DuPage Valley Conference preview
By Patrick Z. McGavin
In the late spring of 1988, Naperville North, coached by Alan Harris, knocked out previously unbeaten Maine South 2-0 to capture the first formal girls state soccer championship in Illinois high school history. It was a watershed moment for gender equality and social participation.
It also established a level of excellence characterizing the skill, play and depth of competition in the DuPage Valley Conference. From the first state championship,
the league has been a bellwether and standard to which other programs measure their own talent, ability and level of achievement.
Naperville North has won two more state championships, going back-to-back in Class 3A in 2012 and 2013. The school has also reached the state title game and finished second twice. The Huskies also have one third-place state finish and two fourth-place trophies.
Crosstown rival Naperville Central appeared in back-to-back state title games in 1994 and 1995. Wheaton Warrenville South appeared in the inaugural Class AA state title game in 2002 and finished as the state runner-up.
The expansion of the league to include Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Metea Valley in 2015-16 unequivocally created the finest girls soccer conference in the state. Waubonsie Valley won Class AA state championships in 2007, 2008 and 2010. The Warriors finished second in 1991.
Neuqua Valley captured the Class AA state title in 2004 and finished second to New Trier in Class 3A in 2015.
That remarkable backdrop colors and shapes the season about to begin. However the season shakes out, a DuPage Valley team is almost certainly to be right in the mix of the best teams, not just the state, but the country. In the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 rankings, five schools are listed in the top 20, headed by top-ranked Naperville North and no. 4 Neuqua Valley.
Wheaton Warrenville South is just outside the top teams, among the highest rated of the honorable mention programs.
“The DuPage Valley Conference, in an off year, is one of the premier girls’ soccer conferences in the state,” Naperville Central coach Ed Watson said. “This does not appear to be an off year.”
Watson has been the directing the Redhawks’ program for 25 years and is a key figure in the league’s rise to dominance. He is also one of the architects of the Naperville Invitational, the toughest in-season tournament in the state.
“The landscape of high school soccer has changed over the years,” Watson said. “It was easier to predict how teams would stack up from year to year because you knew who was playing. Now teams are constantly dealing with who is playing (club) and who is not. One thing is certain, there is no shortage of talent in this conference.”
Here is a closer look at the teams and top players in the league. (All records and statistics are from 2016. Ranking refers to Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 preseason listing.)
Naperville North
Coach: Steve Goletz
2016 record: 7-0-1 conference/21-2-1 overall
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 1
Until proven otherwise, the Huskies are the team to beat even with a significant absence from last year’s magical team -- Tennessee recruit Maddie Krejci. Naperville North’s loaded roster features seven Division I college recruits.
The team conceded just six goals last year. Keeper Elizabeth Cablk (Illinois) registered 19 shutouts and a 0.25 goals-average for the supersectional qualifier.
Forward Caroline Weiss (Louisiana State) is an athletic and explosive finisher in space. Midfielders Jessica Denney and Ashley Santos, both set to play at Illinois State, combine versatility and toughness. Jeannine Valera (North Carolina-Greensboro) is another highly skilled offensive talent.
Iowa recruit Morgan Krause and Miami (Ohio) recruit Emily Wilhelm are punishing and disruptive defenders.
That power doesn't distract coach Steve Goletz, who knows what lies ahead.
“I truly think it’s the best league from top to bottom, especially this season,” he said. “On paper this may be the strongest the league has been in regards to both teams and talented individuals across the conference. I know we have had great postseason success and runs throughout my times here, but a regular season (conference) championship is always something we strive for as a program. If you can win this conference it is fair to say you have a shot to make it far in the magical state run.”
Two other mitigating factors are pushing the Huskies, the stunning supersectional loss against Glenbard East last year and the boys’ run to the Class 3A state title last fall.
The players are primed and will not be outworked.
“We still need to find that top goal scorer, but I think we are going to be a really competitive team,” Krause said. “Our defense and midfield are solid. We have a couple of new girls, underclassmen who are very talented and are going to step in and be goal scorers for us. For the returning girls, it was devastating, the (supersectional) loss, and that only pushes us, especially with the boys winning this year.”
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Joe Moreau
2016 record: 3-4-1/8-10-2
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 4
One prominent coach thinks the Wildcats are the best team in the state.
