Hersey defensive pair
Hill and Stefaniak stand out
By Mike Garofola
Genevieve Hill and Jane Stefaniak always have the Huskies' back as Huskies backs.
Teamed with McKenna Kopeny, the trio have become the three-headed defensive monster manager Mike Rusniak has come to appreciate and depend on.
It's a backline partnership that knows each other inside and out, and moves perfectly to cover openings and gaps in the Hersey final third.
When their teammates are in possession, they expand as a unit to cover the width of the pitch. When the opponent is on the attack, the three defenders contract and get narrow, crowding the penalty area with confidence.
Click here to see Chicagoland Soccer's feature story on McKenna Kopeny!
Of course, there's plenty more to Hill and Stefaniak than their wonderful play out on the pitch, just ask Rusniak.
"Genna is unique, spirited, very funny, and just also happens to be a solid soccer player," he said.
"Her positive approach to things is a real asset to our team, and in any given situation she is the driving force behind team encouragement.
"She missed most of last season with an injury, but that didn't change her inspired attitude or mindset. She knew she couldn't be out there to play, but did whatever she could to keep her teammates enthused and driven."
That desire to inspire has carried on away from the game for Hill. This past Easter weekend, she inhabited a giant bunny costume to cavort around her Arlington Heights neighborhood and spread joy, and of course candy.
"We live in a very cool and connected neighborhood. When I was asked to dress up the day before Easter, I said 'Why not?" began Hill.
"My mother pulled a wagon filled with goodies. On Easter Sunday, it was another three-plus hours, (sometimes) in our car with me sticking my head through the sunroof.
"All of it brought a big smile from the adults, and the kids just loved it."
The three-year varsity veteran doesn't stop there with her volunteer work. She also coaches pre-kindergarten to third grade children at Elite SC.
"Our soccer coaches encourage all of us to get involved, so being a part of our Soccer Stars youth program in our club sounded great to me," she said.
"Even though there are days when you wonder why you're doing this, it's still a lot of fun, and it feels nice to be able to contribute."
Hill feels her manager has helped reinforce her values when it comes to her volunteer work and building a strong connection within the team.
"I am sure it was a little nerve-wracking for (Rusniak) as a first-year coach last season. But it was clear from the start that he believed in all of us showing respect for each other and being that way away from the sport and school and to have a close, tight bond to help keep us together.
"He's the best coach I've ever been around."
A small college in Kentucky would provide a spirit similar to Hersey pride, which ultimately led to Hill's future educational address.
After six-to-seven college visits left her feeling empty, a trip to Wilmore, Kentucky, directly south of Lexington, proved a success.
"Even though I knew really nothing about Asbury University, I was still excited to go there with my mother," recounted Hill.
"Obviously, the weather there is so much better, but having the chance to train with the team, sit in on classes and really enjoying the atmosphere in a history class I attended, and going all around the campus, it was easy to make a choice."
For high school juniors, this is the time for those who intend on playing college soccer to ramp up their efforts.
Not so for Stefaniak, who like thousands of others, see their opportunity to visit schools, take part in I.D. camps and be totally immersed in club soccer put on an indefinite hold.
"You do count on your junior year as the year to concentrate on where you want to go play (in college)," said the three-year varsity player. "It's difficult not being able to do those things, but there isn't much that can be done about that right now."
There is no doubt how Stefaniak feels about the prep game.
"I just love being a part of high school soccer," she said.
"(Club) soccer is good, but I get so much more out of being a part of soccer here at Hersey: training each day; our warm-up; and the play list (of music) we put together to use before our games; and just being around all of my teammates and friends. Each day is fun."
Her enthusiasm is palpable.
"Jane is so passionate. She has immense pride for her school and our team," Rusniak said.
"Even though she has been a starter right from the start, she has never let that make her complacent. Rather, she strives to be the best on the field by staying after practice to run sprints or go through individual ball-skill workouts.
"Jane is a spark and a competitor who welcomes a challenge. It's her intensity that immediately stands out."
Club soccer was more than good in 2018, when Stefaniak, along with six other Hersey players, helped lift the under-15 national championship trophy at the Presidents Cup in Westfield, Indiana.
One of her teammates, Avery Larson, was honored with the Golden Boot Award as top goal scorer in the tournament.
"Most of the core of that Arlington Aces team had played together for six-seven years, so we developed a terrific chemistry," Stefaniak said. "Our coach, Dwayne Cruz (girls manager at Wheeling High School), has become like a second father to all of us."
Stefaniak stays busy during the fall sports season as a member of the Hersey 2019 state-qualifying cross country team. She was penciled in as the no. 2 or 3 runner for the Huskies.
Stefaniak earned the second fastest time for her team at the state meet. The Huskies finished 20th overall.
But it's not just all about sports for the Hersey central defender. She volunteers in the District 214 Life Program, as well as SOS (Service Over Self) group.
"In the Life Program, we go over to the Vanguard School, which is an alternative school in our district, and take students to the mall, bowling, or out to lunch. It's a lot of fun, and rewarding, and something I am really missing right now," Stefaniak said.
"Not being able to do those activities, and soccer with my teammates and coaching staff, that's all very difficult to be away from. (Rusniak), who is a real down-to-earth person, has done a great job of keeping things super positive."
Hill stands in full agreement with her teammate.
"Winning our division, and getting into the MSL Soccer Bowl was one of several highlights for me last season, but it was the little things that I'll remember more," she said.
"As I said, (Rusniak) was fantastic as our coach last year. He kept us connected all throughout the season.
"My favorite memory of all last year was the entire team taking a nap in the hallways of Lake Zurich in between games of their tournament.
"I guess I'll never forget that moment."
