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News: Chicagoland Soccer All-State Team

By Patrick Z. McGavin , 07/14/23, 9:17AM CDT

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After a memorable and distinctive season, Chicagoland Soccer recognizes its choices of the best players in Illinois.

This celebration caps the emotional volatility of the high school career of the Class of 2023. The pandemic wiped out their entire freshman year — the first time since the IHSA sanctioned soccer that players were denied the chance to play.

The return of that group's first complete season in 2022 marked a joy almost impossible to convey. 

The seniors graduated with two full seasons of play that were sharp, inspired and emotionally intense.

This is Chicagoland Soccer's seventh annual all-state team for the girls.

The author used game reports, player data, input from coaches and the recommendations of the publisher and fellow Chicagoland Soccer contributors to form the final team. 

Any player who participated in games for an Illinois high school, public or private, was eligible for recognition. Players are listed alphabetically. 

A separate Special Mention list highlights additional top players from the Class of 2023. 

The All-State Watch List recognizes promising underclassmen.

Twenty-two players are featured on the Little All-State team. These competitors toiled for Class A programs or emerging Class AA programs.

In forming the criteria for the selections, statistics were important in evaluating each player. 

In context it is also very important to adjudicate the numbers within the context of team success and the quality of competition. 

Overall 737 Illinois high school players from 259 schools received recognition on the lists.

The Chicagoland Soccer Girls All-State Team is composed of 125 players: 12 keepers, 22 defenders, 39 midfielders and 52 forwards. 

The “First Team” designation highlights the players who Chicagoland Soccer feels were the top 11 players in the state at their position.

Players from the network of Chicagoland Soccer subscribers were not given priority.
 

Keepers

Jenna Bearden, Plainfield North, senior
Forming a devastating 1-2 punch with Hannah Bukowski, she brilliantly utilized her size, agility, anticipation skills and athleticism. Playing 1,040 minutes, she permitted just four goals, posted a 0.307 goals-against average and combined for 20 shutouts.

Zoey Bohmer, Wheaton North, junior 
Played every minute of every game. Her range, timing, athleticism and presence proved devastating. The DuKane Conference Keeper of the Year finished with 12 shutouts and posted a 0.90 goals-against average, including a stretch of eight-consecutive shutouts marked by victories over ranked Lockport and state finalist Lincoln-Way East

Ellie Bradley, Loyola, senior
The two-time selection utilized excellent balance, footwork, the ability to read the game and elite timing. The Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red Division Player and the Year finished with 10 shutouts and an 0.872 goals-against average for a sectional qualifier.

Hannah Bukowski, Plainfield North, senior
Combined with Jenna Bearden, she used ideal size with power, force, athleticism and superb timing to surrender just seven goals and record a 0.538 goals-against average for the supersectional qualifier.

Shannon Clark, Benet, senior – First Team
Helped the Redwings reach consecutive AA state title games with her elite combination of size, quickness, fluidity and toughness. Playing 1,823 minutes, the Denver recruit posted 110 saves and registered 18 shutouts and an 0.625 goals-against average.

Sarah Constantine, Lake Forest, junior
Tall, rangy and dynamic, she destabilized offenses with her superb blend of reach, anticipation, aggressive style and sharp technique. She posted 10 shutouts and delivered a 0.768 goals-against average for the Class AA supersectional qualifier.

Jordan Forbes, Geneva, sophomore
Emerged as a superb athlete with great instincts, reaction time, aggressiveness in the box and a sharp ability to read the game. Playing every minute of the season (2,020), she posted 13 shutouts, including one against state power Plainfield North. She permitted just 19 goals across 25 games for the sectional qualifier. She registered a goals-against average of 0.752. 

Megan Holland, Barrington, sophomore
A revelation as a first-year starter, she combined excellent size, reach, range, physical tools and brilliant concentration. In 1,480 minutes, she posted 11 shutouts and permitted just 12 goals, for a 0.648 goals-against average for the state big-school runnerup.

Addie Jennetten, Notre Dame (Peoria), senior
Fast, electric and dominant, she vanquished opposition attacks. Showed great touch, timing and feel while posting 14.5 shutouts and giving up just nine goals in 1,660 minutes. Delivered a 0.433 goals-against average for the Class AA supersectional qualifier.

Kendall Joggerst, O’Fallon, junior
Utilized great size with force, athleticism, timing and excellent range to great effect. Her 14 shutouts nearly equaled her total of 16 goals permitted. Played 1,985 minutes and posted an elite 0.637 goals-against average. Punctuated her season with 180 minutes of clean goal keeping in the Class 3A Final Four.

Ariel Kite, Evanston, senior
The two-time selection utilized excellent timing, speed, composure and exceptional poise. In 1,700 minutes, the Kenyan recruit registered 14 shutouts, conceded only 13 goals and posted a 0.611 goals-against average for the sectional qualifier.

Abi Stephens, Glenwood, junior
Mobile, athletic and highly skilled, she utilized superb timing and instincts. Playing 1,985 minutes, she had more shutouts (17) than goals permitted (16). Punctuating her play with a double-overtime shutout in the AA state championship game, she registered a scintillating 0.646 goals-against average.

