Runyan key to Carmel's championship season
Carmel Catholic's postseason girls soccer run included Runyans. And while the individual accolades were sweet, there was nothing sweeter for the Corsairs than what they experienced last weekend.
Led throughout the season by McKenzie Runyan, Carmel captured its first state championship, winning the Class 2A title with a 1-0 win over Chatham Glenwood at North Central College in Naperville last Saturday.
Named the East Suburban Catholic Conference player of the year and an all-sectional player as well, Runyan is the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team.
"It means a lot to me," she said. "I wanted to end my senior year (with winning a state championship). It was a huge accomplishment. Going this far (in the state tournament) is big and getting the title is even bigger."
Runyan, a tireless midfielder/forward, scored 16 goals and led the Corsairs in assists with 14. She and her twin, Megan, who was also named all-sectional, will both be attending Rochester College in New York and playing soccer.
"I'm proud of her. We work well together," said Megan, who's more of a defensive midfielder. "(The honors) are exciting. We're best friends. When one or the other gets something like that, you feel proud and excited for them as well."
It doesn't take being her sister for Megan to see what attributes McKenzie has as a soccer player.
"She's a hard worker and motivates the team," Megan said. "She's running and competing with everyone. We're all working to get to the same level. We can be goofballs in practice, but we get serious when we have to. We tell jokes a lot in practice. We do fun things a lot of times. But when we get down to work, especially in games, we can get serious."
Carmel coach John Halloran knew soon after McKenzie entered his program that he had a talented player that could also be a leader.
"I think what really separates McKenzie Runyan from most players is her work rate during games," Halloran said. "Of course, she has tremendous skill, but many players are talented. What made Kenzie such a difference-maker was her willingness to give her all in every minute of every game."
In a word, Runyan was relentless.
"She chased down every loose ball, pressured every defender and challenged every 50-50 ball," Halloran said. "And when you combine that level of work with her physical and technical gifts, you have a really special player.
"I also don't think it can be overstated how great Kenzie's attitude was," he added. "She came in from Day 1 ready to work hard, fully integrated herself with her teammates and was 100 percent willing to play slightly out of position for the good of the team. She is definitely a rare breed of athletic talent, technical proficiency and tactical acumen."
Carmel senior midfielder Kayla Handel has been playing soccer with McKenzie since they were 8 years old.
"She's a great teammate with a great work ethic," Handel said. "She's very aggressive and will come at back lines. She's just tenacious with her attack. She has a great shot, too. She's an all-around great player and a great friend."
No words needed.
"She's like a silent leader on the field," Handel added. "She's provides us with a lot. When we're warming up, she makes sure that were focusing and is a good leader in that regard. She's had a great season and very deserving for what she's done."