Hill and Stefaniak stand out
By Mike Garofola
Genevieve Hill and Jane Stefaniak always have the Huskies' back as Huskies backs.
Teamed with McKenna Kopeny, the trio have become the three-headed defensive monster manager Mike Rusniak has come to appreciate and depend on.
It's a backline partnership that knows each other inside and out, and moves perfectly to cover openings and gaps in the Hersey final third.
When their teammates are in possession, they expand as a unit to cover the width of the pitch. When the opponent is on the attack, the three defenders contract and get narrow, crowding the penalty area with confidence.
Click here to see Chicagoland Soccer's feature story on McKenna Kopeny!
Of course, there's plenty more to Hill and Stefaniak than their wonderful play out on the pitch, just ask Rusniak.
"Genna is unique, spirited, very funny, and just also happens to be a solid soccer player," he said.
"Her positive approach to things is a real asset to our team, and in any given situation she is the driving force behind team encouragement.
"She missed most of last season with an injury, but that didn't change her inspired attitude or mindset. She knew she couldn't be out there to play, but did whatever she could to keep her teammates enthused and driven."
That desire to inspire has carried on away from the game for Hill. This past Easter weekend, she inhabited a giant bunny costume to cavort around her Arlington Heights neighborhood and spread joy, and of course candy.
"We live in a very cool and connected neighborhood. When I was asked to dress up the day before Easter, I said 'Why not?" began Hill.
"My mother pulled a wagon filled with goodies. On Easter Sunday, it was another three-plus hours, (sometimes) in our car with me sticking my head through the sunroof.
"All of it brought a big smile from the adults, and the kids just loved it."
The three-year varsity veteran doesn't stop there with her volunteer work. She also coaches pre-kindergarten to third grade children at Elite SC.
"Our soccer coaches encourage all of us to get involved, so being a part of our Soccer Stars youth program in our club sounded great to me," she said.
"Even though there are days when you wonder why you're doing this, it's still a lot of fun, and it feels nice to be able to contribute."
Hill feels her manager has helped reinforce her values when it comes to her volunteer work and building a strong connection within the team.
"I am sure it was a little nerve-wracking for (Rusniak) as a first-year coach last season. But it was clear from the start that he believed in all of us showing respect for each other and being that way away from the sport and school and to have a close, tight bond to help keep us together.
"He's the best coach I've ever been around."
A small college in Kentucky would provide a spirit similar to Hersey pride, which ultimately led to Hill's future educational address.
After six-to-seven college visits left her feeling empty, a trip to Wilmore, Kentucky, directly south of Lexington, proved a success.
"Even though I knew really nothing about Asbury University, I was still excited to go there with my mother," recounted Hill.
"Obviously, the weather there is so much better, but having the chance to train with the team, sit in on classes and really enjoying the atmosphere in a history class I attended, and going all around the campus, it was easy to make a choice."
For high school juniors, this is the time for those who intend on playing college soccer to ramp up their efforts.
Not so for Stefaniak, who like thousands of others, see their opportunity to visit schools, take part in I.D. camps and be totally immersed in club soccer put on an indefinite hold.
"You do count on your junior year as the year to concentrate on where you want to go play (in college)," said the three-year varsity player. "It's difficult not being able to do those things, but there isn't much that can be done about that right now."
There is no doubt how Stefaniak feels about the prep game.
"I just love being a part of high school soccer," she said.
"(Club) soccer is good, but I get so much more out of being a part of soccer here at Hersey: training each day; our warm-up; and the play list (of music) we put together to use before our games; and just being around all of my teammates and friends. Each day is fun."
Her enthusiasm is palpable.
"Jane is so passionate. She has immense pride for her school and our team," Rusniak said.
"Even though she has been a starter right from the start, she has never let that make her complacent. Rather, she strives to be the best on the field by staying after practice to run sprints or go through individual ball-skill workouts.
"Jane is a spark and a competitor who welcomes a challenge. It's her intensity that immediately stands out."
Club soccer was more than good in 2018, when Stefaniak, along with six other Hersey players, helped lift the under-15 national championship trophy at the Presidents Cup in Westfield, Indiana.
One of her teammates, Avery Larson, was honored with the Golden Boot Award as top goal scorer in the tournament.
"Most of the core of that Arlington Aces team had played together for six-seven years, so we developed a terrific chemistry," Stefaniak said. "Our coach, Dwayne Cruz (girls manager at Wheeling High School), has become like a second father to all of us."
Stefaniak stays busy during the fall sports season as a member of the Hersey 2019 state-qualifying cross country team. She was penciled in as the no. 2 or 3 runner for the Huskies.
Stefaniak earned the second fastest time for her team at the state meet. The Huskies finished 20th overall.
But it's not just all about sports for the Hersey central defender. She volunteers in the District 214 Life Program, as well as SOS (Service Over Self) group.
"In the Life Program, we go over to the Vanguard School, which is an alternative school in our district, and take students to the mall, bowling, or out to lunch. It's a lot of fun, and rewarding, and something I am really missing right now," Stefaniak said.
"Not being able to do those activities, and soccer with my teammates and coaching staff, that's all very difficult to be away from. (Rusniak), who is a real down-to-earth person, has done a great job of keeping things super positive."
Hill stands in full agreement with her teammate.
"Winning our division, and getting into the MSL Soccer Bowl was one of several highlights for me last season, but it was the little things that I'll remember more," she said.
"As I said, (Rusniak) was fantastic as our coach last year. He kept us connected all throughout the season.
"My favorite memory of all last year was the entire team taking a nap in the hallways of Lake Zurich in between games of their tournament.
"I guess I'll never forget that moment."