2012 SouthtownStar Girls Soccer All-Area Team
June 15, 2012 6:52PM
Michelle Balcerzak, Lincoln-Way North
All-Area Honorable Mention
Amy Gerald (Sr. D), Andrew; Grecia Equihua (Jr. D), Argo; Jazmin Aldape (So. M), Katelin Wallek (Sr. GK), Briana Williams (Jr. D), Bloom; Carolyn Richards (Sr. M), Chicago Christian; Amanda Baron (Jr. M), Rachel Stellfox (Sr. M), Crete-Monee.
Rebecca Albarran (Sr. D), Evergreen Park; Kim Boehm (Jr. GK), Chrissy Coderre (Jr. M), Kelly Coderre (Jr. D), Sam Larocca (Jr. D), Kate Vendrely (Sr. D), Homewood-Flossmoor; Kristen Corral (Fr. M), Carmen Huizenga (Fr. M), Emma Pawlowski (So. M), Illiana Christian; Shannon Briggs (Sr. M), Sydney Goushas (Sr. M), Kim Jerantowski (So. F), Lemont.
Somer Druszkowski (Sr. M), Caley Michalak (Sr. F), Greccia Miranda (Sr. M), Lincoln-Way Central; Jessica Bicek (Jr. D), Cristal Kurkowski (Sr. GK), Lindsey Murphy (Fr. D), Lincoln-Way East; Amber Huppert (Jr. D), Unique Manns (Jr. F), Dena Waldier (Sr. D), Lincoln-Way North; Lea Gindville (Jr. D), Kara Winans (Jr. M), Emily Wyskiel (Fr. M), Lincoln-Way West; Ally Brehm (Jr. M), Alyssa DeYoung (Jr. GK), Lauren Labanauskas (Sr. D), Leah Plescia (Jr. D), Michelle Schultz (Sr. D), Sam Spencer (Sr. M), Lockport.
Christina Franzese (Jr. D), Hailey Losselyong (So. M), Marian Catholic; Kristen Barrett (Sr. M), Kara Bock (Jr. D), Taylor McPhillips (Sr. D), Ailish Rispin (Sr. M), Marist; Meghan Dragel (Jr. D), Margaret Hurley (Jr. M), Megan McCauley (Sr. M), Mary O’Boyle (Jr. F), Christina Sperando (Jr. M), Mother McAuley; Erin Dombrowski (Sr. M), Olivia Palutsis (Sr. F), Mount Assisi.
Kelly McEathron (Jr. F), Oak Forest; Kinga Gil (Sr. F), Oak Lawn; Maggie Corso (Jr. F), Eileen Kenny (Sr. M), Providence; Maggie Nowobilski (Jr. M), Queen of Peace; Chanel Koepke (Jr. F), Ana Valdez (Sr. F), Reavis; Patricia Tuxford (Sr. D), Richards; Brianna Alston (Sr. D), Gabby Portillo (Sr. M), Rich South.
Meghan Carmody (Jr. F), Carly Catalinic (Jr. D), Nicole Kulovitz (Jr. GK), Sandburg; Annie Evans (Sr. D), Kathryn Hermanas (Sr. M), Shepard; Meredith Atkenson (Sr. M), Alexa Janus (Jr. D), Brianne Pettas (Sr. D), Stagg; Monica Munoz (Fr. M), T.F. co-op; Fatima Cornejo (Sr. M), Jasmin Zambrano (Jr. M), Thornwood co-op; Jenna Rivera (So. D), Tinley Park
Article Extras
Updated: July 18, 2012 6:11AM
Michelle Balcerzak
School: Lincoln-Way North
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Goalie
Numbers: 0.96 goals against average, 13 shutouts
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-SouthWest Suburban Red, headed to Carthage College (Wis.)
Coach Mike Murphy: “She has made some remarkable saves with her quick reflexes and instinctive decisions in goal.”
Jessica Bean
School: Lincoln-Way North
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Midfielder
Numbers: 21 goals, 12 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-State, All-SouthWest Suburban Red, headed to Loyola
Coach Mike Murphy: “She is a workhorse on the field. She is a leader by her work ethic and by her character.”
Alyssa Braun
School: Shepard
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Forward
Numbers: 25 goals, 6 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional Honorable Mention, South Suburban Red Player of the Year
Coach Scott Wilkins: “Alyssa had numerous three- and four-goal games this year.”
Corinne Brennan
School: Lincoln-Way West
Yr./Pos.: Junior/Forward
Numbers: 26 goals, 12 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-SouthWest Suburban Red
Coach Jeff Theiss: “Cori is an explosive and creative attacker who is always dangerous around the ball.”
Lexi Cozzi
School: Lockport
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Forward
Numbers: 21 goals, 12 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-State, All-SouthWest Suburban Blue, headed to St. Xavier
Coach Todd Elkei: “Lexi is a powerful forward that has excellent pace as well. She is a true finisher and is extremely dangerous on the field.”
Rita Craven
School: Lincoln-Way North
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Midfielder
Numbers: 18 goals, 17 assists
Notable: 2012 SouthtownStar Girls Soccer Player of the Year, IHSSCA All-State, All-SouthWest Suburban Red, headed to Valparaiso
Coach Mike Murphy: “Rita’s vision and composure on the ball are well beyond her years. She controls the game with her ability to attack quickly and defend tenaciously.”
