Downers South’s Rachie puts
best foot forward in soccer, life
By Bill Stone
Downers Grove South senior Marlo Rachie is a soccer player with unique feats.
Her first name is a good start.
Rachie’s mother tells her she was named after 1960s and 1970s television actress Marlo Thomas, who still appears on television as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., and is married to former longtime talk show host Phil Donahue.
“I like my name. I like that it’s unique. I’ve never met another Marlo,” Rachie said.
On the field, Rachie stands out with her feet.
Rachie has played club since sixth grade with Joga Bonito. Club coach Dan Campione emphasized footwork, and Rachie committed herself to excel.
The result has been many great moves and passes, and numerous video highlights particularly as an outside midfielder and defender.
“I really feel like foot skills help you figure out the type of player you are,” Rachie said.
“I really like soccer because of the way I was taught (by Campione), and it helped develop me into a unique player. I like the team aspect and to be on the field with a bunch of people passionate about soccer.”
Rachie was hoping for a great finish to her final season of organized soccer. She’s the only four-year varsity player this season for the Mustangs’ senior-heavy roster that was intent on improving upon back-to-back Class 3A regional titles.
Now she’s only hoping for even one last chance for the Mustangs to unite – and possibly play – despite the current COVID-19 stay-at-home measures. She’ll be attending St. Louis University as a pre-med biology major and plans to play intramural soccer.
“It’s definitely been a very tedious time thinking about all of that -- a lot of unknowns -- and that’s scary for everyone this being the last year of soccer and high school,” Rachie said.
“I feel like I’m missing a big part of my closure so that is definitely hard with all of this quarantine stuff going on. It’s been pretty difficult, but I’m getting through it and making the best of it. I’m trying to see the positivity that’s left.”
On April 21, the IHSA Board and Directors met and released a statement that officially canceled the state series of all spring sports. However, depending on the lifting of stay-at-home measures for the COVID-19 pandemic, the IHSA left open the possibility of teams honoring seniors and having scrimmages and games during the summer without facing the current penalties for illegal offseason contact.
“If there is an opportunity for us all to maybe play one more game or to have a senior night or something like that, I definitely would like it to be against Downers Grove North just because it’s always been a wild ride with them,” Rachie said. “I would just love to have one more game or just get together with their team. We have really battled it out these past four years.”
Rachie was determined to make this season her best. She’s always felt that her freshman season has been her best so far.
That also was her favorite season, a combination of excitement of playing varsity and unfazed confidence in her skills. She’s figuratively traveled full circle mentally to rediscover that feeling within herself.
“What’s soccer taught me the most is really just going for it and taking a chance and seeing what happens and living with the results,” Rachie said.
“Not everything is going to go perfectly. I wanted to change my mindset and get back to my core belief, just taking a chance, going for it and get back up if it didn’t go well.”
Rachie’s nimble moves with the ball usually work.
Her favorite? It’s the Maradona, an attacking spin moved named after famed Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona. The dribbler covers 360 degrees by stopping and rolling over the ball with one foot and then dragging the ball with the other foot to quickly change direction.
Rachie especially remembers two sweet Maradonas as a freshman. At the Naperville North Invitational, Rachie maneuvered past a Geneva player down right wing and then split two defenders with a perfect lead pass to 2019 graduate Lauren Travis. The play was ruled offsides.
The other memorable Maradona moment was against, of course, Downers North.
“I’ve always been pretty good at those (Maradonas), especially over the years, and I’m getting better at them,” Rachie said.
“There are certain skills I like to do more than others. I kind of like to fake them out, thinking I’m going one way and going the other.”
Rachie’s footwork and skill drew notice quickly as she entered Downers South.
During the summer camp before freshman year, Rachie was joining the varsity players and even scrimmaged with them against another team. During open gym and tryouts leading up to the 2017 season, Rachie usually remained with the varsity.
Rachie was elated to find out she made the varsity as a freshman one early morning at school.
“It was a really great feeling. That was probably one of the most rewarding feelings felt ever,” Rachie said.
“I found out from the coaches and for the rest of the day I was super excited but kind of quiet (to not appear boastful). That was a really awesome experience, and it was great. That was a big day for me.”
Rachie hoped to have company but was excited that other sophomores joined her on varsity in 2018. Senior 2019 Chicagoland Soccer All-Staters Jordan Rose and Maddie Raftery joined the program as a sophomore and junior, respectively.
Rachie continued to make big contributions as a starter for the Mustangs’ back-to-back regional champions. She still felt she could have been playing better.
“That excitement (freshman year) went all the way through the season and fueled everything for my game. I was pulling off foot skills left and right and showing the player that I was,” Rachie said. “Over the years, I feel like I thought more when I should do my foot skills and thinking overly about that and what’s going on in the game. Freshman year I just went for it. That helps you to not worry about the mistakes you make.”
Rachie primarily has played outside midfield and defender. Thanks to her club coach, she has taken a spot at pretty much every position, even goalie a couple of times.
“I’m not very good at it. If I need to be put in there, then I’ll do it,” Rachie said.