 


Defenders

Prudence Babat, Libertyville, senior
Utilized her size, agility and ball-creativity to power one of the state’s top teams. She was the physical and disruptive leader of a defense that posted 13 shutouts. Scored two goals and added four assists for the Class 3A third place team.

Celia Barkley, Urbana, junior
Named the Player of the Year by the Champaign News-Gazette, she parlayed her speed, quickness, size and speed to become a two-way force. She was one of the state’s top-scoring defenders with 13 goals and 13 assists.

Ella Burke, Naperville Central, senior
The three-time selection and Cincinnati recruit used her athleticism, size, range and playmaking to solidify the Redhawks across the field. Her speed and physical presence was unmistakable. Contributed three goals and three assists.

Zoe Cormier, Rochester, senior 
The versatile and highly skilled talent was a force for the Class AA sectional finalist. She leveraged her size, speed and quickness to overwhelming effect and keyed a physical backline that posted 11 shutouts, including one versus Class 3A state champion O’Fallon. Posted six goals and four assists.

Clara Deliduka, New Trier, junior
“She was the reason we were so successful,” coach Jim Burnside said. A heady, skilled and nervy talent, she flashed a great situational awareness and repeatedly demonstrated the ability to shut down attackers in space. She was the architect of a defense that posted 17 shutouts for the supersectional qualifier.

Ava Elliott, Hinsdale Central, senior 
Combined size, balance, a physical touch and shutdown instincts in play against elite offensive competition. The Indiana University-Purdue University recruit was the leader of a defense that posted 10 shutouts for a supersectional qualifier. Scored three goals and collected four assists. 

Christine Erdman, Lincoln-Way Central, senior – First Team
One of the best players out of the South Suburbs, the three-year starter was the connective thread of the powerhouse program. Impactful in every part of the field, she scored 12 goals and created nine assists. The Bowling Green recruit and repeat selection was the rock of a defensive third that posted 15 shutouts. 

Patricia Felder, Jones, senior 
Arguably the top defender in the city, she was the Eagles organizing force and emotional leader. Tough, instinctive and quick on the ball, the free kick and set piece specialist recorded five goals and two assists while leading the Eagles to their second Chicago Public League Tournament title-game appearance.

Kora Kipley, Buffalo Grove, senior 
A two-time selection and one of the best players out of the Northwest Suburbs, she was a heady, physical and highly disruptive stopper who always shadowed the opponent’s top player. Contributed three goals and an assist for the Bison.

Casey Kittridge, Lemont, junior 
A natural talent who showed fantastic range and offensive creativity as the team’s primary playmaker. Her direct passes and precise through-balls optimized the attack. She scored two goals and added a team-best 14 assists for the Class AA sectional finalist. Anchored a backline that posted 10 shutouts.

Kaylin Klutcharch, Lockport, junior
The  savvy, skilled and highly instinctive talent showed superb two-way abilities as both an offensive creator and defensive disruptor. She utilized her anticipation skills to punish teams. The Indiana State recruit was the leader of a defense that posted 15 shutouts for the sectional qualifier. Contributed five goals and seven assists. 

Chandlar Lay, Lyons, senior
The converted forward made a grand transition to the backline as a powerful force and presence. Using her size, speed, quickness and agility, the North Central recruit led a group that permitted just eight goals and posted 18 shutouts for the sectional finalist. 

Mackenzie Loomis, St. Charles East, junior 
Big, dominant and rangy, she utilized a blend of length, grace, style and presence to deliver as a two-way performer. Her facility for headers and set piece prowess led to nine goals and three assists. She closed space and neutralized the opposition to key 13-shutouts for the sectional finalist.

Ally Matthews, Glenwood, senior 
The three-time selection punctuated her superb career as a key figure of the Class AA state championship team. She showed a great feel, physical presence and the ability to influence the game from multiple angles. She was a critical figure in a back that posted 17 shutouts. Offensively, the Western Illinois recruit added four goals and two assists.

Meredith Oliver, Notre Dame (Peoria), senior
One of the best players in central Illinois, she utilized balance, toughness, a disruptive presence and fearlessness around the ball. She anchored a backline that posted 18 shutouts and conceded just nine goals. She recorded a goal and two assists for the Class AA supersectional qualifier.

Lailyn Patterson, O’Fallon, sophomore 
A dynamic on-the-ball stopper, she showed physical toughness, grace, a flair for disruption and an uncanny feel in situational play. Her first-rate anticipation and tackling skills proved a critical factor in the Panthers’ state championship run. Solidified a backline that posted 14 shutouts and allowed just two goals in seven state tournament games. 

Emily Pikarski, Loyola, senior – First Team
The repeat selection expanded on the range and promise of her breakout junior year. A consequential talent who could impact the game at every level, she shut down air space and neutralized opposing attacks. She was the leader of a backline that posted 11 shutouts for a sectional qualifier. The St. Thomas recruit weaponized the attack with her set piece talents and scored a team-high seven goals with three assists.

