Girls water polo: Scouting Northwest
BarringtonCoach: Mark Markwell
2018 record: 18-10, 10-2 MSL
Top returning players: Seniors Katherine Holman, Brittany Snyder, Rachel Snyder, Alex Kelly, Cassidy Ehmcke, junior Samantha Pashkow
Key newcomers: Senior Vija Berry, juniors Ingrid Pallan, Maddie Case, Dana Love, Julie Vega, Hailey Schmidts, Maggie Guo
Outlook: Markwell likes the roster he has heading into the 2019 season. "We should be an exciting team this season," he said. "We have a great mixture of returning varsity players along with a nice group of new girls to the varsity team from last year's JV squad. Our strength rests with our leadership by our upperclassmen. They have played together and bonded for a couple years now and are showing good cohesiveness between them. We should be capable of scoring goals and be ready to defend other teams with our players and goalkeepers. We want to be a well-balanced team and be successful this year, but we know it's a long season and one of our biggest objectives is to stay healthy and have fun. Our team goal, as always, starts with trying to win our division and then we want to win the conference championship. That would give us a good opportunity in the sectional tournament to continue our season as long as possible."
Buffalo GroveCoach: Michael McPartlin
2018 record: 12-16 (4-6, 4th MSL East)
Top returning players: Seniors Cecelia Carlson (driver-2-meter), Diana Morosan (wing-2-meter), Shanelle Johnson-Cadle (goalie)
Key newcomers: Sophomores Gabriela Surdyka (wing-driver), Stefanie Surdyka (wing-driver)
Outlook: Carlson and Morosan were the team's leading scorers a year ago, while Johnson-Cadle earned all-sectional honors. "We are highly motivated to improve on our record from last season," said McPartlin. "We have quite a few returning starters and have significantly increased our participation in offseason programs. Ultimately, we look stronger and are playing more physically then we were at this same point last year. It's exciting to see." Speed and pool awareness will be strengths on offense, while defensive polo IQ will help the Bison on defense. "We will have more threats and chances to score on offense," said McPartlin. "Defensively, we are much smarter when it comes to handling the diverse styles of offenses that we will come up against. In the net, we will be able to place a lot of trust in our goalie, knowing that she will come through and make great saves game after game." McPartlin said his team's goal is to continue its upward trend. "Our goal is to always improve on the previous season," he said. "More importantly, we would like to continue to build on our culture of success in the program. I suspect MSL play will be even more exciting in the 2019 season. Conversely from last season, I think there are a few teams that all have a shot to take the championship. We need to ensure we capitalize and put the ball away when we have opportunities to do so with strong, accurate and confident shooting. We need to start out the season strong and build on that intensity as the season goes on."
ConantCoach: Justin Bickus
2018 record: 29-5 (10-0 MSL, MSL champions, sectional champions, state qualifier)
Top returning players: Seniors Olivia Olszewski (2-meter utility), Gabby Konieczny, Sarah Erne, juniors Sydney Arnold (utility), Abigail Hanley (utility), Sam Erne
Key newcomers: Junior Ishika Patel (utility), sophomores Nicole Fisch (goalie), Sam Henry (goalie), Paisley Stain (utility), Brooke Wartman (utility)
Outlook: Olszewski returns after scoring 126 goals last season and earning all-state (second team), all-sectional (first team) and all-MSL honors. Arnold set the school record a year ago for steals with 126. "Olivia is a returning all-state second-team player and will definitely be our backbone," said Bickus. "We also return Sydney and Abigail who were very good for us last season, played in the offseason and have leveled their game up significantly. Sarah Erne, Gabi and Sam Erne are returning varsity players who played in big games last season and have a good grasp on the game and what we try to do at Conant. Several other girls have played out-of-season water polo and I'm excited to see where they fit in and what they can contribute. We have a mix of experience and girls who are hungry to step up. We return some dominant starters and have a bunch of girls who have played in the offseason through area teams, including NWC, who will make a big impact. I believe everyone who will be playing on varsity played offseason polo." Bickus loves his team's hustle in practice and games. "There is definitely a passion that the girls in this program have for the sport and this team," he said. "We have some tough girls and some very hard workers overall." The Cougars have depth on offense. "Olivia is a very dominant player and can absolutely take over a game," said Bickus. "We have great depth with a lot of experience with girls aware of what our program does on offense and what is expected. I'm always looking for the next player or underclassmen to step up and become a weapon for the team." On defense, Bickus would like to see a continuation of the previous few years. "Our defense has been very solid over the last few years," he noted. "Our girls understand how to play team defense, but also can handle themselves one-on-one. We have two sophomores who will be taking over in goal. Both have huge potential and have leveled up their game significantly from freshman year. Experience is going to help them and they will improve all season, but it's exciting having some young players taking the reins who will be around awhile." Bickus sees a competitive MSL conference race. "We have some tough competition all around," he said. "There are some great players on every team in our conference and I see many teams in the MSL being extremely competitive. I think it could be a very wide-open race. We always set our goals high and try to be the best team we can be when championship season comes around. For us, we know we need to continue to come together as a group and that the iteration of the team come sectionals will be a different team than on Day 1." Bickus welcomes back former all-state player Paulina Chowaniec (2017 graduate) to the program as an assistant coach.