With the Mustangs, Rachie mainly played midfield and occasionally as a freshman and sophomore, when she joined the starting lineup. Last season, Rachie played outside defender and was among six returning starters this spring.
Outside midfield remains her favorite position.
“I think there’s a lot of cool combination play that can happen with the center midfield, defense and forward,” Rachie said.
“I feel I have a big role, whether it’s crossing or switching the ball. I also like taking people down the line with my foot skills. With Downers South, when I’ve played outside mid, I get to drop back on defense as well. It’s a position where you not only stay in one place but go up and down the field.”
Rachie also likes to be active off the field. She remains busy with several advanced placement classes and leadership roles in the school and community.
The recently-formed Life of a Mustang club combines three to which Rachie previously belonged – J. Kyle Braid Leadership (JKB), Student Activities and Athletics Leadership Team (SAALT) and SuperFans.
“They had them all mixed into one so that’s pretty cool,” Rachie said.
This school year, Rachie was director of the Mad Dash, which welcomed incoming freshmen to Downers South. She also has been part of Peer Leaders, a leader with Snowball/Snowflake and involved with special needs students at the high school.
“I’ve learned I love to help other people,” Rachie said.
“I’ve learned a lot about what I want to do with my life from taking on those leadership positions and also how to become a better leader, learn from other people. I think that’s really rewarding, too.”
All of the high school clubs also are currently on hold. Rachie also is a youth group director with the Immanuel Lutheran Church near downtown Downers Grove. That group still meets every Sunday via Zoom.
“I think the biggest (leadership traits) for me – I feel they go hand-in-hand – are
communication and listening,” Rachie said.
“Since I’ve been in a lot of group situations, listening to what others have to say and implementing whatever you’re doing with the group or event is important. “People have a lot of cool and interesting things to say, and it’s important to know you’re listening and the feel the group is having a good dynamic.”
As a student, Rachie always was interested in science and medicine. She initially wanted to pursue neurosurgery but now is majoring in biology with hopes of becoming an oncologist. She also reconsidered playing college soccer.
“I felt like school is my no. 1 priority,” Rachie said.
“I’ve always been really passionate about cancer (research) and people and important people in my life have been affected by it. I’d like to be a part of that field of work and research as well.”
Especially considering her future career, Rachie appreciates the sacrifices those in the medical profession have made in minimizing the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“My biggest thought about them is just thank you for everything you’re doing,” Rachie said. “Unfortunately, people are not being grateful for the first responders and other workers during this time despite putting their lives at risk every day to care for others. They are just amazing. That’s the best word to describe them.”
best foot forward in soccer, life
By Bill Stone
Downers Grove South senior Marlo Rachie is a soccer player with unique feats.
Her first name is a good start.
Rachie’s mother tells her she was named after 1960s and 1970s television actress Marlo Thomas, who still appears on television as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., and is married to former longtime talk show host Phil Donahue.
“I like my name. I like that it’s unique. I’ve never met another Marlo,” Rachie said.
On the field, Rachie stands out with her feet.
Rachie has played club since sixth grade with Joga Bonito. Club coach Dan Campione emphasized footwork, and Rachie committed herself to excel.
The result has been many great moves and passes, and numerous video highlights particularly as an outside midfielder and defender.
“I really feel like foot skills help you figure out the type of player you are,” Rachie said.
“I really like soccer because of the way I was taught (by Campione), and it helped develop me into a unique player. I like the team aspect and to be on the field with a bunch of people passionate about soccer.”
Rachie was hoping for a great finish to her final season of organized soccer. She’s the only four-year varsity player this season for the Mustangs’ senior-heavy roster that was intent on improving upon back-to-back Class 3A regional titles.
Now she’s only hoping for even one last chance for the Mustangs to unite – and possibly play – despite the current COVID-19 stay-at-home measures. She’ll be attending St. Louis University as a pre-med biology major and plans to play intramural soccer.
“It’s definitely been a very tedious time thinking about all of that -- a lot of unknowns -- and that’s scary for everyone this being the last year of soccer and high school,” Rachie said.
“I feel like I’m missing a big part of my closure so that is definitely hard with all of this quarantine stuff going on. It’s been pretty difficult, but I’m getting through it and making the best of it. I’m trying to see the positivity that’s left.”
On April 21, the IHSA Board and Directors met and released a statement that officially canceled the state series of all spring sports. However, depending on the lifting of stay-at-home measures for the COVID-19 pandemic, the IHSA left open the possibility of teams honoring seniors and having scrimmages and games during the summer without facing the current penalties for illegal offseason contact.
“If there is an opportunity for us all to maybe play one more game or to have a senior night or something like that, I definitely would like it to be against Downers Grove North just because it’s always been a wild ride with them,” Rachie said. “I would just love to have one more game or just get together with their team. We have really battled it out these past four years.”
Rachie was determined to make this season her best. She’s always felt that her freshman season has been her best so far.
That also was her favorite season, a combination of excitement of playing varsity and unfazed confidence in her skills. She’s figuratively traveled full circle mentally to rediscover that feeling within herself.