Ellie Sanchez, Barrington, senior
The two-time selection was the leader of an elite group that permitted just 13 goals and registered 16 shutouts. A great tackler, she closed down space and flashed tremendous recovery speed. She played with a distinctive and fearless energy that colored every part of her game. The North Dakota State recruit was part of three Class 3A state-trophy teams, including back-to-back runners-up. Recorded one assist.

Sadie Sterbenz, Benet, senior 
A quick and heady player, she was the anchor of an athletic and highly disruptive backline that posted 18 shutouts for a Class AA state runnerup. The East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year showed a great understanding, feel, and situational awareness as a disruptive and physical presence. The Middle Tennessee State signee contributed five goals and two assists.

Abby Vichich, St. Charles North, senior 
The Wisconsin-Milwaukee recruit combined elite size with length, power and a sharp command of the game. She shut down air space and neutralized the angle of attack with her toughness. Led a backline that posted 11 shutouts for the supersectional qualifier. Contributed a goal.

Haden Vlcek, Glenwood, junior – First Team
The breathtaking talent illustrated her standing as one of the state’s top two-way players. She used her 6-foot-1 frame to obliterate opposing offenses. She was a devastating set piece factor, demonstrated by her 10 goals and three assists. The Indiana recruit was the rock of a backline that posted 17 shutouts in its Class AA state championship run.

Isabella Walls, Geneva, senior
“She was not subbed out the whole season,” coach Megan Owens said. “We would not have had the shutouts without her.” The three-year starter and Richmond recruit set the standard for her backline with speed, intelligence and fearless style. She keyed a group that posted 13 shutouts and permitted 19 goals in 25 games against top competition.

 

Midfielders

Olivia Anderson, Crystal Lake Central, junior
She helped record the greatest season in program history with her intelligence, savvy, skill and superb vision. Dangerous on or off the ball, she showed balance, touch and accuracy in motion. Finished with 13 goals and five assists to help give the Class AA third place finisher its first state trophy. Named the Player of the Year by the Northwest Herald.

Olivia Baca, Edwardsville, senior
One of the best players in southern Illinois, the two-time selection was a very fluid and mobile athlete who operated in constant motion. Tough to defend and equally skilled as a finisher or creator, she scored 26 goals and produced 11 assists for the sectional qualifier.

Danielle Beach, Geneseo, senior
Her two-way abilities, open-field speed and ability on set pieces combined for a superb offensive skill set. She had a beautiful touch and natural creativity with the ball. Scored 25 goals and created 18 assists for the Class AA sectional qualifier.

Brooke Brown, Barrington, senior
The Mid-Suburban League West Division Player of the Year completed one of the most decorated careers of her class with back-to-back state finals appearances. Tall, rangy and agile, she utilized her size to create mismatches, overpower smaller defenders or run past bigger players. Her unselfish style was a thing of beauty. The Cornell recruit and three-time selection finished with 17 goals and 17 assists.

Sofia Camarillo, United, senior
The gifted offensive player out of the Quad Cities brilliantly manipulated defenses with her speed, elusiveness, touch and electrifying ability to finish. She tallied 31 goals and distributed six assists for a sectional qualifier.

Shayna da Silva, Evanston, senior
A creative and highly innovative talent with the ball, she proved the vital connective thread who made the attack hum with her ballhandling and playmaking. Great off the dribble, she found open spaces and created numerous opportunities. The DePaul recruit recorded seven goals and six assists for the sectional qualifier.

Sophie Davila, Morton (Ill.), sophomore
She played with a moxie, verve and steadiness way beyond her youth. The repeat selection’s versatility and skill allowed her to play in the middle, outside or up-top. She was a whirling dervish who played with constant energy and motion. Finished with 17 goals and 13 assists for a Class AA sectional qualifier.

Lida Dodge, New Trier, senior
She powered the Trevians’ return to state prominence. Her vision, balance, control and shot-making unleashed the attack. The two-time selection was especially lethal off movement or with her back to the goal. Despite missing several games with an injury, the Purdue recruit finished with 10 goals and seven assists for the supersectional qualifier.

Ava Elders, Burlington Central, senior
She exuded a grace, toughness and flair with the ball as a creator and shot-maker. Played with great ease and assurance, and her vision led to great choices with the ball. Exhibiting power and touch, she created off the dribble. Scored 15 goals and provided six assists for a Class AA sectional qualifier.

Emily Fox, Deerfield, junior
The repeat selection continued to reveal astonishing ball skills, shot creativity and movement that made her virtually unstoppable. She showed great balance, fluidity and touch with a superb sense of her surroundings. Posted multiple hat-tricks and jumped to the top of several school-scoring categories with a 29-goal, nine-assist campaign for the Class AA sectional qualifier.

Brigid Gannon, Kaneland, senior
After a near-miraculous recovery from an ACL injury suffered as a junior, she took her game to a new and unprecedented level. Used superb quickness, speed, playmaking and touch to register 30 goals and 14 assists for the Class AA sectional qualifier.

