Wolniakowski shows the way
Freshman strikes for hat trick in just second varsity game for Providence
Using her speed and quickness, freshman forward Maggie Wolniakowski went from being an unproven rookie Thursday to a sudden spot in the middle of the spotlight for Providence.
And she’s obviously a quick study.
Wolniakowski’s sister, Kailey, was a four-year starter and high-scoring forward who graduated last year. Their brother, Ryan, is a junior defender for the boys soccer team.
“They taught me everything,” Maggie said. “I loved watching Kailey play here.”
In her second varsity game, Maggie had a night to remember with a hat trick for the Celtics in an 8-0 win over Marian Catholic in the Windy City Ram Classic at Lincoln-Way Central.
Freshman midfielder Alyssa Thulin also scored twice and assisted on one of Wolniakowski’s three goals for Providence (1-1). Thulin missed Tuesday’s opener due to illness.
Olivia Pressler, another freshman, stood out in adverse conditions for Marian Catholic (0-2). The busy goalkeeper finished with nine saves, including one on a penalty kick attempt.
Making the biggest push, however, was Wolniakowski. Her sister Kailey, Providence’s class salutatorian who is now a student at Clemson, would certainly have been proud.
“I just love playing soccer, scoring and having all of that fun out there,” Maggie said. “I like to play aggressively, but at the same time, distribute the ball to everybody.”
In that way, Wolniakowski showed a decisive flair. The third player in her family to suit up for Providence, she delivered a striking performance that radiated confidence and savvy.
Wolniakowski got to a bunch of loose balls and demonstrated a sharp finishing touch for the Celtics. Most impressively, she showed a knack for getting to the net.
“I have also been playing club my whole life,” she said. “Having the training that I had before this definitely prepared me for high school.”
Providence coach Dan Potempa enjoyed watching Wolniakowski succeed, particularly after having her older sister clear the path forward.
“The thing about Kailey is that she always got herself into great position,” Potempa said. “She was a very smart player. She was always in the right spot.
“Maggie has that ability. She also has the drive. We saw that when she created the penalty kick opportunity. She did that with her sheer drive and hustle.”
Thulin, who’s from Shorewood, also displayed that ability in connecting with Wolniakowski. They were unfamiliar with each other until the start of the school year.
“We have classes together like gym,” Thulin said of Wolniakowski, who’s from New Lenox. “That has helped us get to each other as people.”
Wolniakowski had a one-game head start on Thulin but quickly adapted to the pace.
“I like to use my footwork a lot,” Thulin said. “Being a freshman, the biggest adjustment is just learning how and knowing when to definitely shoot more, especially when I have space.
“It is great to have all the connections with each other and to be able to play together.”
Wolniakowski, meanwhile, is used to playing up against older competition.
“Just because you are younger does not mean you have less talent or ability,” she said. “The biggest thing I’ve learned so far as a freshman is to not let the older girls intimidate me.”
“I am very excited to see where (Maggie) is going to go in the future,” Potempa said.
Thursday night could be the start of special for Wolniakowski, who has an exuberance and innocence to her style. And it goes beyond the talent to simply score. She passes the credit.
“Everybody was so supportive,” she said. “That’s what I am going to remember the most about this game — seeing all the smiles on my teammates’ faces after I scored.”