Coaches spotlight Illinois' best
at 31st annual girls soccer banquet
By Ken Keenan
ELMHURST -- Foes in the heat of competition joined together off the field in celebration of excellence and achievement at the 31st annual Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA) Girls' Soccer Honors Banquet on June 8 at Diplomat West banquet hall.
Awards were presented in a host of categories. Scores of student-athletes were recognized with Player of the Year, All-State, All-Sectional and Honorable Mention All-Sectional recognition. Coaches and programs were recognized with the IHSSCA's Hall of Fame induction, and Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year, Soccer Person of the Year and Sportsmanship Cup awards.
In addition, the Chicago Fire announced its 2017 Girls All-State All-Academic Team.
Player of the Year honors went to Sarah Griffith, a senior at Waubonsie Valley.
Griffith, who will continue her soccer career and study early childhood education at Purdue University, tallied 24 goals and 11 assists for the Warriors in 2017. The midfielder's season highlights included: a goal and an assist in Waubonsie Valley's 2-0 upset of no. 2 Naperville North on May 4; scoring all four goals in a 4-4 tie with Oswego on May 11; and recording two goals and a helper in a 5-3 regional semifinal win over Plainfield South five days later.
"To be on that (Player of the Year) list is such an honor," Griffith said. "I'm at a loss for words. It's incredible. You get the results if you put the work in. But I can't thank my coaches and teammates enough."
As the lone senior on the team's roster this season, Griffith was immediately thrust into a mentoring role for the younger players.
"It was a big challenge for me -- teaching them, figuring out how to motivate them -- but it was my turn to lead," she said. "We all have different strengths, but we worked on what we needed to work on, and we really came together. I'm very proud of the team. It was so much fun."
Among the 60 members of the IHSSCA's All-State team was Barrington senior midfielder Sophia Spinell, who tallied the winning PK in the Fillies' championship game victory over New Trier. She also assisted on the game-winning goal by Michayla Herr in the 1-0 win over Downers Grove North in the state semifinals.
"Winning something together is a lot more fun than an individual award," Spinell said. "Ultimately, nothing tops winning state. There hasn't been a day I haven't thought about it. It's probably the best day of my life -- definitely the best way to end my high school soccer."
Spinell, and her fellow Fillies seniors, actually missed their official graduation ceremony to compete in the state finals. Upon returning to Barrington after the championship, the Fillies -- who finished 28-1-0 -- were escorted back to the school in Barrington Fire Department trucks. A private graduation ceremony followed, with teammates, friends and family members in attendance.
"Every person on the team wanted to be at state instead of graduation," Spinell said. "It was something we wanted for so long, so there was no conflict. I love my team. We have great chemistry, and we worked so hard."
Cameron Herman, a senior defender at Young, joined Spinell on the all-state team. She was a Chicago Fire All-State All-Academic First Team selection as well.
In addition to playing soccer -- and golf -- Herman participated in the state-wide Science Olympiad for four years, and she worked at the University of Chicago's Comprehensive Cancer Research Center. She also volunteered at Presence Hospital, in Chicago, as part of a program that provides live music for extremely ill patients.
Herman, who plans to study neurology at Northwestern University en route to becoming a doctor, posted a weighted 5.08 grade-point average in 2016-17 (3.9 unweighted).
"I want to make an impact," she said. "I believe you shouldn't take what you have for granted. To me, it's important to give back to help others who need guidance or don't have the same opportunities. I want to make sure other people feel fulfilled."
Warren senior defender Rebecca Pineau also made the Fire's All-Academic All-State First Team. A member of the National Honor Society, Pineau (4.1 GPA) will study environmentally sustainable public policy at Arizona State University.
She also coaches soccer to first- and second-grade students as a volunteer at the Lindenhurst Park District.
"I personally like being part of a community ... a neighborhood," Pineau said. "I'm happy being part of something, and I think it's important to give back to the community. With coaching, I feel like a role model for the younger girls. I looked to people helping me when I was younger, so it's nice to have them do the same. And it's fun."