Gemma Gillespie, Fremd, junior
Broke out of the pack with ball skills, shot creation, movement and high-level energy to become a highly versatile scoring threat. An electric first step, creativity with the ball and a sharp instinct for the goal led to 18 goals and six assists for the sectional finalist.

Abbie Glacklin, Alleman, junior
Dazzling to watch and hard to slow down, she powered the Pioneers. Her passing, playmaking and finishing touch opened up the attack. Displayed a presence and poise that united her team. Finished with 12 goals and nine assists for the Class A state runnerup.

Maggie Gleckler, Rochester, senior
She was the primary reason the Rockets were one of the state’s best teams. The electric and exciting talent played with an infectious energy and verve. She had great anticipation and vision to capitalize on opportunities. Delivered 23 goals and 19 assists for a Class AA sectional finalist.

Anya Gulbrandsen, Oswego East, junior – First Team
On a reconfigured roster, the Wisconsin recruit took over with next-level speed and creativity. The two-time selection’s brilliant burst in space combined with superb vision and touch made her nearly impossible to slow down. Finished with a single-season program record of 30 goals and added eight assists for a regional finalist.

Kailey Hansen, Batavia, senior
Technical and efficient with the ball, she played with passion, tenacity and a directness of purpose. The Purdue Fort Wayne recruit scored six goals and registered four assists for a sectional qualifier.

Kamryn Hoffman, Springfield, freshman
Another electrifying debut for a first-year player who emerged as one of the top talents in central Illinois. She utilized excellent speed, quickness in the open field and the ability to create off the dribble or develop her own shot. She finished with 26 goals and 18 assists.

Savanhna Khammanyvong, Granite City, sophomore 
Emerged as one of the bright young talents in Illinois’ talent-laden southern region. Dynamic with the ball, she combined quick, precise decisions with excellent field vision. Finished with 14 goals and a team-best 18 assists.

Molly Koch, Libertyville, junior
The skilled and gifted open-field player demonstrated the right blend of touch, tenacity, moxie and feel for the game. Great at finding spaces, she moved off the ball or created off the dribble. Her vision, balance and footwork were superb. She finished with 12 goals and 10 assists for the Class 3A third place state finisher.

Bailey Leach, Pleasant Plains (co-op), freshman
The beauty of the prep game is how exciting talent emerges from the unlikeliest of places. Here was exhibit A, a precocious and fluid talent who took her small program to unprecedented heights. Played with a palpable edge and flair, and used her speed and playmaking in all facets of the game. Finished with 28 goals and 29 assists for the Class A third place finisher.

Jordan Lange, Metea Valley, senior
Oh, what might have been. The Mustangs’ quest for consecutive state championships likely ended with her season-ending injury. Despite playing in just 12 games, the North Central recruit recorded 13 goals and four assists. The 2022 Chicagoland Soccer Player of the Year powered the Mustangs to their only state championship as a junior. The three-time selection is one of the greatest players in program history.

Georgia Liapis, Plainfield North, senior
A major reason the Tigers took O’Fallon to the brink in a penalty shootout loss. Her quickness, fluidity and creativity with the ball opened up a range of possibilities for the program that dominated Naperville North and Metea Valley in winning its first sectional title. The Western Kentucky recruit finished with nine goals and seven assists.

Piper Lucier, Barrington, sophomore
Two years in the books and two state championship game appearances for the quick, fluid and brilliant young talent. Her touch, ability to change directions and play off the ball makes her one of the top players in her class. After showing off her scoring abilities last year, she elevated her playmaking skills. The sky’s the limit for the repeat selection, who finished with 15 goals and 18 assists.

Carolyne Mathenia, Belleville West, senior
One of the most electrifying and offensively skilled players from the suburbs of St. Louis, she showcased quickness, balance, superb footwork and the ability to create off the dribble. Dangerous from multiple angles, she finished with 32 goals and 10 assists.

Gabriella Mattio, Plainfield North, senior
Another central figure for the powerhouse Tigers, she played with great pace, change of direction and the ability to shoot from distance. She was equally comfortable on or off the ball, and dangerous from pretty much any place on the field. Elusive and quick, she had a great knack for getting her shot off. The Wisconsin-Oshkosh recruit finished with 12 goals and a team-best 18 assists for the supersectional qualifier.

Maddie Mauch, Columbia, junior
The two-time selection was one of the best players in the talent-rich suburbs of St. Louis. Fast, skilled and virtually impossible to contain in space, she showed great vision, feel and a knack for creating scoring chances. Recorded 28 goals and 19 assists.

Reese MacDonald, Benet, senior
The superb two-way talent toggled brilliantly between the back and middle and controlled the center of the pitch for the powerhouse program. She was the connective thread for an elite defense that posted 18 shutouts. Contributed three goals and three assists for the Class AA runnerup.

Adriana Merriam, Evanston, senior
Balletic and graceful, she played with ingenuity, toughness and creativity. Anything was possible with the ball at her feet. The natural right-footer was one of the most dangerous off-foot shooters around. Brilliant as a free kick specialist, she was creative and highly beguiling in the run of play. The Baylor recruit had 16 goals and seven assists for a sectional qualifier.

