Grayslake Central has
talent for extended run
By Matt Misiek
A few weeks ago, the highly-anticipated girls’ soccer production originating from Grayslake Central was set to play out across Lake County and Chicagoland.
A larger-than-life opponent entered the plot, the virus that caused the disease known as COVID-19. It has kept the Rams and others across the state and nation away from the pitch for the foreseeable future.
But it doesn’t mean there isn’t buzz surrounding this Rams team. This delay continues to reveal additional storylines and plots that any production studio would consider.
In the first edition of Grayslake Central’s team preview, Chicagoland Soccer previewed many of the Rams projected impact players. Here is the remainder of the supporting cast that are hopeful to take the field soon, looking to improve on last season’s 9-9-0 record.
We will start with Bond. Georgia Bond.
The junior midfielder notched 2 goals and three assists last season. However, like 007, she does have super-spy tendencies on the field.
“Georgia is a player that reads the game so well, and she is very composed with the ball,” Rams first-year coach Keith Andersson said. “Her teammates and coaches feel at ease when Georgia has the ball on her feet.
“Georgia is one of the players to watch for next year, she has the potential to be all-conference and possibly all-state. She is going to be one of our leaders next year, but I am looking forward to her making a name for herself this year.”
Andersson’s sentiments echoed to her teammates as well, more notably senior captain Hannah Kolb.
“I think Georgia is going to have an outstanding season, because she is so technical and smart with the ball,” Kolb added. “We can trust her in any position, and she will do good things for the team. She makes fast and smart decisions when it comes to passing.”
“Georgia and Amanda (Kocialkowski) have been key players in the middle of the field on varsity and are essential to the movement of the ball upfield.”
Up-front, sophomore Sara Ottolino is someone that coach Andersson has an eye on for this season and beyond.
“Sara, is someone who I could see taking over the reins from (Chicagoland Soccer All-State Watch List member) Madeline Mussay, “he said. “Sara has the ability to change the outcome of a game the second she steps on the field.”
“She has the potential to be a 25-plus goal scorer and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. I am really excited to see her develop.”
Senior Isabella Dinkel has a chance to stand tall in the midfield. She is another member of the squad that has the attention of her peers.
“I think Bella is going to have a great season this year,” said senior captain and 2018 Northern Lake County Conference All-Conference defender Emma Stopka. “This is her first year on varsity, but I can already tell that her speed is going to help her be a key aspect on the field.”
“Isabella has a great vision and speed,” said Andersson. “Her ability to get up the flank quickly will create problems for the opposing team.”
Three more seniors patrol midfield and help in the back third for the Rams. They are defender/midfielders Callie Wilson and Lilia Begin, along with midfielder Janie Schultz.
“Callie is a very versatile player and is able to play at multiple positions. She is always in the right place at the right time,” Andersson noted. “Lilia, is an incredible defender; when given a task, she steps up and shuts down the opposition. She has control and deceptive speed.”
“Janie had to sit out last year due to injury, we really haven’t had a chance to see her potential. We are excited to see what she can bring to the team this spring.”
Junior midfielder Lillian Bak (1 goal, 5 assists last season) is someone that has the potential to provide an even-bigger impact this season.
“I am excited to see her play,” Andersson stated. “Lillian’s technical ability on the ball is unmatched; she could easily score 10-15 goals this season.
“Lillian is another of the players to watch for next year. She has the potential to be all-conference and possibly all-state. Her skill is pretty insane, and she will be an amazing asset to the team.”
Defenders round out the juniors in Emma Coonan (1 goal, 1 assist last season) and Adine Mendoza (1 assist).
“Emma is a solid defender and has no issues going forward in the attack,” said Coach Andersson. “She is the quiet one -- the one most teams don't think will be a problem until she is!”
“Adine is an incredibly smart defender and her possession of the ball is fantastic. She is one that we are looking to fill Emma Stopka's shoes for next year.”
The future continues to shine bright for Andersson as his roster rounds out with three impactful sophomores, Kaitlyn Morrissey (midfielder), Natalie Thorson (defense) and Megan Kozlov (midfield/forward).
“Kaitlyn has unbelievable vision and skill with the ball,” said Andersson. “Her ability to make quick decisions makes her a person that can change the tempo of the game. She is an amazing player and will be one who I can see being selected all-conference, and she is only getting better.
“Natalie is a very smart defender and is another one who likes to go forward in the attack. Natalie will make a great addition to a strong defensive core.
“Megan can score from anywhere and makes it seem effortless. She has the potential to be a breakout player this year.”
Wilson believes that Morrissey is ready to put her name out there.
“I think Kaitlyn is going to have a breakout season this year,” Wilson said. “Playing with her last year, I definitely saw her improve on the field with her foot skills and passing. I believe that she’s going to continue to amaze us this upcoming season.”
talent for extended run
By Matt Misiek
A few weeks ago, the highly-anticipated girls’ soccer production originating from Grayslake Central was set to play out across Lake County and Chicagoland.