“They have high-major Division I athletes that Naperville North and we don’t have,” Barrington coach Ryan Stengren said.
Coming off a state tournament runner-up finish in 2015, Neuqua Valley was almost certainly the best team in the state that had fewer wins than losses.
Neuqua Valley features the most interesting lineup in the state, a combination of quality returners and high-profile club players now back in the fold for a deep run in their senior year. The crucial issue is going to be how coach Joe Moreau and his staff incorporate the club players with his returning players.
“Four of our returning (club) players were with us as freshmen, and the girls all know each other, so it has been been a smooth transition and our practices have been pretty crisp and fun,” Moreau said.
The Wildcats have six college-bound seniors, marked by a very impressive six Division I players: forward Haley Singer (Illinois), defender Nicole Mondi (Purdue), Ryan Gareis (South Carolina), defender Jenny Lafferty (Loyola Marymount), midfielder Hailey Furio (Arkansas State) and forward Allie Fullriede (Northern Illinois).
One of the team’s best players is junior midfielder Alyssa Bombacino, who shared (with Singer) a team-best nine goals and three assists last year. Another intriguing talent to watch is junior forward Skye Kingsley.
Moreau has positional versatility, depth and a high skill level to draw upon.
“This is the deepest we have been the last few years,” he said. Despite winning just six regular season games, Neuqua Valley won a Class 3A regional before losing to Naperville North in a sectional semifinal.
“It should be a very competitive year in the league,” he said. “I think Naperville North is the clear favorite, but any of the (ranked) teams can win on any given day. I think we are in the mix with those teams.”
Naperville Central
Coach: Ed Watson
2016 record: 5-1-2/14-5-5
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 15
The Redhawks lack the overall firepower of Naperville North, Neuqua Valley and Metea Valley but play suffocating defense and have some very skilled players at the offensive end. The team has six returning starters and some very exciting young talent.
The key is fusing together both ends.
“I am guardedly optimistic this year,” coach Ed Watson said. “We have top-end talent and depth. I will not speculate about where we fit in the (conference) pecking
order, but our girls know that every game in the conference is a test.”
One of the signature aspects of the program is the standout keeper play. Kinzly Dressler is an heir to that brilliant tradition. The athletic and highly skilled senior recorded 13 shutouts and posted a very impressive 0.59 goals-against average playing against some of the best teams in the state. This is her fourth year on the varsity.
Naperville Central showcases several superb prospects in senior midfielders Meredith McGuire (Marquette) and Maggie Hillman (Illinois). Both are in their second year of the program. Defender Caitlin Reice, a four-year varsity player, is signed with Division III Washington University in St. Louis.
Meridith Hannan, another four-year player, is the team’s emotional leader. Defender Sarah Avery, a top junior, is signed with Northern Illinois.
If the offense ever catches up with the defense, watch out for the Redhawks.
“We have a great deal of experience,” Watson said. “Many of our returning players have had time in our starting lineup. If we can consistently score goals, we should be a tough matchup for the other strong teams in the area.”
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Julie Bergstrom
2016 record: 5-3-0/11-8-1
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 16
Paige Filipek is graduated. She scored nearly 70 goals in her three varsity years. Still, the Warriors are not likely to struggle scoring goals.
Coach Julie Bergstrom returns nine starters. The team features senior midfielder Sarah Griffith, one of the best players in the state. With Filipek commanding double teams last year, Griffith stepped up and became a go-to player. She scored 18 goals and contributed seven assists. Six of those goals were game-winners.
Bergstrom is also very high on sophomore forward Natalie Massa and junior keeper Sarah Young. Forward Maggie Roe has been a steady presence for four years. Also watch out for juniors Kennedy Metzger and Hailey Curcio.
The team’s mission is succinct and unequivocal: “To be better today than we were yesterday,” Bergstrom said.
Metea Valley
Coach: Chris Whaley
2016 record: 5-2-1/12-9-4
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 20
The Mustangs are a weird hybrid, a quiet powerhouse. Metea Valley has qualified for three consecutive sectional finals, losing to Waubonsie Valley (third place), Neuqua Valley (second place) and no. 1-ranked Naperville North.
