Coaches weigh in on loss of season
From Chicagoland Soccer freelancer reports
The spring of 2020 will never be forgotten for the coronavirus pandemic and the memories it has stolen from students and the entire high school community. Here are a sampling of thoughts from Chicagoland Soccer coaches about these unprecedented days.
North Shore Country Day's Lizzy Giffen:
“I completely agree with the IHSA decision, and we are also heartbroken to miss the season. We have special seniors who built this program, and for them to miss out on their last season is extremely tough. This senior class was the backbone of the success that we had in the previous two seasons, going to the state final twice, and as a result we were moved up to Class AA this year. While we are the smallest school by leaps and bound [NSCD enrollment is 231 students, Class AA enrollment range is 697.01-1,635 students], we were really excited to tackle this challenge. I was confident that the girls would find success at the next level.
“The team is still Zooming for workouts or team meetings, and everyone is trying to keep up their spirits. We are planning to honor our seniors in late May to thank them for all they have done.”
Neuqua Valley's Joe Moreau:
“You’re sitting by the fire pit in the back yard and now, all of a sudden, you’re making the fire pit. You’re the one putting the wood on the fire. That’s going to be Katelyn (Nardulli).
"We had a pretty good group of senior leaders, and all of a sudden, you’re the one building the fire. That’s the expectation next year. So you go from smooth jazz to heavy metal.
"The thing is, since we do have some younger players on the team this year, freshmen and sophomores, not getting the experience of being part of a whole varsity season, all of a sudden, for most of those kids next year will be their first year on varsity.
"Katelyn is going to have to mold some kids pretty quickly.
"Juniors who have been on varsity since freshman year, they have to grow up even more next year, all over the area, than kids in the past have.”
Rochelle Zell's David Martinez:
“This is a difficult situation that no one thought they would be in. I have seven seniors that will not have the opportunity to take the field in their final season as a high school student-athlete. The team was anticipating a strong run for both the Chicago Prep Conference championship and IHSA state series. It is devastating for our team to have an opportunity taken away that is totally out of our control. I hope this painful experience gives us the energy and enthusiasm to appreciate and savor every moment in our lives.”
New Trier's Jim Burnside:
"It's really disappointing. It's what I and the rest of the coaches love to do ... to strategize, to coach, to see the kids grow, to be able to do it for a specific goal. We do it for the kids, but we do it because it's something we love to do. This was going to be a special team, and I know everyone says that. But in my perspective, of having teams that have not been very good and have been very good, this was going to be a great team both personality-wise and playing-wise."
Naperville Central's Ed Watson:
“I was really looking forward to all of those (JV girls from 2019) girls joining us because they were so positive at the end of the year. Players that don’t get on the field can still play a really important role in the success of a team. I think our winning the regional and playing well in the sectional can be attributed to that positive energy those girls gave to us.”
Bartlett's Vince Revak:
"It's hard to be anything other than disappointed when you even think of the phrase 'lost season.' We were excited to see how we've developed from last season, as well as see some new players in action. I can't imagine losing a season as a player, let alone a senior season.
"We would love, at the very least, to honor our senior players in some way as a group. Hopefully things will return to normalcy soon, but it's difficult to plan since we don't really know what the next several weeks will look like.
"Many schools, including U-46 schools, are canceling graduation ceremonies, so it's hard to tell. There are definitely some plans in the works, though!"
Benet's Gerard Oconer:
"The cancellation of the girls high school soccer season has brought forth a variety of emotions, especially sadness and disappointment for our seniors who have worked tirelessly over the past four years to elevate our girls soccer program at Benet to new heights. I am heartbroken for my players who have waited patiently over the past few years for their opportunity to finally shine on the field or to be part of the varsity team. My seniors can at least take some solace in the fact that they left the field as champions after their final high school game last season.
"I genuinely miss not able being able to share in the day-to-day experiences with the team that make the high school soccer season so special. It is unfortunate that our season had to end before it even started, and that our players didn’t have a chance to represent our school on the field this year. My hope is that they will take away certain things from the current situation that will make them stronger people in the future, especially the importance of sacrificing for the greater good and not taking things for granted. I think that the time at home has given all of us a new perspective and made us appreciate even the little things in life that we may have otherwise overlooked."
St. Charles East's Vince DiNuzzo:
"The season being cancelled is a reality we unfortunately have to deal with. We appreciated the IHSA doing everything they could to have a season. I feel awful for all of the kids, especially the seniors. Our girls felt like they had an opportunity to prove that they have taken the next step, and they are devastated that they will not get that opportunity.