Elk GroveCoach: Jason Spjuth
2018 record: 18-9 (8-5 MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Kaylee Hatfield (defensive hole), Melena Herrera (goalie), Emilia Gibes (wing), junior Rachel Ford (driver)
Key newcomers: Senior Madi Reed (wing), juniors Evita Ferrari (set, offensive hole), Angie Mena (driver), Sarah McNamara (wing)
Outlook: Herrera was all-MSL and all-sectional second team after making 334 saves (69.5 save percentage) and registering 50 assists. Hatfield also was all-MSL and all-sectional third team after scoring 45 goals to go with 38 assists and 74 steals. Ford had 24 goals, 16 assists and 64 steals, while Gibes had 9 goals and 14 assists. "Our strength comes down to our experience and discipline as a team," said Spjuth. "We have several players with multiple years of varsity experience and they can really set the tone for our younger players who will be building their experience this year. Our defense also is a strength and that goes back to the communication between the girls and their understanding of their roles on the team." Versatility on offense is another strength for the Grenadiers. "I like that we are able to score from multiple positions," the coach said. "We are returning several scoring threats who can take over a game when called upon. While we graduated our two top scorers from last year, we should be more balanced and less reliant on the counterattack." Herrera gives Elk Grove a key advantage in the back. "Melena was all-conference and all-sectional last year and has been a cornerstone of our team since her sophomore year," said Spjuth. "As far as defense, we will again be solid with a strong focus on team defense and eliminating high-percentage shots." Spjuth sees a hotly contested race in the MSL East with Hersey and Buffalo Grove and his team thrown in the mix. "In the MSL East I think we could be seen as one of the favorites in a tightly contested season. I think the East will probably be one of the more competitive conferences this year and should have plenty of good games," he said. "We should have as good a year as we had last year if not even better. We have two seniors (Hatfield and Herrera) with significant experience coming back. With these two as our team leaders and the rest of the girls we have put together, I think we should be able to exceed our win total from last year. The girls are in a position to improve off of the success we had last year and they should be able to exceed in a few areas we lacked last year. As a team, we need to be focused on adjusting in game and trying new approaches to enhance our offensive game without making concessions to our defense."
FremdCoach: Ray Roth
2018 record: 14-17 (6-4 MSL West)
Top returning players: Seniors MJ Poss (utility), Meagan Helsdingen (driver), junior Sophia Kuehn (driver)
Outlook: Fremd's list of returners includes Kuehn, who was all-MSL and made the all-sectional honorable-mention team. Roth likes his team's chemistry, positive and hardworking attitude and the depth his team has at many positions. "Many of the girls are similar in their abilities, so whatever we are trying to execute on the offensive side shouldn't have to change based on the personnel in the game," said Roth. Defense, Roth added, will be another key for the Vikings. "We are focused on playing the strongest defense possible and understand how important a good defense can help achieve more team success." While overall team chemistry is strong, Roth noted with a newer team, chemistry in the pool will take time to develop. "With many new faces on varsity, one of the challenges the team will face is the team chemistry in the water," he explained. "I believe over the course of the season the team will become stronger the more the girls work together in practice and games. The team is very excited about what its potential can be by the end of the season." Roth tabbed Conant in the West and Hersey in the East as contenders as of now, "but you never know what team could really step up and make an impact at the end," he said.