“This conference and sectional are an absolute battle every year,” coach Chris Whaley said. “The level of competition is so good that we don’t get down about our record or anything, and we end up playing our best soccer in May.”
With 10 returning starters, Metea Valley is not exactly going to hide. DePaul recruit Jade Eriksen-Russo makes the Mustangs must-viewing. The forward broke out last year, demonstrating explosive finishing abilities and creativity, in scoring 18 goals and contributing 11 assists.
"I am very excited for the season,” Eriksen-Russo said. “This group of girls has a lot of positive energy, and I want my last year to be something to remember. We are going to have a ton of fun and work really hard.”
Senior forward Abby Severson is also dangerous, evidenced by her eight goals and three assists last year. Junior midfielder Chesney Wargo is another top talent.
Defense is at a premium, and the backline will try and nullify so many high-powered opponents. Metea Valley is perfectly positioned there, anchored by the athletic keeper Amy Ahern, who registered 11 shutouts and a solid 1.06 goals-against average. Senior Katherine Wieland is the team’s top defender.
One thing every coach in the league agrees on, there is little margin for error.
“Everyone is good, and we will work really hard to be as good as can possibly be,” Whaley said.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Guy Callipari
2016 record: 4-4-0/14-7-3
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: honorable mention
Is it possible to be pretty great and still under the radar? Wheaton Warrenville South finished fifth in the DuPage Valley Conference a year ago. What does that mean?
The Tigers lost to Geneva on penalty kicks in a Class 3A regional final. That Vikings’ team reached a sectional final.
Coach Guy Callipari has won 337 games on the girls’ side in his 24 years directing the program. The team has been a model of consistency, discipline and skill. The Tigers have to account for some pretty significant graduation losses. This is a team that epitomizes danger for the opposition.
“Our speed of play should have us competing for a conference title,” Callipari said. “We have a good mix of young and experienced players that, coupled with team depth, should carry us deep into the playoffs.”
This year’s Tigers’ edition is a team of the future built for right now. Wheaton Warrenville South has 14 returning players. Eight of those players are sophomores.
Midfielder Paige Miller is one of the best players in her class. She scored 11 goals and added five assists as a freshman.
Midfielder Allie Anderson (eight goals, three assists) is another superb sophomore. Aubrey Siebert and Evelyn Demsher are other intriguing talents. Sophomore keeper Abby Brennan had eight shutouts and posted an excellent 0.55 goals-against average.
“With youth comes enthusiasm, athleticism and passion but lack of experience, especially in pressure environments,” Callipari said. “We need time to find a system that best suits the abilities of our players, and we need to ensure we have depth at the impact positions.”
Only two seniors, midfielder Julia Martz and defender Julia Hildebrand, are part of the rotation. They bring poise and experience. The Tigers hope it rubs off. The youth makes Wheaton Warrenville South the hardest team to get a handle on at the start. This is a team that intends to play with pace, speed and force its own aggressive rhythm. In other words, this team is not backing down.
“We need to find consistency in our ability to defend and transition utilizing our athleticism in order to place in the top half of the conference,” Callipari said.
Wheaton North
Coach: Timothy McEvilly
2016 record: 3-4-1/9-9-4
Wheaton North battled in the first conference year with the three Valley teams, proving its own worth and competitive value. Coach Tim McEvilly has been a first-hand witness to the brilliance of the league, having coached the Falcons for 17 years.
“The conference is a beast again this year,” he said. “We know every game we are going to see girls that will be playing at the Division I level in the near future.
Fortunately, I have a group that relishes the challenge of competing with these teams to prove we can compete despite having a group of lesser recognized players (but) who work well together as a team.”
Wheaton North has three players McEvilly is willing to put up against anybody: senior midfielder/back Niamh Kane, senior midfielder Morghin Klein and senior keeper Katie Sullivan.
Klein is signed to play with Wheaton College and Sullivan, a skilled and voracious keeper, signed with Creighton. He is also very excited about two newcomers, junior midfielder Katie Goebel and senior midfielder Christina Crochet.
“We have a very solid defensive unit with multiple players capable of playing at the collegiate level,” he said. “We need to work to find a combination of players who help us consistently put the ball in the back of the net. We have the collection of kids with the talent to do so.”
