TOP AREA GIRLS SOCCER TEAMS
1. NAPERVILLE NORTH
“This year I’m going for 30 goals,” senior forward Zoe Swift said. Second-year coach Steve Goletz has superior depth with Sarah Feder, Maria Grygleski, Abby Mangefrida, Caroline Rico and Jillian Van Kampen.
2. LOYOLA
The Ramblers return seven starters from a 24-1-1 sectional finalist. All-Area star Corey Burns (Iowa) is one of the state’s most versatile players. Junior Margaret Walker is a lethal scorer and keeper Brittany San Roman is stellar.
3. ST. CHARLES NORTH
The Class 3A runner-up welcomes back nine starters from the 19-6-2 squad that took Naperville North to the brink. Alyssa Brandt, Kelly Manski and Natalie Winkates are elite scorers and playmakers.
4. BARRINGTON
Senior midfielder Molly Pfeifer leads seven returning starters from the Fillies’ 19-7 supersectional qualifier. Sophomore keeper Hannah Luedtke is an emerging star to go with playmakers Jenna Szczesny, Mia Calamari, Megan Fox, Elli Ackermann and Aimee Pierce.
5. PLAINFIELD NORTH
Sisters Ashley Handwork (16 goals), senior midfielder, and Heather Handwork (17 goals), junior midfielder, lead a group of seven returning starters. Also watch Nikki Auble, Kaela Leskovar, Erin Chynoweth, Shayna Dheel and Brooke Polonus.
6. NEW TRIER
The Trevians have 12 returning starters from a supersectional qualifier, led by senior midfielder Jess Weaver (13 goals, eight assists). Maddie Mulford and Jessie Berman are offensive weapons. Nora Mabie and Sarah Connors lead the defense.
7. NEUQUA VALLEY
Despite the devastating, season-ending knee injury of Zoey Goralski, the state’s top player, the Wildcats remain formidable with senior midfielders Hope D’Addario and Gianna Dal Pozzo.
8. METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs return 15 varsity players, led by the state’s top keeper, superstar Megan Geldernick. Junior Jenna Kentgen (22 goals) and senior Alyssa Fox are the offensive catalysts. Watch for junior Tyler Proszowski, returning after being sidelined from concussion complications.
9. GLENBROOK SOUTH
The Titans return 10 starters from a 21-6-4 team that finished fourth in Class 3A. Senior forward April Cronin had 26 goals and nine assists last year. Nicole Sroubek, Carolyn Nash, Emma Sailer and Olivia Pullano are standouts to watch.
10. LYONS
The Lions return six starters from last year’s 16-6-4 team that boasts one of the state’s elite defenders in Ari Kowalski.