Chicago Fire Group Sales Senior Account Executive David Quinn said the Chicago Fire considers the big picture when making selections for the All-Academic All-State Team.
"Being well-rounded prepares you for later in life," he said. "Helping others -- refereeing, coaching, charity work -- you need to do those kinds of things to be a better person, to be a better human being.
"The coaches talk about their (the All-Academic All-State Team members) leadership -- and respect. And they're not always the best players. They're the glue players. They may not do things you see on the field, but whatever they do makes a team better ... makes someone's day. The All-Academic All-State Team is something that fits them."
New Trier head coach Jim Burnside, who guided the Trevians to a second place finish in the Class 3A state tourney, was this year's inductee into the IHSSCA Hall of Fame. After earning three-consecutive state titles, New Trier (24-3-1) fell to Barrington after a 3-0 count in penalty kicks snapped a 0-0 draw in this year's championship match.
"I feel honored and humbled," Burnside said. "It's hard to look at yourself and say, 'I'm in that (Hall of Fame) group. It's a little surreal. But it's not about me, it's about those around me. My family has allowed and encouraged me, so I have to give deepest thanks to them -- and to each and every player I've coached."
Burnside, the IHSSCA's Coach of the Year in 2015, owns 484 career wins -- second-most in IHSA girls soccer history -- including a 27-game postseason winning streak that ended in this year's title match. During his 21-year run at the New Trier helm, Burnside's teams have captured a total of six state titles, two second place finishes and two third place finishes.
"We play a team sport, and the energy of the team is greater than any one individual," he said. "In order to be successful, the team needs to come together and play well. In the end, it's not about the wins and losses. It is about a team, and that takes everybody -- from the grounds crew to the athletic department to the players to the families. And family is the greatest component in that success.
"We all hope to provide a venue for the kids to grow and be the best they can be ... offer opportunities for them to be successful, and learn to deal with failure as well. There's so much more to it than just winning. I would never take credit for molding young people. I just hope that I've had a part in helping them reach their goals and their potential."
The Coach of the Year award was kept within the organization's hierarchy when IHSSCA president and Hall of Famer Brian Papa earned the honor for his work in his rookie season at Downers Grove North. The Trojans turned heads in the state soccer scene this season.
It was a season of firsts for Downers Grove North (20-4-2), which won its first sectional and supersectional crowns, and state trophy with a fourth place finish at the Class 3A state tournament. Winning is old hat to Papa, who has amassed more than 800 victories in 36 years as a boys and girls head coach.
After officially retiring from teaching and a head coaching position at Lincoln-Way East after the 2015-16 school year, Papa decided to stay on the sidelines and take over at Downers Grove North.
"If you would have told me that we'd make the Final Four at the beginning of the year, I wouldn't have believed it," Papa said. "First of all, I have to thank (Trojans assistant coach) Christine Tomek. Without her, none of this would have been possible. She helped me get to know the players, and that gave us a head start. Then we won a couple games, and things started falling our way. The team had to buy in, and that's what was special about this group.
"There was a cloud lifted when we won regionals. But I didn't want to settle, and the kids had their sights set higher as well. They worked their butts off, and the end result was positive.
"To be honored like this (as Coach of the Year) is a great thrill, like the icing on the cake for the season. And it's always an honor to be recognized by your peers. But you've got to have the kids, the school and the families believe in you. Hopefully, we can keep it going."
New Trier's Molly Lombardi was honored as Assistant Coach of the Year.
"It's quite an honor," Lombardi said. "There are some amazing coaches in the state, and it's an honor to be recognized among so many great people."
Lombardi, a social studies teacher at New Trier, has been part of Burnside's staff for 12 years.