Glenbard North
Coach: David Stanfield
2016 record: 1-7-0/3-15-0
The Panthers hope the struggles of playing untested players new to the varsity pays off this year. Glenbard North has nine returning players. The team’s best players are underclassmen, another factor in the team’s struggle. That also suggests the potential for a bigger leap going forward.
“Our team is very young, with only one senior, and we have some very promising freshmen and sophomores who are going to need time to acclimate," said coach David Stanfield. "We are going to focus on a few concepts and work with those in training to help them understand their roles on the team.”
Stanfield said his key players are junior forward Rebecca Barreto, junior midfielder Aurelia Carulli, sophomore forward Vicky Szklarczyk and junior defender Jess West and sophomore keeper Karissa Chalus.
It is trial by fire for sure, but it is the best way to learn.
“I am not concerned so much with the record of where we stand in the conference as I am in ensuring that by the time we reach the state tournament we are going to be in as good of shape as possible, health wise, tactically and mentally,” he said.
Lake Park
Coach: Sean Crosby
2016 record: 0-8-0/5-15-2
A new era launches with Sean Crosby taking over the program. Every new coach looks to put his stamp, or identity, on the program. “We are looking to improve on our record from last year and remain competitive in all contests, including the tough conference competition,” Crosby said.
The Lancers had just three seniors last year, problematic in most sports but made especially difficult in the DuPage Valley and the biggest reason underscoring the team’s struggles in the league. The team remains on the young side. The young players have a desire to improve and a willingness to get better.
Eight starters return from last year’s group. The strength of the team is the middle, with junior midfield standout Briana McAloon forming a strong center nucleus with senior midfielder Natalie Morales and junior midfielder Jaclyn Lamz. Junior Lauren Tarchala is another quality player in the middle.
Sophomore Cynthia Martinez is probably the most versatile player on the roster. She has the ability to play either in the back or push up to the middle.
The young players are avid to get better, Crosby said.
“We are focused on staying healthy, and improving our fitness and strength,” he said. “Our players participated in a four-week crossfit fitness challenge this preseason as part of the Pepsico Showdown to improve endurance and strength before the season. We hope the improvements made there help us on the field.”
By Patrick Z. McGavin
In the late spring of 1988, Naperville North, coached by Alan Harris, knocked out previously unbeaten Maine South 2-0 to capture the first formal girls state soccer championship in Illinois high school history. It was a watershed moment for gender equality and social participation.
It also established a level of excellence characterizing the skill, play and depth of competition in the DuPage Valley Conference. From the first state championship,
the league has been a bellwether and standard to which other programs measure their own talent, ability and level of achievement.
Naperville North has won two more state championships, going back-to-back in Class 3A in 2012 and 2013. The school has also reached the state title game and finished second twice. The Huskies also have one third-place state finish and two fourth-place trophies.
Crosstown rival Naperville Central appeared in back-to-back state title games in 1994 and 1995. Wheaton Warrenville South appeared in the inaugural Class AA state title game in 2002 and finished as the state runner-up.
The expansion of the league to include Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Metea Valley in 2015-16 unequivocally created the finest girls soccer conference in the state. Waubonsie Valley won Class AA state championships in 2007, 2008 and 2010. The Warriors finished second in 1991.
Neuqua Valley captured the Class AA state title in 2004 and finished second to New Trier in Class 3A in 2015.
That remarkable backdrop colors and shapes the season about to begin. However the season shakes out, a DuPage Valley team is almost certainly to be right in the mix of the best teams, not just the state, but the country. In the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 rankings, five schools are listed in the top 20, headed by top-ranked Naperville North and no. 4 Neuqua Valley.
Wheaton Warrenville South is just outside the top teams, among the highest rated of the honorable mention programs.
“The DuPage Valley Conference, in an off year, is one of the premier girls’ soccer conferences in the state,” Naperville Central coach Ed Watson said. “This does not appear to be an off year.”
Watson has been the directing the Redhawks’ program for 25 years and is a key figure in the league’s rise to dominance. He is also one of the architects of the Naperville Invitational, the toughest in-season tournament in the state.
“The landscape of high school soccer has changed over the years,” Watson said. “It was easier to predict how teams would stack up from year to year because you knew who was playing. Now teams are constantly dealing with who is playing (club) and who is not. One thing is certain, there is no shortage of talent in this conference.”