Bella Najera, St. Charles North, senior – First Team
“Bella is the type of player everybody wants on their team,” teammate Rian Spaulding said. She was a model of consistency, efficiency and production, who scored 19 goals in each of her first two years. Tough, disciplined, creative and dynamic in space, she played with breathtaking control, purity and grace. A three-time selection, the Michigan State recruit finished with 20 goals and seven assists for the supersectional qualifier. The DuKane Conference MVP and Golden Boot winner was named the Player of the Year by the Beacon-News/Courier News.

Claire Nash, Althoff, sophomore
She demonstrated great touch, an explosiveness with the ball and the ability to connect all parts of the attack. Composed and locked in, she had great poise and presence, illustrated by her savvy and intelligence. One of the best young prospects in the southern portion of the state, she delivered 18 goals and 14 assists.

Josie Noble, New Trier, junior
Tall, rangy and agile, she built off the strong start of her sophomore season to extend her game in exciting new directions. Fast and explosive, she has great separation speed, balance and control. Rarely hurried or out of position, she maximized her chances and let the game come to her. A repeat selection, she finished with nine goals and nine assists for the supersectional qualifier.

Chloe Pfaff, Huntley, senior
In her only season of high school ball, she played with flair and passion, showcasing a terrific blend of speed, quickness, touch and a high motor that never idled. Her vision and playmaking were controlled and deeply assured. She finished with 12 goals and a program-record 16 assists for the sectional qualifier.

Mary Rau, Lane, senior
The stabilizing presence of a young team, she utilized her savvy, experience, ball skills and finishing touch to propel the Champions to unprecedented achievement. Her vision and ballhandling were outstanding. A starter on three Chicago Public League Tournament championship teams, she scored 13 goals and added 13 assists for the sectional finalist.

Carolina Rondelli, Jones, senior 
The two-time selection ended her career as one of the most celebrated players in the city. She took her game to new levels of  shot-making, touch and scoring instinct. Everything flowed naturally. She finished with 33 goals and 16 assists for the city tournament finalist.

Carisma Rosales, Morton (Berwyn-Cicero), junior 
The Marquette recruit embodied excitement and the electric possibilities of the game. Virtually impossible to contain in space, her jet-quick and lyrical moves made it look like she was skating through the air. Played with great flair and exuberance, and displayed a great feel for how to attack defenses. The repeat selection scored 23 goals and added 12 assists.

Maggie Schmidt, Boylan, senior
The Loyola recruit confirmed her status as the best player in the Rockford area with her aggressive and attacking style. Already fast and highly technically, she brought new dimensions to her game as a playmaker and facilitator. She showed great touch, scoring prowess and unselfish play. The repeat selection finished with 25 goals and 16 assists for a Class AA sectional finalist.

McKenna Shilevinatz, Richwoods, senior
She was a principal reason for the Knights’ emergence as a compelling Peoria program. Fast, savvy and highly efficient with the ball, she had great tactical awareness and the ability to break down defenses. Creative and highly dynamic in space, she finished with 20 goals and seven assists.

Emily Tobin, Andrew, senior
One of the top players in the South Suburbs, she played with finesse, creativity and an exuberant flair. She exerted her will on games, directed the attack and made everything flow. The Indiana University-Purdue University recruit finished with 17 goals and 15 assists for the sectional finalist.

 

 

Forwards

Ashlyn Adams, Wheaton Warrenville South, sophomore
Fast, mobile and very skilled, she played with a controlled fury and aggressive intensity. Always in the moment, she showed great poise and touch on the ball. Finished with 13 goals and four assists.

Ella Anselm, Marquette (Alton), sophomore
The breakout talent from southern Illinois was explosive in space and equally gifted in the air, at the point of attack or creating from distance. Scored 33 goals and added nine assists for the Class A state powerhouse.

Aubrey Balota, University (Normal), freshman
Part of a rookie class that was one for the ages, the precocious gem created the winning assist in the Pioneers’ Class A state championship victory. She far transcended her age with 33 goals and 11 assists.

Lauren Bailey, Lake Zurich, junior
One of Lake County's best, she emerged as a mobile, varied and highly skilled talent who needed to be accounted for everywhere on the field. Explosive up-top, she had great nerve and instincts, evidenced by her 32 goals and equally impressive 19 assists for the sectional finalist.

Katelyn Borschnack, Herscher, junior 
Class designations matter, but some players could thrive under any circumstances. The two-time selection repeatedly demonstrated why she was one of the most dangerous offensive players in the state. Maintaining her elite scoring-standards, she ramped up her playmaking significantly, nearly doubling her assist total from last spring. She finished with 39 goals and 27 assists for a Class A supersectional qualifier.

Lucy Burk, Metea Valley, junior
She expanded on her breakout sophomore year to show even greater versatility and positional flexibility. Few forwards are so adept as secondary or lead facilitators. Her knack for set pieces was remarkable. She had a great burst and next-level acceleration on the edge. The repeat selection and Northern Michigan commit scored nine goals and added 11 assists for the sectional finalist.