"We hope that they will cherish and hold on to the memories they have made over their years in the program. This senior class had a competitive and driven spirit that will have a lasting effect on our program.
"Our goal as a coaching staff is to honor these seniors. I can’t say enough about this senior class, both (boys and girls) programs. They are great kids who we will miss greatly. We are also trying to make use of the time we have together virtually to prepare for the future."
Naperville North's Steve Goletz:
“We joked about that a little bit on Zoom today when we were talking as a team. I said if there is one silver lining from the IHSA cancelling the state tournament it’s that it means we’ll get to be the defending state champs for another year.
"We obviously rather would have defended it on the field but just to get the kids to smile with a lighter moment was fun.”
Hersey's Mike Rusniak:
"We've been staying connected as a team by having periodic Zoom check-ins. When we met on the day the IHSA was meeting to decide the fate of the spring season, it was easy to sense they knew what was coming.
"It was obvious they were disappointed and that was easily the most difficult conversation I've had as a coach.
"Up until the point, all of them had been working extremely hard staying active, fit and healthy, and I did my best to convey that literally we, like everyone in the world, are in this together."
"I encouraged the younger players to continue working, and to channel their disappointment to to being extra hungry for when they can play again. I recognized the seniors for their dedication, but nothing I said seemed like it was enough.
"Our senior group is such a great bunch and to see them grow during their time at Hersey (made) it difficult for me knowing I won't see them play together one last time. Some, however, have plans to play in college, and the others who don't, will be extremely successful in whatever endeavors they pursue.
"With that in mind, it is easy to feel very proud of all they have achieved and contributed, not only for Hersey soccer, but for the Hersey community as well."
Lake Park's Sean Crosby:
"We're incredibly bummed at losing this year. The (six freshman) newcomers felt like they belonged real quick, and with the older players taking ownership, it's a lost opportunity at growing the program. You feel for the seniors more than anybody, But they'll still be involved in the program, cheering on future Lancers after they graduate."
Grayslake Central's Keith Andersson:
"The 2020 season was supposed to have some amazing highs. Back in May of 2019, I had just accepted the head coaching position at Grayslake Central and got right to work and couldn’t wait for the season to start. From May-December there was constant planning and meetings trying to restart the program for success.
"When we started speed and agility training we had some great turnouts in numbers, and it was great to see the girls working hard. Then the excitement really started with tryouts. The night before we only had enough for two levels; on day one we had enough for four, and the coaching staff couldn’t believe it.
"All of the levels worked very hard for two weeks of indoor training, that Thursday we handed out uniforms. It was an exciting time. I had worked with the varsity captains Emma Stopka and Madeline Mussay for months asking what they would like to have. In turn I did my best to make their senior year special with all brand new uniforms, warm ups, parkas and some other stuff to make it even more exciting.
"I went to the school and staged their uniforms in a classroom with a personal note to each player talking about what I expected from them and how excited I was for them. The next day was March 13, we finally had a JV vs Varsity scrimmage, and we as coaches were even more excited by what we saw in the scrimmage.
"The next day was supposed to be picture day. Then, as you know, the announcement to close all schools happened. At first we all still had hope, we sent out training ideas and challenges, followed by videos and Zoom meetings. After the announcement from the IHSA cancelling spring season came out, where there was hope, there were now tears; excitement was now replaced with what if?
"Where it hurts me the most is I never had my first season, and that I will possibly never have had the chance to coach these amazing group of senior young women, who epitomize what the younger players should strive to be like. What I will miss the most is all of our firsts: first goal; first bus ride; first pasta party.
"I am blessed that all of my personal family is safe and healthy, but I am also blessed that the GCHS soccer program is also safe and healthy in this very concerning time. COVID-19 has taken something not only from the seniors, but also from the rest of the world, normalcy -- not sure if we will ever get it back. I hope we will. To the seniors even though we didn’t get our firsts, I am grateful and blessed to have been able to be a part of your lives."
Downers Grove North's Brian Papa:
"It is a shame for everyone, seniors especially. Some girls wait for their opportunity to show they can contribute their senior year, and they lose that opportunity.
"This year we were really excited. Girls have worked hard and we were coming off a great ending to 2019! Unfortunately we will never know.
"We are planning a tribute on our Twitter page. Our Senior Day would have been May 7, so we are planning ... a COVID-19-style drive-by."