HerseyCoach: Megan Brownley
2018 record: 26-5 (10-0, 1st MSL East, 2nd MSL championships)
Top returning players: Seniors Claire Lutz (goalie), Emily Born (attacker), sophomore Annie Lindgren (attacker)
Key newcomers: Juniors Hope Fenwick (hole set), Sabrina Nebl (2-meter defender), sophomore Anna Kreie (attacker)
Outlook: Lindgren scored 48 goals to go with 36 assists, 23 kickouts drawn, 98 steals and a 48 percent shooting percentage. She was honorable-mention all-state, all-sectional, all-MSL and was the MVP of the Shindig tournament. Lutz made 97 saves and saved 52 percent of balls while earning all-sectional honorable-mention honors. Born scored 43 goals to go with 16 assists, 27 kickouts drawn, 73 steals and had a 42 shooting percentage. "We have a hardworking group of young ladies that is very dedicated and has an incredible work ethic," said Brownley. "They work well together in and out of the pool and are driven to improve on last season. Our captains and seniors are terrific leaders and they have worked hard together for four years to get to where we are today. We are so excited for this season." Offensively, swimming will be a strength for the Huskies along with depth. Brownley said Hersey prides itself on its defense and limiting opponent scoring opportunities, which will be bolstered by Lutz's improvement. "Last year was Claire's first year in goal and she improved tremendously," Brownley said. "She committed herself entirely to goal this past year and is ready to lead us defensively." Brownley noted Buffalo Grove had a lot of girls play during the offseason and added Conant will once again be a tough opponent. "We have our sights set high this season and want to win conference and sectionals and make it to state," she said. "2018 was the best year in Hersey water polo history and we are looking to improve on that. We will need to continue to work together as a team, spread our scoring out and communicate effectively in and out of the pool. Our girls made a big commitment in the offseason because they really want to continue where we left off last year."
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Chris Fetterman
2018 record: 8-20-1 (1-9 MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Victoria Le (driver), Abigail Fuscone (utility), Benita Varanauskaite (utility), juniors Kathryn Chapek-Segal (goalie), Elena Arias (driver), Jenni Alvarez (driver)
Outlook: Hoffman returns six of seven varsity starters, headlined by Fuscone, an all-MSL pick and IWP sectional team selection. She'll continue her career at Austin College. "We are looking forward to seeing what we can put together come May," said Fetterman. "Top to bottom, the MSL is going to be a grind, but we are looking forward to that challenge. Our maturity and toughness is going to be fun to watch."
PalatineCoach: Mitch Tucker
2018 record: 2-26-2 (1-11, 5th MSL West)
Top returning players: Senior Cailin Reiss (goalie), junior Hannah Bellof (driver), sophomore Maggie O'Brien (center)
Key newcomers: Juniors Leslie Hernandez (center defender), Joanna Rataj (driver)
Outlook: O'Brien scored 36 goals last year as a freshman on her way to picking up all-conference and all-sectional honors. Reiss made 51 saves in goal. "We have a very young team with only one senior," Tucker explained. "We are inexperienced, but this is one of the hardest working groups I have ever had. They are fast learners. I am expecting to see a tremendous amount of growth as the season progresses." In addition to O'Brien returning after a fine freshman year, Tucker noted the team has added more speed on offense, "so we are expecting to see a significant increase in the number of goals scored this season," he said. Reiss picked up valuable playing time last season when the former Pirates starter was injured. "Our team has a defense-first mindset, so we are expecting to be solid on the defensive end," said Tucker. "We will be a much faster team than we were last year so we should be much stronger against the counterattack, which was our biggest defensive weakness last season." Tucker said this season boils down to how quickly the newer, younger players develop their skills and gain confidence. "To be successful, we need to play consistently solid defense and improve on the power play," he said. Tucker said Conant should be the favorite in the West. "They have a solid rotation of athletes led by a stud player (Olivia Olszewski) and great goaltending," he said.
ProspectCoach: Tori Hansen
2018 record: 12-13-2 (8-5 MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Monica Sanchez (utility), Jade Gembala (goalie), junior Caitlin Broz (wing-driver)
Key newcomer: Sophomore Caitlin Bauer (driver)
Outlook: "I think our strengths this year are going to be defense and teamwork," said Hansen. "I feel like the team is closer this year and is really working on becoming one in and out of the water. I think the team will function better as a unit on offense and hopefully convert. I have some really motivated girls who have put in a lot of time in the offseason and I think we can expect great things from them." Prospect excelled in the steals department last year. "I would like to continue that trend and convert those steals into great offensive opportunities," Hansen said. Goaltending also is expected to be a strength. "I like that my goalies are returning and working hard," said Hansen. "They have improved since last season and I am excited to see how far they have come." Hansen added many of her players are stepping into new roles this season, "and filling some big shoes, but they are rising to the occasion and I am excited to see where this season take us," she said. "As long as we stay focused and continue to work hard, I know it will pay off for these girls." A big goal for the Knights is to place higher in conference. "We had many really close conference games where we let the other team back in it and lost by a goal or two. I know we can do better than that and this year we will."
