. She produced 6 goals and 5 assists this spring and finished with 25 and 20 for her career. She'll continue in soccer next school year at Wisconsin-Lacrosse. "She has been the engine in our midfield," Lakes coach Kevin Kullby said. "She plays equally well on both sides of the ball. Outstanding defense and great passing ability over these four years has made her arguably the best all-around soccer player in Lakes history."

Lauren Spalding Grayslake Central

Known as a top player, Spalding provide the toughness on Grayslake Central's back line. A standout sweeper, Spaulding was a difference-make for a successful Rams team, scoring 5 goals with a couple of assists. She played four years on varsity for soccer and coupled that with basketball to stay busy. "She was an undeniable threat on set pieces and a key player throughout the entire season," said coach Bethany Russ. "Lauren is the player that will go wherever we needed and was a leader on the field."

Alexis Strothers WarrenStrothers's strength at sweeper helped her net all-state honors along with a return selection to the all-area team. Over her four years on varsity, she missed just 4 games. Her senior year, she contributed 2 goals and 3 assists while denying Warren's foes on scoring opportunities. Next year she'll be playing soccer at Wayne State. "She has great speed, game awareness, and toughness," Warren coach Ryan McCabe said. "She has consistently been asked to mark many of the area's top players and has done a tremendous job making those girls earn every accolade that they receive. I respect her work ethic and her contagious desire to consistently improve. I have received many compliments about how impressive and special a player that Alexis was."

Kya Suzuki StevensonSuzuki was a constant threat around the goal in a season that ended with 7 goals and 10 assists, along with an all-sectional selection. Northwestern will be the beneficiary of her skills next season. "Kya was a scoring threat through her one-on-ones, then attacking the goal," Stevenson coach Kevin Heffernan said. "But also she had the vision to dish the ball off to teammates making runs to goal. Kya was a leader on and off the field - always the first to practice and the last to leave, and still maintained straight A's in the classroom."

Sammie Villwock Grayslake North

Villwock was a big part of the Knights' super spring season. She contributed 27 goals and 16 assists, setting school records for both season and career scoring. She accomplished the career mark in just two seasons; Grayslake North had 19 wins this spring and went 33-11-3 with her in the lineup. An all-sectional player and one of the best players in the Fox Valley Conference, Villwock will be playing soccer next fall at South Dakota. "Sammie was very quick with or without the ball," Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "She was technically skilled with both feet and has an incredible ability to both create as well as finish chances. Above everything else, Sammie consistently looks to help make her teammates better."

Monica Wilhelm AntiochThis young but very talented freshman had an outstanding season in goal for Antioch, as evidence by the 7 shutouts she recorded. "Her freshman season has been nothing but extraordinary," Antioch coach Marni Polakow said. "She doesn't back down and she doesn't play like a freshman. Her hunger to be the best translated into an outstanding work ethic in training,which carries over to her play. We had a chance to win in every game because Monica kept us in the game. She came up with big save after big save to help us win games and give us a chance at a regional title."

Kayla Wisniewski Wauconda

A first-year player, Wisniewski stepped on the field and produced magic for Wauconda. She provided plenty of scoring for a freshman forward with 13 goals and 5 assists while helping the Bulldogs win 10 games this season. "Kayla has a great mix of speed, technical skill and a killer shot," Wauconda coach Patrick Heckmann sald. "She was the point of our offensive attack. She was a threat every time she got the ball and was always dangerous."

All-area roster

Amy Andrea Vernon Hills Sr. D/MF

Madeline Blasko Lake Zurich Jr. MF

Liz Carrano Warren Sr. GK

Megan Carroll Mundelein Sr. D/MF

Blair Coughenour Lake Zurich Sr. D

Elly Daleske Lake Zurich Sr. GK

Ellen Daugerdas Libertyville Jr. D

Nicole D'Ambrose Lakes Sr. F

Caroline Dempsey Stevenson Sr. MF/F

Kaitlin Gramins Vernon Hills Sr. MF

Kayla Handel Carmel Catholic Sr. MF

Erin Johnston Carmel Catholic Jr. MF/F

Jackie Lung Wauconda Sr. MF

Morgan Lyon Grayslake North So. D

Haley Miller Carmel Catholic Sr. D

Sydney Paez Grayslake North So. D/MF

Alliyah Parker Warren So. F

*McKenzie Runyan Carmel Catholic Sr. MF/F

Leah Nehila Grant Sr. D/MF

Julia Neiweem Libertyville Jr. D

Maya Schmitt Lakes Sr. MF

Lauren Spalding Grayslake Central Sr. D

Kya Suzuki Stevenson Sr. MF

Alexis Strothers Warren Sr. D

Sammie Villwock Grayslake North Sr. MF/F

Monica Wilhelm Antioch Fr. GK

Kayla Wisniewski Wauconda Fr. F

* All-areat team captain

Honorable mentionAimee Berg (Wauconda Jr. D), Raena Bennett (Mundelein Jr. D), Jenny Biondo (Grayslake Central Sr. D), Alyssa Brey (Lakes Sr. D), Hayley Capek (Antioch Jr. D/MF), Katie Cauble (Mundelein So. F), Kaitlin Considine (Libertyville Sr. D,) Jasmine Cruz (Round Lake So. MF), Lauren Davis (Grayslake North Fr. F), Lindsay Ditmars (Warren So. D), Stephanie Figueroa (Round Lake Sr. MF), Kristen Guglielmi (Vernon Hills Sr. F), Michelle Hernandez (Round Lake Jr. F), Emma Jaeger (Stevenson Jr. MF), Rebecca Kubin (Lake Zurich So. F), Amanda Lasso (Carmel Sr. D/MF), Emma Marx (Stevenson Sr. GK), Marissa Miller (Wauconda Jr. D), Megan Murray (Grant So. F), Cristy Nambo (Mundelein Sr. F), Nicole Nitti (Lakes Jr. D), Tina O'Block (Carmel So. GK), Nathalie Orozco (Vernon Hills Sr. MF), Danielle Pacholski (Libertyville Jr. MF), Jenna Pecorini (Grant Sr. MF/F), Bella Pighini (Lakes So. MF), Nicole Rasiarmos (Lake Zurich Sr. F), Jocelyn Rodriguez (Grayslake North Sr. MF), Valentina Rodriguez (Warren Jr. MF), Megan Runyan (Carmel Sr. D/MF), Anna Sizelove (Grayslake Central Sr. D), Quin Garbett (Grayslake Central Jr. MF/F), Mackenzie Sheehan (Carmel Sr. MF), Lauren Slack (Antioch Jr. MF), Annie Thompson (Libertyville Sr. F), Maggie Tuckey (Lake Zurich Sr. D), Danielle Ufheil (Lake Zurich Sr. F).