Geneva's Megan Owens:
"I think what hurts most about the cancellation of this season, aside from robbing everyone of the wonderful lifelong memories they would have made, is that the underclassmen get robbed of the seniors' leadership. We had 12 seniors on varsity this year and the leadership they would have provided to not only the underclassmen on varsity, but the entire program, would have been invaluable. And I think those ramifications will echo throughout our program in the years to come. Because, while the seniors on the team are all great athletes, they are even better people and do a great job of leading by example and positively impacting our program. They are all amazing young women, and I have no doubt they will go on to do great things. I know that it hurts our program deeply that they did not get to lead by example and set the tone this year.
"It make me really, really sad that I didn't get to have this season with my seniors. Years where you have a lot of seniors always tend to be very special. It's their time to shine, and it breaks my heart that they were denied that. It is also a year where you see so much growth, development and leadership in them as they come into their own and gain confidence. No doubt this is hard on them, but it is also hard on coaches who spent two or three or four years coaching them and didn't get a true chance to say goodbye.
"I don't think people realize how much coaches pour their heart and soul into their programs and their players. It's a year-round commitment. The bond between a coach and their players is truly unique. I've coached these seniors for two-to-four years, and I am heartbroken we didn't get to have our final hurrah together. However, I know that one day they will look back on this, and they will be stronger and more adept at overcoming adversity because of it. Hopefully, it will make their memories from the seasons they did get to compete that much sweeter and more cherished.
"I honestly hope some good comes from spring sports being cancelled this year. I truly hope people realize what a fun, beneficial and unique experience playing for your high school is. It is not something to be missed. It has a life-long positive impact on kids. Playing for your school, wearing your school jersey in front of your hometown crowd, playing side-by-side with some of your best friends while battling some of your biggest rivals in an experience unique to high school soccer and not something that can be found anywhere else. Being a part of high school sports is very special and hopefully this spring reminds everyone of this. I would gladly take three-straight hours of playing in a downpour in 35 degree weather where you can't feel your extremities (AKA most of our March games!) and so would the girls -- just to have one more pregame ritual, one more halftime chat, one more team huddle, one more chance to leave it all on the field, one more memory of smiles and laughter and singing on the bus and celebrating afterwards. While it is sad their high school sports careers have come to an end, I take solace in knowing they have a multitude of memories and future lifelong friendships as a result."
From Chicagoland Soccer freelancer reports
The spring of 2020 will never be forgotten for the coronavirus pandemic and the memories it has stolen from students and the entire high school community. Here are a sampling of thoughts from Chicagoland Soccer coaches about these unprecedented days.
North Shore Country Day's Lizzy Giffen:
“I completely agree with the IHSA decision, and we are also heartbroken to miss the season. We have special seniors who built this program, and for them to miss out on their last season is extremely tough. This senior class was the backbone of the success that we had in the previous two seasons, going to the state final twice, and as a result we were moved up to Class AA this year. While we are the smallest school by leaps and bound [NSCD enrollment is 231 students, Class AA enrollment range is 697.01-1,635 students], we were really excited to tackle this challenge. I was confident that the girls would find success at the next level.
“The team is still Zooming for workouts or team meetings, and everyone is trying to keep up their spirits. We are planning to honor our seniors in late May to thank them for all they have done.”
Neuqua Valley's Joe Moreau:
“You’re sitting by the fire pit in the back yard and now, all of a sudden, you’re making the fire pit. You’re the one putting the wood on the fire. That’s going to be Katelyn (Nardulli).
"We had a pretty good group of senior leaders, and all of a sudden, you’re the one building the fire. That’s the expectation next year. So you go from smooth jazz to heavy metal.
"The thing is, since we do have some younger players on the team this year, freshmen and sophomores, not getting the experience of being part of a whole varsity season, all of a sudden, for most of those kids next year will be their first year on varsity.
"Katelyn is going to have to mold some kids pretty quickly.
"Juniors who have been on varsity since freshman year, they have to grow up even more next year, all over the area, than kids in the past have.”
Rochelle Zell's David Martinez:
“This is a difficult situation that no one thought they would be in. I have seven seniors that will not have the opportunity to take the field in their final season as a high school student-athlete. The team was anticipating a strong run for both the Chicago Prep Conference championship and IHSA state series. It is devastating for our team to have an opportunity taken away that is totally out of our control. I hope this painful experience gives us the energy and enthusiasm to appreciate and savor every moment in our lives.”