Brooklynn Carlson, Crystal Lake Central, junior
A smart, gifted and athletic talent, she played with great enthusiasm and energy. Always on the move, she created constant pressure on defenses and demonstrated an ability to score from anywhere on the field. She finished with 17 goals and nine assists for the Class AA third place finisher.

Grace Carman, Lane, sophomore
The next, great Champions player emerged as one of the top-five performers in her class. Demonstrated elite shot-making and creativity with the ball. Scored twice and dished out an assist in the program’s eighth-consecutive city tournament championship victory. She had a goal in the first three state tournament games, including the upset over Evanston that catapulted the program to its first sectional final. Finished with 18 goals and 17 assists.

Cameron DeCook, Naperville North, senior
She overcame an early-season injury to bring savvy, versatility and experience to a gifted young team. Skilled with the ball and dangerous off movement, she showed touch, precision and a great feel for the game. Her score against Benet was one of the best goals of the season. Finished with nine goals and three assists for the state powerhouse.

Claire DeCook, Naperville North, freshman
An ACL injury derailed her auspicious debut. In her limited time, she showed generational, one-of-a-kind talent with her feel, quickness, touch and anticipation of the flow of the game. Her ability to generate touch off movement was sensational. Called the female equivalent of Chicagoland Soccer’s male Player of the Year Chase Adams of Naperville Central, she showed special and rare gifts as a scorer and creator. Finished with 16 goals and six assists in just 13 games.

Autumn Diduch, Freeport, junior 
Combined athleticism, toughness, power and strength into a near unmatchable combination. Great in space, off the dribble or in the air, she could score under any circumstances. She tallied 40 goals and added 13 assists. 

Ella Dihel, South Elgin, junior
“She is a sponge for knowledge who always wants to learn more,” coach Jerzy Skowron said. The converted defender utilized a creative style, speed, quickness and a feel for the game to transform into a scorer. Fast and elusive in space, she finished with 17 goals and two assists.

Bella Diorio, Lockport, senior – First Team
Made her only year of high school soccer unforgettable. Fast, quick and virtually unstoppable, she validated her reputation as an elite player. Explosive and dynamic with the ball, she played at a relentless and propulsive pace with elite finishing and fantastic playmaking. She amassed 41 goals and 20 assists for the sectional qualifier. The Texas Christian recruit was named Player of the Year by the Daily Southtown.

Ellie Egeland, Stevenson, junior
Fast, mobile and very creative with the ball, the North Suburban Conference Offensive Player of the Year utilized excellent quickness and power to maximum effect. Dangerous from distance and brilliant on set pieces, the Maryland recruit finished with 18 goals and five assists for the sectional qualifier.

Finley Ewald, York, senior
Came from relative obscurity and sparked one of the true surprise stories of the year. With excellent lateral quickness and the ability to create in the air, the Colorado School of Mines commit finished with 20 goals and seven assists for the sectional qualifier.

Tessa Fagerson, Plainfield North, senior – First Team
Rangy, fluid and highly mobile, the Southwest Prairie Conference Most Valuable Player showcased elite size and exceptional physical abilities. She was the accelerant of the Tigers’ explosive attack, finishing in space, in the air or on set pieces with equal aplomb. She had verve and an exuberant style. The DePaul recruit scored a team-best 34 goals and added nine assists for a supersectional qualifier.

Emily Fix, Carmel, senior
Capable, quick and explosive, the Marquette recruit created a near constant state of duress in the final third. Mobile and great off the ball, the East Suburban Catholic Conference Offensive Player of the Year seized every opportunity. A repeat selection, she finished with 22 goals and five assists for the Class AA sectional qualifier.

Reese Frericks, Richmond-Burton, senior
Showing last year was no fluke, she again operated as the catalyst of this small-school powerhouse. Fast, fluid and highly innovative with the ball, she was dangerous from anywhere on the field with her technical ability and shot-creation. A worry with or without the ball, she bent defenses to her will. The Southern Indiana recruit finished with 34 goals and 11 assists for the Class A supersectional qualifier.

Abrianna Garrett, Civic Memorial, junior
As a shot-creator and scorer, she was at the top of her class. The only player in Illinois to break the magic 50-goal barrier this season utilized her speed, elusiveness, touch and elite finishing abilities. Her state-best 122 points came on a remarkable 54 goals and 14 assists.

Lily Ghere, Mattoon, senior
An elite three-sport athlete, she put together a devastating three-year statistical run as a rare hybrid finisher and facilitator. She utilized her explosive speed and athleticism to get to the edge. Scored a staggering 44 goals for the Class AA sectional qualifier. Just as impressively, she created 28 assists, balancing playmaking and creativity with her elite finishing-touch. Her 116 points were the second-highest total for the two-time selection. She finished with a remarkable 337 career points on 120 goals and 97 assists.

Addison Grigg, Plainfield South, senior
The high-energy player showed quickness and touch in the open-field. Optimized her scoring threats with terrific speed, agility, creativity with the ball and an excellent final-touch. The Southwest Prairie Conference Golden Boot winner finished with a school-record 27 goals and added nine assists. 