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Joel Dufkis
2018 record: 11-18 (3-7 MSL)
Top returning players: Senior Maggie Goodwin
Key newcomers: Juniors Avery Hepko, Abby Wiltse, sophomore CC Rex, freshmen Kate Armsey, Claire Grasse, Caroline Grasse, Julia Ingolia, Madie Rappa
Outlook: Goodwin returns after earning all-MSL accolades last season. "As a team this year we have a lot of new players who hopefully stick with water polo and help our team grow in the future and learn from our veteran players," said Dufkis, in his first season at the helm. On offense, Dufkis likes his team's ability to pick up the game quickly and their seemingly natural inclination to handling and shooting the ball. Rex takes over in goal for the Mustangs. "CC is new to us, but she's played polo before and has goaltending experience so that will be some extra capability for us," said Dufkis, who noted fundamentals and player development are at the top of the to-do list this season. "As a new coach who is learning as I go, the more experience I can get, the more we can do as a team," he added. "To be successful, we need each player to show up ready to play and play hard the whole game. We want to be competitive with every team we play and give them our best."
SchaumburgCoach: Beth Donatucci
2018 record: 12-13-1 (4-6, 4th MSL West)
Top returning players: Seniors Kailey Cordova (2-meter defense), Kaley Heumann (goalie), Olivia Buganjy (2-meter offense), juniors Veronica Campbell (defense), Lynda Steen (driver)
Key newcomers: Senior Sarah Tudor (driver), junior Molly Greenberg (2-meter offense), sophomore Preslee Bany (driver)
Outlook: Cordova (Wittenberg University in Ohio) and Heumann (Monmouth College) headline a list of returning players for the Saxons. Captain Cordova has 98 career goals and 105 steals on defense. "We have five returning varsity players from last season who all will hopefully build their personal and program stats," said Donatucci, who is noticing a high energy level in the pool thus far. "These kids are bringing a new energy to the program," she added. "We have a predominantly young team and having these older girls as leaders for this younger group means a promising future. They have put in a lot of time and energy into the offseason playing club with each other. They do a great job feeding off each other." Schaumburg's top line will be led by Steen, Tudor and Bany. "We have some strong shooters on the team from last year and we have speed," said Donatucci. Heumann steps into the goalie position. "Kayley has done a tremendous job filing in the shoes for goaltending and has made great strides during the offseason to be prepared for this season in varsity goal," said Donatucci. Cordova, Campbell and Buganjy anchor the back line. "We have a strong back line that works well together," said Donatucci. "These girls have been playing together for three years." Donatucci sees a competitive MSL race. "The MSL continues to become tighter and tighter when it comes to the standings," she said. "This year it will be interesting to see who steps up and is able to stay consistent week to week."
St. Viator Coach: Lisa Taylor
2018 record: 10-4 (1-5 East Suburban Catholic)
Top returning players: Seniors Ritarose Battin (defensive 2-meter), Zoe Green (utility), Paige Laskiewicz (utility), Julie Warren (utility)
Outlook: The Lions have no shortage of senior leadership. "A strength would be our seniors," said Taylor. "We have a solid group of seniors that has grown together and turned around the Viator water polo program. My first year coaching was their freshman year and the year before that there were not enough girls to field a team. Their commitment to their team has put the girls program in a much better direction. Taylor noted Green has developed as an offensive set player and leader both in and out of the pool, while Laskiewicz is the team's key lefty and its most versatile player. Battin, Taylor added, is a solid 2-meter defender. "She is a strong and reliable leader for her teammates," Taylor said. Green will start in goal. "Morgan has stepped up big to be the starting goalie," Taylor added. Viator has two sets of sisters in Beth and Julie Warren and Morgan and Zoe Green. "Our team is a very close family," said Taylor. "We have great chemistry playing together and they are able to represent Saint Viator well competitively." The senior group's first season resulted in a 3-16 record. "They have developed and come a long way since that first season," said Taylor. "I'm very excited for the seniors to have an awesome season and the underclassmen to take in everything they can from the upperclassmen. They have worked very hard to be a competitive team in our conference and sectional. I am eager to see all their hard work pay off."