New Trier's Jim Burnside:
"It's really disappointing. It's what I and the rest of the coaches love to do ... to strategize, to coach, to see the kids grow, to be able to do it for a specific goal. We do it for the kids, but we do it because it's something we love to do. This was going to be a special team, and I know everyone says that. But in my perspective, of having teams that have not been very good and have been very good, this was going to be a great team both personality-wise and playing-wise."
Naperville Central's Ed Watson:
“I was really looking forward to all of those (JV girls from 2019) girls joining us because they were so positive at the end of the year. Players that don’t get on the field can still play a really important role in the success of a team. I think our winning the regional and playing well in the sectional can be attributed to that positive energy those girls gave to us.”
Bartlett's Vince Revak:
"It's hard to be anything other than disappointed when you even think of the phrase 'lost season.' We were excited to see how we've developed from last season, as well as see some new players in action. I can't imagine losing a season as a player, let alone a senior season.
"We would love, at the very least, to honor our senior players in some way as a group. Hopefully things will return to normalcy soon, but it's difficult to plan since we don't really know what the next several weeks will look like.
"Many schools, including U-46 schools, are canceling graduation ceremonies, so it's hard to tell. There are definitely some plans in the works, though!"
Benet's Gerard Oconer:
"The cancellation of the girls high school soccer season has brought forth a variety of emotions, especially sadness and disappointment for our seniors who have worked tirelessly over the past four years to elevate our girls soccer program at Benet to new heights. I am heartbroken for my players who have waited patiently over the past few years for their opportunity to finally shine on the field or to be part of the varsity team. My seniors can at least take some solace in the fact that they left the field as champions after their final high school game last season.
"I genuinely miss not able being able to share in the day-to-day experiences with the team that make the high school soccer season so special. It is unfortunate that our season had to end before it even started, and that our players didn’t have a chance to represent our school on the field this year. My hope is that they will take away certain things from the current situation that will make them stronger people in the future, especially the importance of sacrificing for the greater good and not taking things for granted. I think that the time at home has given all of us a new perspective and made us appreciate even the little things in life that we may have otherwise overlooked."
St. Charles East's Vince DiNuzzo:
"The season being cancelled is a reality we unfortunately have to deal with. We appreciated the IHSA doing everything they could to have a season. I feel awful for all of the kids, especially the seniors. Our girls felt like they had an opportunity to prove that they have taken the next step, and they are devastated that they will not get that opportunity.
"We hope that they will cherish and hold on to the memories they have made over their years in the program. This senior class had a competitive and driven spirit that will have a lasting effect on our program.
"Our goal as a coaching staff is to honor these seniors. I can’t say enough about this senior class, both (boys and girls) programs. They are great kids who we will miss greatly. We are also trying to make use of the time we have together virtually to prepare for the future."
Naperville North's Steve Goletz:
“We joked about that a little bit on Zoom today when we were talking as a team. I said if there is one silver lining from the IHSA cancelling the state tournament it’s that it means we’ll get to be the defending state champs for another year.
"We obviously rather would have defended it on the field but just to get the kids to smile with a lighter moment was fun.”
Hersey's Mike Rusniak:
"We've been staying connected as a team by having periodic Zoom check-ins. When we met on the day the IHSA was meeting to decide the fate of the spring season, it was easy to sense they knew what was coming.
"It was obvious they were disappointed and that was easily the most difficult conversation I've had as a coach.
"Up until the point, all of them had been working extremely hard staying active, fit and healthy, and I did my best to convey that literally we, like everyone in the world, are in this together."
"I encouraged the younger players to continue working, and to channel their disappointment to to being extra hungry for when they can play again. I recognized the seniors for their dedication, but nothing I said seemed like it was enough.
"Our senior group is such a great bunch and to see them grow during their time at Hersey (made) it difficult for me knowing I won't see them play together one last time. Some, however, have plans to play in college, and the others who don't, will be extremely successful in whatever endeavors they pursue.
"With that in mind, it is easy to feel very proud of all they have achieved and contributed, not only for Hersey soccer, but for the Hersey community as well."
Lake Park's Sean Crosby:
"We're incredibly bummed at losing this year. The (six freshman) newcomers felt like they belonged real quick, and with the older players taking ownership, it's a lost opportunity at growing the program. You feel for the seniors more than anybody, But they'll still be involved in the program, cheering on future Lancers after they graduate."
Grayslake Central's Keith Andersson:
"The 2020 season was supposed to have some amazing highs. Back in May of 2019, I had just accepted the head coaching position at Grayslake Central and got right to work and couldn’t wait for the season to start. From May-December there was constant planning and meetings trying to restart the program for success.