Rilee Hasegawa, Geneva, senior
“The best player to ever come out of this program,” coach Megan Owens said. After injuries disrupted her junior year, she returned with a vengeance, showing breathtaking speed, elusiveness in space and the ability to break down defenses. A fantastic three-sport athlete, the Florida Southern recruit finished with 16 goals and 11 assists for the sectional qualifier.

Cortlyn Hefty, Belvidere North, junior
She could probably score from a locked room. One of the top-five scorers in the state, she utilized speed, quickness, power and elite finishing abilities. She scored in every conceivable manner: in the air; off movement; and as a set piece finisher. Amassed 47 goals and delivered 14 assists.

Maren Hoovel, Montini, senior
The dynamic talent showed great athletic burst and the ability to get on the edge and find openings in the middle. Mobile, fluid and blessed with great vision, balance and exceptional footwork, the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division Player of the Year created havoc in the final third. The St. Mary’s (Calif.) recruit broke the 100-point barrier with 45 goals and 15 assists for the Class A supersectional qualifier. Was a 2022 Chicagoland Soccer Little All-State choice.

Anna Johnson, Oswego, senior
Affectionately called “Queen Anna,” by her family and teammates, she proved her own version of royalty. Fast, explosive and highly creative with the ball, she was a one-player wrecking crew. A two-time selection and Lindenwood recruit, she just missed the 100-point plateau, finishing with 46 goals and seven assists.

Grace Kapsch, Fenwick, junior
“She has improved every year,” coach Craig Blazer said.The two-sport standout in basketball and soccer has learned how to optimize her size, reach and length. Her footwork is also exceptional for her size. Rangy and physical, she finished with 17 goals and five assists for the Class AA supersectional qualifier.

Tyra King, Metea Valley, senior – First Team
The two-time selection is at her best on the biggest stages: exhibit A, her four-goal masterpiece against Lockport in a sectional semifinal. Tall, fast and dynamic with the ball, the DuPage Valley co-Golden Boot winner stretched the field and finished with authority and grace. The Northern Illinois recruit finished with 23 goals and eight assists. Named the Player of the Year by the Naperville Sun. 

Kylie Kisgen, Freeburg, senior
The top-talent, small-school player utilized her quickness, speed and power to become the centerpiece of the attack. She showed relentless activity and intensity of effort to accumulate 25 goals and nine assists for the Class A supersectional qualifier.

Suzie Knutte, Lemont, senior
She was an interesting hybrid of a soccer player who also qualified for the girls wrestling state meet. The repeat selection overpowered the opposition on the pitch with her size, quickness, speed and toughness. Great at exploiting angles and finding separation, she finished with 31 goals and seven assists for the Class AA sectional finalist.

Zoe Kormah, Pekin, sophomore
A terrific two-sport athlete, she utilized her jet-quick acceleration speed and playmaking to find vulnerabilities and openings in the defensive third. The basketball standout used her size and speed inventively. She finished with 28 goals and eight assists.

Hannah Lambert, Sacred Heart-Griffin, senior
A versatile and highly skilled talent, she combined size, speed, quickness and a wonderful touch. She showed a great knack as a playmaker and finisher. Great in the air, she finished with 16 goals and six assists for the Class A sectional finalist.

Rylann Law, Glenwood, sophomore
The force of nature exhibited flair, style and special athleticism as the driving force of the Titans’ AA state championship team. Combining size, speed and a fearless conviction, she was the catalyst of the program’s first state championship in a decade. She finished with 42 goals and nine assists, punctuating the remarkable season by following her twin sister Rowann's opener with the insurance goal in the state championship game.

Aaliyah Leanos, Morton (Berwyn-Cicero), junior
The breakthrough talent seized her opportunities and showcased electrifying open-field play, a beautiful touch and an eye for the goal. She was great with or without the ball, or facilitating for teammates. She finished with 20 goals and 12 assists.

Jocelyn Leigh, Evanston, junior
Get ready to be on your heels. That was the effect going up against the mobile, physical and highly skilled attacking player. She put the defenses under constant assault with her quickness, first touch and ability to blow past defenders. The two-time selection finished with 24 goals and nine assists for a sectional qualifier.

Charlene Mendoza, Bloom, senior
One of the top players out of the South Suburbs, she played with determination, focus and a relentlessly attacking style. Fast and quick, she exploded through the tightest windows and made sharp forays to the goal. She scored 44 goals and added eight assists. The South Suburban College recruit finished her prolific prep career with a stunning 136 goals.

Kiley McMinn, O’Fallon, senior – First Team
The Chicagoland Soccer Player of the Year put herself at a place few, if any, contemporaries will ever reach. Her goal in the second overtime of the state championship game marked her second state championship-winning score. The Marquette recruit finished her remarkable season with 49 goals and 11 assists.

