Girls soccer: For Stevenson's Staten, dreams do come true

This girls soccer season has been more than a dream come true for Stevenson and goalkeeper Jenny Staten.

Backed by the Florida Southern-bound Staten, the Patriots reached a supersectional for the first time in their history. Heading into Tuesday night's Class 4A battle against New Trier at Fremd, Staten had 19 shutouts, and her team had lost one game all season. Her run of 14 consecutive clean sheets ended in the sectional final against Fremd. It was just the sixth goal she allowed in 25 games this season (0.24 goals-against average).

Named all-state, she is also the captain of the Daily Herald All-Area girls soccer team.

"I'm honored, honestly, but I couldn't have done it without all my teammates because they sacrifice themselves every day for me," Staten said. "I share my victory being captain with the whole team because they are the ones that got me there."

Staten was a center midfielder her sophomore year, as Hannah Pietrich tended goal for the Patriots. She couldn't wait to get her opportunity in net last year, and this year put together an amazing senior season.

"She has arguably served as Stevenson's greatest all-around keeper ever," said coach PepeJon Chavez, whose Patriots took a 22-1-2 record into Tuesday's supersectional. "At practice she leads calmly by serving our 'Ladies in Blue' GK group and uses her skills and teaching ability to develop herself and her two fellow junior keepers. She truly leads by example."

Time and time again this season, Staten came up with important saves.

"Coach PepeJon has always talked about how goalkeepers have to be perfect," Staten said. "I have one job - to keep the ball out of the back of the net. It's a relief to make those saves. I know if I believe in myself then I can save anything."

The perfectionist was perfect in North Suburban Conference action, as she did not allow a single goal. She also backstopped Stevenson to the Deep Dish championship thanks to a shutout of host New Trier.

"I like the thrill of saving a shot and making a great save," Staten said. "It's something you can't replicate in practice. I've been focused on goalkeeper since the beginning of junior year."

Kayla Constabileo plays center back for Stevenson and knows communication is important with her keeper.

"I feel really safe because Jenny is right behind me," Constabileo said. "She helps me stay marked up and helps me play better. She helps the whole team play better. She's always 'on' and always focused. She never takes a play off, and that's really important playing in the goal. She's fearless and not afraid to put her body in front of the ball."

Florida Southern is her next stop, and she is considering study sports management or exercise science.

"I want to coach soccer when I'm older and continue with the sport," Staten said.

She and her teammates won't forget this historic season for the Patriots.

"I wouldn't get all those clean sheets without my teammates," Staten said. "We have done outstanding this year. We've been a family this year, and that's why I love it so much. We just have great players, and we work well together."