"When we started speed and agility training we had some great turnouts in numbers, and it was great to see the girls working hard. Then the excitement really started with tryouts. The night before we only had enough for two levels; on day one we had enough for four, and the coaching staff couldn’t believe it.
"All of the levels worked very hard for two weeks of indoor training, that Thursday we handed out uniforms. It was an exciting time. I had worked with the varsity captains Emma Stopka and Madeline Mussay for months asking what they would like to have. In turn I did my best to make their senior year special with all brand new uniforms, warm ups, parkas and some other stuff to make it even more exciting.
"I went to the school and staged their uniforms in a classroom with a personal note to each player talking about what I expected from them and how excited I was for them. The next day was March 13, we finally had a JV vs Varsity scrimmage, and we as coaches were even more excited by what we saw in the scrimmage.
"The next day was supposed to be picture day. Then, as you know, the announcement to close all schools happened. At first we all still had hope, we sent out training ideas and challenges, followed by videos and Zoom meetings. After the announcement from the IHSA cancelling spring season came out, where there was hope, there were now tears; excitement was now replaced with what if?
"Where it hurts me the most is I never had my first season, and that I will possibly never have had the chance to coach these amazing group of senior young women, who epitomize what the younger players should strive to be like. What I will miss the most is all of our firsts: first goal; first bus ride; first pasta party.
"I am blessed that all of my personal family is safe and healthy, but I am also blessed that the GCHS soccer program is also safe and healthy in this very concerning time. COVID-19 has taken something not only from the seniors, but also from the rest of the world, normalcy -- not sure if we will ever get it back. I hope we will. To the seniors even though we didn’t get our firsts, I am grateful and blessed to have been able to be a part of your lives."
Downers Grove North's Brian Papa:
"It is a shame for everyone, seniors especially. Some girls wait for their opportunity to show they can contribute their senior year, and they lose that opportunity.
"This year we were really excited. Girls have worked hard and we were coming off a great ending to 2019! Unfortunately we will never know.
"We are planning a tribute on our Twitter page. Our Senior Day would have been May 7, so we are planning ... a COVID-19-style drive-by."
Geneva's Megan Owens:
"I think what hurts most about the cancellation of this season, aside from robbing everyone of the wonderful lifelong memories they would have made, is that the underclassmen get robbed of the seniors' leadership. We had 12 seniors on varsity this year and the leadership they would have provided to not only the underclassmen on varsity, but the entire program, would have been invaluable. And I think those ramifications will echo throughout our program in the years to come. Because, while the seniors on the team are all great athletes, they are even better people and do a great job of leading by example and positively impacting our program. They are all amazing young women, and I have no doubt they will go on to do great things. I know that it hurts our program deeply that they did not get to lead by example and set the tone this year.
"It make me really, really sad that I didn't get to have this season with my seniors. Years where you have a lot of seniors always tend to be very special. It's their time to shine, and it breaks my heart that they were denied that. It is also a year where you see so much growth, development and leadership in them as they come into their own and gain confidence. No doubt this is hard on them, but it is also hard on coaches who spent two or three or four years coaching them and didn't get a true chance to say goodbye.
"I don't think people realize how much coaches pour their heart and soul into their programs and their players. It's a year-round commitment. The bond between a coach and their players is truly unique. I've coached these seniors for two-to-four years, and I am heartbroken we didn't get to have our final hurrah together. However, I know that one day they will look back on this, and they will be stronger and more adept at overcoming adversity because of it. Hopefully, it will make their memories from the seasons they did get to compete that much sweeter and more cherished.
"I honestly hope some good comes from spring sports being cancelled this year. I truly hope people realize what a fun, beneficial and unique experience playing for your high school is. It is not something to be missed. It has a life-long positive impact on kids. Playing for your school, wearing your school jersey in front of your hometown crowd, playing side-by-side with some of your best friends while battling some of your biggest rivals in an experience unique to high school soccer and not something that can be found anywhere else. Being a part of high school sports is very special and hopefully this spring reminds everyone of this. I would gladly take three-straight hours of playing in a downpour in 35 degree weather where you can't feel your extremities (AKA most of our March games!) and so would the girls -- just to have one more pregame ritual, one more halftime chat, one more team huddle, one more chance to leave it all on the field, one more memory of smiles and laughter and singing on the bus and celebrating afterwards. While it is sad their high school sports careers have come to an end, I take solace in knowing they have a multitude of memories and future lifelong friendships as a result."