Here is a closer look at the teams and top players in the league. (All records and statistics are from 2016. Ranking refers to Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 preseason listing.)
Naperville North
Coach: Steve Goletz
2016 record: 7-0-1 conference/21-2-1 overall
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 1
Until proven otherwise, the Huskies are the team to beat even with a significant absence from last year’s magical team -- Tennessee recruit Maddie Krejci. Naperville North’s loaded roster features seven Division I college recruits.
The team conceded just six goals last year. Keeper Elizabeth Cablk (Illinois) registered 19 shutouts and a 0.25 goals-average for the supersectional qualifier.
Forward Caroline Weiss (Louisiana State) is an athletic and explosive finisher in space. Midfielders Jessica Denney and Ashley Santos, both set to play at Illinois State, combine versatility and toughness. Jeannine Valera (North Carolina-Greensboro) is another highly skilled offensive talent.
Iowa recruit Morgan Krause and Miami (Ohio) recruit Emily Wilhelm are punishing and disruptive defenders.
That power doesn't distract coach Steve Goletz, who knows what lies ahead.
“I truly think it’s the best league from top to bottom, especially this season,” he said. “On paper this may be the strongest the league has been in regards to both teams and talented individuals across the conference. I know we have had great postseason success and runs throughout my times here, but a regular season (conference) championship is always something we strive for as a program. If you can win this conference it is fair to say you have a shot to make it far in the magical state run.”
Two other mitigating factors are pushing the Huskies, the stunning supersectional loss against Glenbard East last year and the boys’ run to the Class 3A state title last fall.
The players are primed and will not be outworked.
“We still need to find that top goal scorer, but I think we are going to be a really competitive team,” Krause said. “Our defense and midfield are solid. We have a couple of new girls, underclassmen who are very talented and are going to step in and be goal scorers for us. For the returning girls, it was devastating, the (supersectional) loss, and that only pushes us, especially with the boys winning this year.”
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Joe Moreau
2016 record: 3-4-1/8-10-2
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 4
One prominent coach thinks the Wildcats are the best team in the state.
“They have high-major Division I athletes that Naperville North and we don’t have,” Barrington coach Ryan Stengren said.
Coming off a state tournament runner-up finish in 2015, Neuqua Valley was almost certainly the best team in the state that had fewer wins than losses.
Neuqua Valley features the most interesting lineup in the state, a combination of quality returners and high-profile club players now back in the fold for a deep run in their senior year. The crucial issue is going to be how coach Joe Moreau and his staff incorporate the club players with his returning players.
“Four of our returning (club) players were with us as freshmen, and the girls all know each other, so it has been been a smooth transition and our practices have been pretty crisp and fun,” Moreau said.
The Wildcats have six college-bound seniors, marked by a very impressive six Division I players: forward Haley Singer (Illinois), defender Nicole Mondi (Purdue), Ryan Gareis (South Carolina), defender Jenny Lafferty (Loyola Marymount), midfielder Hailey Furio (Arkansas State) and forward Allie Fullriede (Northern Illinois).
One of the team’s best players is junior midfielder Alyssa Bombacino, who shared (with Singer) a team-best nine goals and three assists last year. Another intriguing talent to watch is junior forward Skye Kingsley.
Moreau has positional versatility, depth and a high skill level to draw upon.
“This is the deepest we have been the last few years,” he said. Despite winning just six regular season games, Neuqua Valley won a Class 3A regional before losing to Naperville North in a sectional semifinal.
“It should be a very competitive year in the league,” he said. “I think Naperville North is the clear favorite, but any of the (ranked) teams can win on any given day. I think we are in the mix with those teams.”
Naperville Central
Coach: Ed Watson
2016 record: 5-1-2/14-5-5
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 15
The Redhawks lack the overall firepower of Naperville North, Neuqua Valley and Metea Valley but play suffocating defense and have some very skilled players at the offensive end. The team has six returning starters and some very exciting young talent.
The key is fusing together both ends.
“I am guardedly optimistic this year,” coach Ed Watson said. “We have top-end talent and depth. I will not speculate about where we fit in the (conference) pecking
order, but our girls know that every game in the conference is a test.”