Caroline Mortonson, Lyons, sophomore
She staked her claim to the best player in her class with her elite shot-creation and finishing talents against top-flight competition. Tall, angular and skilled, she was a magician with the ball. Her anticipation, footwork, presence and ability to negotiate space was exemplary. Already a two-time selection, she was the unique forward who was more dangerous as a creator. She finished with eight goals and 15 assists for the sectional finalist.

Meghan Mrowicki, Hersey, senior
In her first full season of high school play, she preoved near-impossible to match up against. The Mid-Suburban League East Division Player of the Year bent the game to her will. Her touch, footwork and ability to see the game put her at a different level. The Notre Dame recruit finished with 30 goals and eight assists.

Megan Norkett, Naperville Central, senior
Exhilarating to watch, she dazzled with her grace, toughness, skill and  shot-making. The three-time selection was one of the most consequential players of her age. Fast, quick and always under control, the DuPage Valley Conference co-Golden Boot winner was a marvel in open space. The Northwestern recruit finished with 18 goals and four assists. 

Katie O’Malley, Lyons, senior
For an attacker, playmaking is one of the hardest skills to attain. Physically skilled and blessed with excellent body control and footwork, she performed at the highest level as a creator and scorer. Her matching statistics underscore her utility and versatility, the rare multidimensional talent. The Illinois State recruit finished with 19 goals and 19 assists for the state powerhouse and sectional finalist.

Mia Ortega, DeLaSalle, junior
The Meteors’ two-year rise as an emerging private-school city power has been an exciting development. The fast, quick and elegant player with a terrific touch and feel for the game was a main reason. Dangerous in the middle or out-front, she was great at finding the in-between spaces. finished with 13 goals and nine assists for the Class AA fourth place finisher.

Emily Petring, Downers Grove South, senior
The top player in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division combined size, excellent speed, ball control with a quick-strike capability. Skilled on set pieces or in the run of play, she had a wonderful ability to create off the dribble. The repeat selection rose to the occasion and more than doubled her previous scoring total. The Coastal Carolina recruit finished with 32 goals and five assists.

Ellie Rebmann, Libertyville, senior
Made her belated high school debut a spectacular one, revealing consummate skills as a creator, finisher and high-skill player. Great with the ball at her feet and electric off of it, she proved dangerous from any location on the field. Recorded team-highs of 21 goals and 17 assists for the Class 3A third place finisher. Named the Player of the Year by the Lake County News-Sun.

Jane Rogers, Wheaton North, freshman
Another dynamic and scintillating newcomer. She made an instant impact, drawing on her size, speed, quickness and stealthy playmaking skills. She showed a poise and composure that belied her youth. Great at the point of attack, she finished with 19 goals and 10 assists. 

Sarah Sarnowski, Barrington, junior
Barrington’s player-development program is elite, and the team constantly uncovers a gem. Taking on a larger role, she flourished as an elite scorer and significant playmaker. Her speed and elusiveness in space were something to behold. She scored 24 goals and added 16 assists for the Class 3A state runnerup.

Rebecca Schulenburg, Wheaton Academy, junior
The co-Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division MVP utilized excellent vision and technical skills. She was both an offensive orchestrator and superb finisher who flashed quickness and speed. Used her great touch to deliver 17 goals and 14 assists.

Addison Stanciak, Warren, sophomore
After a highly promising freshman year, she blasted off into another level with her quickness, speed, touch and next-level agility. She played with pace without losing control or her composure. She was great at the point of attack and off movement. Securing her status as a top-five player in her class, she finished with 23 goals and five assists.

Laney Stark, St. Charles North, junior
Her 80th-minute goal in the sectional final is already the stuff of legend. A transfer from Bartlett, she made a seamless and electric transition to a talented team that became even more dangerous with her beguiling combination of speed, quickness and touch. Her ability to stretch the field opened numerous possibilities. She finished with 17 goals and four assists for the supersectional qualifier.

Allie Tredway, O’Fallon, sophomore
In many respects, the whirling dervish was the hero of the state championship game. Creative and dynamic, she was magic with the ball and created havoc with an electric first-step and great vision and touch. She finished with 13 goals and seven assists and set up Kiley McMinn’s Class 3A state championship game-winner.

Mya Wardle, Notre Dame (Peoria), senior
A versatile and skilled talent, she was the lynchpin of the attack. She utilized her size, quickness and playmaking abilities to unleash a dangerous and multidimensional attack. She had the ability to get by defenders and the presence to finish her chances. She finished with 16 goals and 15 assists for the Class AA supersectional qualifier.

Grace Williams, St. Charles East, senior
An electric and commanding talent, she utilized her speed, touch and elite scoring instinct to overwhelming effect. Great off the ball and lethal at the point of attack, she put defenses under constant assault. Her track-and-field speed made her virtually unstoppable. A repeat selection, she finished with 29 goals and nine assists for a sectional finalist.

Gwen Zimmerman, Fremd, freshman
Fittingly the team concludes with another breathtaking first-year talent. Fast (a state track relay qualifier), mobile and very fluid, she played with a daring and aplomb that was striking in its maturity. Showing a precocious instinct for the goal, she had great touch and electric closing-speed. She finished with 16 goals and four assists for the sectional finalist.