A larger-than-life opponent entered the plot, the virus that caused the disease known as COVID-19. It has kept the Rams and others across the state and nation away from the pitch for the foreseeable future.
But it doesn’t mean there isn’t buzz surrounding this Rams team. This delay continues to reveal additional storylines and plots that any production studio would consider.
In the first edition of Grayslake Central’s team preview, Chicagoland Soccer previewed many of the Rams projected impact players. Here is the remainder of the supporting cast that are hopeful to take the field soon, looking to improve on last season’s 9-9-0 record.
We will start with Bond. Georgia Bond.
The junior midfielder notched 2 goals and three assists last season. However, like 007, she does have super-spy tendencies on the field.
“Georgia is a player that reads the game so well, and she is very composed with the ball,” Rams first-year coach Keith Andersson said. “Her teammates and coaches feel at ease when Georgia has the ball on her feet.
“Georgia is one of the players to watch for next year, she has the potential to be all-conference and possibly all-state. She is going to be one of our leaders next year, but I am looking forward to her making a name for herself this year.”
Andersson’s sentiments echoed to her teammates as well, more notably senior captain Hannah Kolb.
“I think Georgia is going to have an outstanding season, because she is so technical and smart with the ball,” Kolb added. “We can trust her in any position, and she will do good things for the team. She makes fast and smart decisions when it comes to passing.”
“Georgia and Amanda (Kocialkowski) have been key players in the middle of the field on varsity and are essential to the movement of the ball upfield.”
Up-front, sophomore Sara Ottolino is someone that coach Andersson has an eye on for this season and beyond.
“Sara, is someone who I could see taking over the reins from (Chicagoland Soccer All-State Watch List member) Madeline Mussay, “he said. “Sara has the ability to change the outcome of a game the second she steps on the field.”
“She has the potential to be a 25-plus goal scorer and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. I am really excited to see her develop.”
Senior Isabella Dinkel has a chance to stand tall in the midfield. She is another member of the squad that has the attention of her peers.
“I think Bella is going to have a great season this year,” said senior captain and 2018 Northern Lake County Conference All-Conference defender Emma Stopka. “This is her first year on varsity, but I can already tell that her speed is going to help her be a key aspect on the field.”
“Isabella has a great vision and speed,” said Andersson. “Her ability to get up the flank quickly will create problems for the opposing team.”
Three more seniors patrol midfield and help in the back third for the Rams. They are defender/midfielders Callie Wilson and Lilia Begin, along with midfielder Janie Schultz.
“Callie is a very versatile player and is able to play at multiple positions. She is always in the right place at the right time,” Andersson noted. “Lilia, is an incredible defender; when given a task, she steps up and shuts down the opposition. She has control and deceptive speed.”
“Janie had to sit out last year due to injury, we really haven’t had a chance to see her potential. We are excited to see what she can bring to the team this spring.”
Junior midfielder Lillian Bak (1 goal, 5 assists last season) is someone that has the potential to provide an even-bigger impact this season.
“I am excited to see her play,” Andersson stated. “Lillian’s technical ability on the ball is unmatched; she could easily score 10-15 goals this season.
“Lillian is another of the players to watch for next year. She has the potential to be all-conference and possibly all-state. Her skill is pretty insane, and she will be an amazing asset to the team.”
Defenders round out the juniors in Emma Coonan (1 goal, 1 assist last season) and Adine Mendoza (1 assist).
“Emma is a solid defender and has no issues going forward in the attack,” said Coach Andersson. “She is the quiet one -- the one most teams don't think will be a problem until she is!”
“Adine is an incredibly smart defender and her possession of the ball is fantastic. She is one that we are looking to fill Emma Stopka's shoes for next year.”
The future continues to shine bright for Andersson as his roster rounds out with three impactful sophomores, Kaitlyn Morrissey (midfielder), Natalie Thorson (defense) and Megan Kozlov (midfield/forward).
“Kaitlyn has unbelievable vision and skill with the ball,” said Andersson. “Her ability to make quick decisions makes her a person that can change the tempo of the game. She is an amazing player and will be one who I can see being selected all-conference, and she is only getting better.
“Natalie is a very smart defender and is another one who likes to go forward in the attack. Natalie will make a great addition to a strong defensive core.
“Megan can score from anywhere and makes it seem effortless. She has the potential to be a breakout player this year.”
Wilson believes that Morrissey is ready to put her name out there.
“I think Kaitlyn is going to have a breakout season this year,” Wilson said. “Playing with her last year, I definitely saw her improve on the field with her foot skills and passing. I believe that she’s going to continue to amaze us this upcoming season.”