“What’s soccer taught me the most is really just going for it and taking a chance and seeing what happens and living with the results,” Rachie said.
“Not everything is going to go perfectly. I wanted to change my mindset and get back to my core belief, just taking a chance, going for it and get back up if it didn’t go well.”
Rachie’s nimble moves with the ball usually work.
Her favorite? It’s the Maradona, an attacking spin moved named after famed Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona. The dribbler covers 360 degrees by stopping and rolling over the ball with one foot and then dragging the ball with the other foot to quickly change direction.
Rachie especially remembers two sweet Maradonas as a freshman. At the Naperville North Invitational, Rachie maneuvered past a Geneva player down right wing and then split two defenders with a perfect lead pass to 2019 graduate Lauren Travis. The play was ruled offsides.
The other memorable Maradona moment was against, of course, Downers North.
“I’ve always been pretty good at those (Maradonas), especially over the years, and I’m getting better at them,” Rachie said.
“There are certain skills I like to do more than others. I kind of like to fake them out, thinking I’m going one way and going the other.”
Rachie’s footwork and skill drew notice quickly as she entered Downers South.
During the summer camp before freshman year, Rachie was joining the varsity players and even scrimmaged with them against another team. During open gym and tryouts leading up to the 2017 season, Rachie usually remained with the varsity.
Rachie was elated to find out she made the varsity as a freshman one early morning at school.
“It was a really great feeling. That was probably one of the most rewarding feelings felt ever,” Rachie said.
“I found out from the coaches and for the rest of the day I was super excited but kind of quiet (to not appear boastful). That was a really awesome experience, and it was great. That was a big day for me.”
Rachie hoped to have company but was excited that other sophomores joined her on varsity in 2018. Senior 2019 Chicagoland Soccer All-Staters Jordan Rose and Maddie Raftery joined the program as a sophomore and junior, respectively.
Rachie continued to make big contributions as a starter for the Mustangs’ back-to-back regional champions. She still felt she could have been playing better.
“That excitement (freshman year) went all the way through the season and fueled everything for my game. I was pulling off foot skills left and right and showing the player that I was,” Rachie said. “Over the years, I feel like I thought more when I should do my foot skills and thinking overly about that and what’s going on in the game. Freshman year I just went for it. That helps you to not worry about the mistakes you make.”
Rachie primarily has played outside midfield and defender. Thanks to her club coach, she has taken a spot at pretty much every position, even goalie a couple of times.
“I’m not very good at it. If I need to be put in there, then I’ll do it,” Rachie said.
With the Mustangs, Rachie mainly played midfield and occasionally as a freshman and sophomore, when she joined the starting lineup. Last season, Rachie played outside defender and was among six returning starters this spring.
Outside midfield remains her favorite position.
“I think there’s a lot of cool combination play that can happen with the center midfield, defense and forward,” Rachie said.
“I feel I have a big role, whether it’s crossing or switching the ball. I also like taking people down the line with my foot skills. With Downers South, when I’ve played outside mid, I get to drop back on defense as well. It’s a position where you not only stay in one place but go up and down the field.”
Rachie also likes to be active off the field. She remains busy with several advanced placement classes and leadership roles in the school and community.
The recently-formed Life of a Mustang club combines three to which Rachie previously belonged – J. Kyle Braid Leadership (JKB), Student Activities and Athletics Leadership Team (SAALT) and SuperFans.
“They had them all mixed into one so that’s pretty cool,” Rachie said.
This school year, Rachie was director of the Mad Dash, which welcomed incoming freshmen to Downers South. She also has been part of Peer Leaders, a leader with Snowball/Snowflake and involved with special needs students at the high school.
“I’ve learned I love to help other people,” Rachie said.
“I’ve learned a lot about what I want to do with my life from taking on those leadership positions and also how to become a better leader, learn from other people. I think that’s really rewarding, too.”
All of the high school clubs also are currently on hold. Rachie also is a youth group director with the Immanuel Lutheran Church near downtown Downers Grove. That group still meets every Sunday via Zoom.
“I think the biggest (leadership traits) for me – I feel they go hand-in-hand – are
communication and listening,” Rachie said.
“Since I’ve been in a lot of group situations, listening to what others have to say and implementing whatever you’re doing with the group or event is important. “People have a lot of cool and interesting things to say, and it’s important to know you’re listening and the feel the group is having a good dynamic.”
As a student, Rachie always was interested in science and medicine. She initially wanted to pursue neurosurgery but now is majoring in biology with hopes of becoming an oncologist. She also reconsidered playing college soccer.
“I felt like school is my no. 1 priority,” Rachie said.
“I’ve always been really passionate about cancer (research) and people and important people in my life have been affected by it. I’d like to be a part of that field of work and research as well.”
Especially considering her future career, Rachie appreciates the sacrifices those in the medical profession have made in minimizing the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“My biggest thought about them is just thank you for everything you’re doing,” Rachie said. “Unfortunately, people are not being grateful for the first responders and other workers during this time despite putting their lives at risk every day to care for others. They are just amazing. That’s the best word to describe them.”