Julie Divita
School: Lockport
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Midfielder
Numbers: 7 goals, 7 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-SouthWest Suburban Blue, headed to
Wisconsin-Platteville
Coach Todd Elkei: “Julie is the most versatile player on our team. She has tremendous vision, touch and ball skills.”
Ali Farkos
School: H-F
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Midfielder
Numbers: 18 goals, 14 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-State, All-SouthWest Suburban Blue, headed to Illinois State
Coach Charlie Ward: “Ali is the controlling force of our team. She dominates the middle of the field both on the ground and in the air.”
Kelly Fritz
School: Lemont
Yr./Pos.: Sophomore/Goalie
Numbers: 0.50 goals against average, 13 shutouts
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-South Suburban Blue
Coach Rick Prangen: “Kelly is without a doubt the best keeper that I’ve had come into my program in 19 years.”
Kela Gray
School: Mother McAuley
Yr./Pos.: Sophomore/Forward
Numbers: 23 goals, 5 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-GCAC Red
Coach Evan Strehlau: “Kela is so strong physically and mentally. The minute she stepped onto the field, her impact was made.”
Stephanie Hall
School: Beecher
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Midfielder
Numbers: 11 goals, 7 assists
Notable: All-Interstate Eight, headed to Hannibal-LaGrange University (Mo.)
Coach Dawn Compton: “Stephanie is the quarterback of our soccer team. She really works hard to improve her game and sets an example for the younger players.”
Haley Hruska
School: H-F
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Forward
Numbers: 13 goals, 10 assists
Notable: Scored two goals in sectional championship win over Sandburg.
Coach Charlie Ward: “She sets the table for most of our attack and her cerebral play solidifies our possession game.”
Nina Izzo
School: Queen of Peace
Yr./Pos.: Sophomore/Forward
Numbers: 28 goals, 8 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-GCAC Red, set a school record for goals in a season
Coach Tom Schergen: “Nina is one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever worked with. She always works to get the ball, then has a special skill to finish.”
Cortney Jerzy
School: Lockport
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Goalie, Forward
Numbers: 0.40 goals against average, 6 shutouts;
6 goals, 3 assists
Notable: Recorded three straight playoff shutouts against Plainfield Central, Naperville Central and Metea Valley, headed to St. Xavier
Coach Todd Elkei: “She has total command of the box and has great hands. In the field, she has a great touch and finishing ability.”
Jamie Kats
School: T.F. co-op
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Defender
Numbers: 21 goals, 8 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-South Suburban Blue, headed to Judson University
Coach Alejandro Lagunas: “She is a very strong technically and tactically skilled player who was a major contributor to our team’s success.”
Lauren Kelly
School: Lincoln-Way Central
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Defender
Numbers: 3 goals, 8 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-SouthWest Suburban Red, headed to Miami (Ohio)
Coach Dan Radz: “Lauren was an excellent cover player in the middle of the field and was a big part of why we had 14 shutouts.”
Kyleigh Maday
School: Providence
Yr./Pos.: Sophomore/Midfielder
Numbers: 11 goals, 2 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-East Suburban Catholic
Coach Dan Potempa: “Kyleigh has a great work ethic and a great attitude. Every time she steps on the field, she has a positive impact on the game for our team.”
Morgan Manzke
School: Sandburg
Yr./Pos.: Junior/Midfielder
Numbers: 12 goals, 6 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-State, All-SouthWest Suburban Blue
Coach Desi Vuillaume: “Morgan has been a strong presence on the field ever since her freshman year. She has really developed into a great player.”
Sarah Mussallem
School: Stagg
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Forward
Numbers: 13 goals, 10 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-SouthWest Suburban Red
Coach Mike Kealy: “She is a great finisher and an amazing all-around athlete.”
Claire Oosterbaan
School: Marist
Yr./Pos.: Junior/Midfielder
Numbers: 6 goals, 5 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, Catholic Cup All-Tournament
Coach Sean Maxwell: “Claire was the engine of our team. She played nearly every minute this year and is a very physical player that always works hard.”
Emma Peele
School: Andrew
Yr./Pos.: Junior/Defender
Numbers: 4 goals, 8 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-SouthWest Suburban Red
Coach Loren Zolk: “She uses her speed, size, athleticism and tenacity to shut down opponents. She wins everything in the air and is never beaten to the ball on the ground.”
Rachel Post
School: Lincoln-Way Central
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Forward
Numbers: 22 goals, 10 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-State, All-SouthWest Suburban Red, headed to Carthage College (Wis.)
Coach Dan Radz: “She was a coach’s dream to have on the field because she was an extremely smart attacker.”
Shannon Stearns
School: Sandburg
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Defender
Numbers: 2 goals, 1 assist
Notable: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue, headed to Miami (Ohio)
Coach Desi Vuillaume: “She was probably the most underrated player on our team this year.”
Kelly Trojak
School: Lemont
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Midfielder, Defender
Numbers: 1 goal, 7 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-State, South Suburban Blue Player of the Year, headed to St. Xavier
Coach Rick Prangen: “Kelly has the physical, technical and tactical ability to dominate games. She has been our most consistent player this season.”
Katie Truesdale
School: Andrew
Yr./Pos.: Senior/Forward
Numbers: 26 goals, 2 assists
Notable: IHSSCA All-Sectional, All-SouthWest Suburban Red, set school records for goals in a season and career (45), headed to Loras College (Iowa)
Coach Loren Zolk: “Katie is Andrew’s most successful attacker in history even though she’s usually man-marked or double man-marked, she’s been able to dominate teams.”