One of the signature aspects of the program is the standout keeper play. Kinzly Dressler is an heir to that brilliant tradition. The athletic and highly skilled senior recorded 13 shutouts and posted a very impressive 0.59 goals-against average playing against some of the best teams in the state. This is her fourth year on the varsity.
Naperville Central showcases several superb prospects in senior midfielders Meredith McGuire (Marquette) and Maggie Hillman (Illinois). Both are in their second year of the program. Defender Caitlin Reice, a four-year varsity player, is signed with Division III Washington University in St. Louis.
Meridith Hannan, another four-year player, is the team’s emotional leader. Defender Sarah Avery, a top junior, is signed with Northern Illinois.
If the offense ever catches up with the defense, watch out for the Redhawks.
“We have a great deal of experience,” Watson said. “Many of our returning players have had time in our starting lineup. If we can consistently score goals, we should be a tough matchup for the other strong teams in the area.”
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Julie Bergstrom
2016 record: 5-3-0/11-8-1
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 16
Paige Filipek is graduated. She scored nearly 70 goals in her three varsity years. Still, the Warriors are not likely to struggle scoring goals.
Coach Julie Bergstrom returns nine starters. The team features senior midfielder Sarah Griffith, one of the best players in the state. With Filipek commanding double teams last year, Griffith stepped up and became a go-to player. She scored 18 goals and contributed seven assists. Six of those goals were game-winners.
Bergstrom is also very high on sophomore forward Natalie Massa and junior keeper Sarah Young. Forward Maggie Roe has been a steady presence for four years. Also watch out for juniors Kennedy Metzger and Hailey Curcio.
The team’s mission is succinct and unequivocal: “To be better today than we were yesterday,” Bergstrom said.
Metea Valley
Coach: Chris Whaley
2016 record: 5-2-1/12-9-4
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 20
The Mustangs are a weird hybrid, a quiet powerhouse. Metea Valley has qualified for three consecutive sectional finals, losing to Waubonsie Valley (third place), Neuqua Valley (second place) and no. 1-ranked Naperville North.
“This conference and sectional are an absolute battle every year,” coach Chris Whaley said. “The level of competition is so good that we don’t get down about our record or anything, and we end up playing our best soccer in May.”
With 10 returning starters, Metea Valley is not exactly going to hide. DePaul recruit Jade Eriksen-Russo makes the Mustangs must-viewing. The forward broke out last year, demonstrating explosive finishing abilities and creativity, in scoring 18 goals and contributing 11 assists.
"I am very excited for the season,” Eriksen-Russo said. “This group of girls has a lot of positive energy, and I want my last year to be something to remember. We are going to have a ton of fun and work really hard.”
Senior forward Abby Severson is also dangerous, evidenced by her eight goals and three assists last year. Junior midfielder Chesney Wargo is another top talent.
Defense is at a premium, and the backline will try and nullify so many high-powered opponents. Metea Valley is perfectly positioned there, anchored by the athletic keeper Amy Ahern, who registered 11 shutouts and a solid 1.06 goals-against average. Senior Katherine Wieland is the team’s top defender.
One thing every coach in the league agrees on, there is little margin for error.
“Everyone is good, and we will work really hard to be as good as can possibly be,” Whaley said.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Guy Callipari
2016 record: 4-4-0/14-7-3
Chicagoland Soccer ranking: honorable mention
Is it possible to be pretty great and still under the radar? Wheaton Warrenville South finished fifth in the DuPage Valley Conference a year ago. What does that mean?
The Tigers lost to Geneva on penalty kicks in a Class 3A regional final. That Vikings’ team reached a sectional final.
Coach Guy Callipari has won 337 games on the girls’ side in his 24 years directing the program. The team has been a model of consistency, discipline and skill. The Tigers have to account for some pretty significant graduation losses. This is a team that epitomizes danger for the opposition.
“Our speed of play should have us competing for a conference title,” Callipari said. “We have a good mix of young and experienced players that, coupled with team depth, should carry us deep into the playoffs.”
This year’s Tigers’ edition is a team of the future built for right now. Wheaton Warrenville South has 14 returning players. Eight of those players are sophomores.
Midfielder Paige Miller is one of the best players in her class. She scored 11 goals and added five assists as a freshman.
