Girls soccer: Thompson grows into complete leader at Libertyville

Annie Thompson led by example and by developing a goal-scoring touch that kept improving during her four years of varsity soccer for Libertyville.

That was especially true this spring, as Thompson might have made her biggest growth spurt of all - as a leader.

The top scorer on a team that was in the running for a conference title and ended up falling to sectional champion Barrington in penalty kicks at Palatine, Thompson was also a leader in ways that are more difficult to quantify.

"She was the 'Miss Everything' for us," Libertyville coach Andy Bitta said. "She was a team leader, and she had a glorious senior year. She was an attacking striker that gave others more running room and exploited other teams' defenses. She scored some great goals."

Her 16 goals and 10 assists were key for the Wildcats, who finished 14-5-2. Thompson's varied contributions make her the captain of the Daily Herald's All-Area team for Lake County.

"I'm thrilled and didn't expect it all," Thompson said. "We had the best group of girls to play with. This is a cherry on top, and a great honor."

In addition to her effectiveness as a scorer, Thompson made it a point to lead by example at all times. That, she says, was simply following the example she'd learned in the program.

"I've always put myself in leadership positions over the years," Thompson said. "I just try to keep myself focused. It wasn't hard to do. It was just a matter of getting our practices started, running, stretching and getting our team focused with the right mindset."

One memorable technique Thompson used in practices to keep the team loose won't soon be forgotten by her teammates.

"She would make funny noises when you would run by her," said Julie Neiweem, a senior defender. "It was like race car noises. When she ran, she would always make people laugh and would smile at the team.

"She was a great player - not just a scorer. She helped other players score. She helped the team dynamic and led by example."

Thompson was a big proponent of the program's Little Sister initiative, which paired experienced players with younger ones.

"A lot of our teams do this at the school," Thompson said. "At our first official varsity practice, we put this together. It was team bonding and team chemistry that helped us win games. We drew the freshmen and sophomores with the upperclassman.

"We worked with each other, passed along candies and sweets and other things, and that brought us together."

Make no mistake: During games, Thompson was all business. She was the kind of player who made the most of her talent - always working, always striving.

"I really put pressure on myself to score goals," Thompson said. "If I didn't do it, I really would get mad at myself."

Thompson will attend Texas Christian University in the fall to study nursing.

Looking back on her high school experience, Thompson can take satisfaction in knowing she's leaving the program in a healthy state after a deep playoff run.

"This was a great year," Thompson said. "It was a great to play at a high level of competition. I'll miss the routine of practice during the week, and I'll miss playing for the school."