Midfielder Allie Anderson (eight goals, three assists) is another superb sophomore. Aubrey Siebert and Evelyn Demsher are other intriguing talents. Sophomore keeper Abby Brennan had eight shutouts and posted an excellent 0.55 goals-against average.
“With youth comes enthusiasm, athleticism and passion but lack of experience, especially in pressure environments,” Callipari said. “We need time to find a system that best suits the abilities of our players, and we need to ensure we have depth at the impact positions.”
Only two seniors, midfielder Julia Martz and defender Julia Hildebrand, are part of the rotation. They bring poise and experience. The Tigers hope it rubs off. The youth makes Wheaton Warrenville South the hardest team to get a handle on at the start. This is a team that intends to play with pace, speed and force its own aggressive rhythm. In other words, this team is not backing down.
“We need to find consistency in our ability to defend and transition utilizing our athleticism in order to place in the top half of the conference,” Callipari said.
Wheaton North
Coach: Timothy McEvilly
2016 record: 3-4-1/9-9-4
Wheaton North battled in the first conference year with the three Valley teams, proving its own worth and competitive value. Coach Tim McEvilly has been a first-hand witness to the brilliance of the league, having coached the Falcons for 17 years.
“The conference is a beast again this year,” he said. “We know every game we are going to see girls that will be playing at the Division I level in the near future.
Fortunately, I have a group that relishes the challenge of competing with these teams to prove we can compete despite having a group of lesser recognized players (but) who work well together as a team.”
Wheaton North has three players McEvilly is willing to put up against anybody: senior midfielder/back Niamh Kane, senior midfielder Morghin Klein and senior keeper Katie Sullivan.
Klein is signed to play with Wheaton College and Sullivan, a skilled and voracious keeper, signed with Creighton. He is also very excited about two newcomers, junior midfielder Katie Goebel and senior midfielder Christina Crochet.
“We have a very solid defensive unit with multiple players capable of playing at the collegiate level,” he said. “We need to work to find a combination of players who help us consistently put the ball in the back of the net. We have the collection of kids with the talent to do so.”
Glenbard North
Coach: David Stanfield
2016 record: 1-7-0/3-15-0
The Panthers hope the struggles of playing untested players new to the varsity pays off this year. Glenbard North has nine returning players. The team’s best players are underclassmen, another factor in the team’s struggle. That also suggests the potential for a bigger leap going forward.
“Our team is very young, with only one senior, and we have some very promising freshmen and sophomores who are going to need time to acclimate," said coach David Stanfield. "We are going to focus on a few concepts and work with those in training to help them understand their roles on the team.”
Stanfield said his key players are junior forward Rebecca Barreto, junior midfielder Aurelia Carulli, sophomore forward Vicky Szklarczyk and junior defender Jess West and sophomore keeper Karissa Chalus.
It is trial by fire for sure, but it is the best way to learn.
“I am not concerned so much with the record of where we stand in the conference as I am in ensuring that by the time we reach the state tournament we are going to be in as good of shape as possible, health wise, tactically and mentally,” he said.
Lake Park
Coach: Sean Crosby
2016 record: 0-8-0/5-15-2
A new era launches with Sean Crosby taking over the program. Every new coach looks to put his stamp, or identity, on the program. “We are looking to improve on our record from last year and remain competitive in all contests, including the tough conference competition,” Crosby said.
The Lancers had just three seniors last year, problematic in most sports but made especially difficult in the DuPage Valley and the biggest reason underscoring the team’s struggles in the league. The team remains on the young side. The young players have a desire to improve and a willingness to get better.
Eight starters return from last year’s group. The strength of the team is the middle, with junior midfield standout Briana McAloon forming a strong center nucleus with senior midfielder Natalie Morales and junior midfielder Jaclyn Lamz. Junior Lauren Tarchala is another quality player in the middle.
Sophomore Cynthia Martinez is probably the most versatile player on the roster. She has the ability to play either in the back or push up to the middle.
The young players are avid to get better, Crosby said.
“We are focused on staying healthy, and improving our fitness and strength,” he said. “Our players participated in a four-week crossfit fitness challenge this preseason as part of the Pepsico Showdown to improve endurance and strength before the season. We hope the improvements made there help us on the field.”