"Jim has been an incredible mentor along the way," Lombardi said. "We always talk about the whole being more important than the individual, and that's what's special about being part of the New Trier program. It's 100 percent about the process. You hope the girls have a positive experience, learn about themselves and make lifelong memories.
"The winning makes for a fun ride. But, win or lose, we measure a season about the girls enjoying themselves and building character."
Tom Bower, the boys and girls head coach, and athletic director at Latin (Chicago), was named Soccer Person of the Year. A 2016 Hall of Fame inductee, Bower owns more than 600 combined wins for the Romans.
He's also been involved with PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) for 20 years. PCA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources for youth and high school sports coaches, administrators and student-athletes.
"I really try to coach kids to play the game the right way," Bower said. "If you teach the game the right way, wins come along. Do it correctly, and the winning takes care of itself.
"You can't spend too much time worrying about winning. The key in high school sports (is) the student-athletes need to be able to make decisions and not be afraid to make decisions. That's the time to make mistakes and learn from it. I've always felt that way.
"You see a lot of coaches yelling directions, but the kids are capable of making decisions themselves. Let them make decisions and figure it out for themselves. Take that responsibility -- own that decision even if it's not the right one. It's great to see kids go through that journey. You feel they'll be in decent shape as they move forward in life."
Chicago Math and Science was the recipient of the IHSSCA Sportsmanship Cup. Titans head coach Amy Bartlett, who's also the head of the school's special education department, accepted the award on behalf of her team.
Prior to its match with Chicago Academy this season, Bartlett and Co. learned that the Dolphins goalkeeper died in a car accident during spring break. To honor her memory, Chicago Math and Science orchestrated a true act of sportsmanship.
"We were their first game back after the accident, so it was a very emotional for them," Bartlett said. "So we had a moment of silence, and then every one of our players handed a rose to each one of their players. It was us showing solidarity with them.
"Being nominated for something like the Sportsmanship Cup means a lot to me. I truly believe in developing people first, and soccer is a means to help with that. You want to teach skills -- on and off the field. I stress that. I'd rather they be good people rather than just phenomenal athletes."
at 31st annual girls soccer banquet
By Ken Keenan
ELMHURST -- Foes in the heat of competition joined together off the field in celebration of excellence and achievement at the 31st annual Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA) Girls' Soccer Honors Banquet on June 8 at Diplomat West banquet hall.
Awards were presented in a host of categories. Scores of student-athletes were recognized with Player of the Year, All-State, All-Sectional and Honorable Mention All-Sectional recognition. Coaches and programs were recognized with the IHSSCA's Hall of Fame induction, and Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year, Soccer Person of the Year and Sportsmanship Cup awards.
In addition, the Chicago Fire announced its 2017 Girls All-State All-Academic Team.
Player of the Year honors went to Sarah Griffith, a senior at Waubonsie Valley.
Griffith, who will continue her soccer career and study early childhood education at Purdue University, tallied 24 goals and 11 assists for the Warriors in 2017. The midfielder's season highlights included: a goal and an assist in Waubonsie Valley's 2-0 upset of no. 2 Naperville North on May 4; scoring all four goals in a 4-4 tie with Oswego on May 11; and recording two goals and a helper in a 5-3 regional semifinal win over Plainfield South five days later.
"To be on that (Player of the Year) list is such an honor," Griffith said. "I'm at a loss for words. It's incredible. You get the results if you put the work in. But I can't thank my coaches and teammates enough."
As the lone senior on the team's roster this season, Griffith was immediately thrust into a mentoring role for the younger players.
"It was a big challenge for me -- teaching them, figuring out how to motivate them -- but it was my turn to lead," she said. "We all have different strengths, but we worked on what we needed to work on, and we really came together. I'm very proud of the team. It was so much fun."
Among the 60 members of the IHSSCA's All-State team was Barrington senior midfielder Sophia Spinell, who tallied the winning PK in the Fillies' championship game victory over New Trier. She also assisted on the game-winning goal by Michayla Herr in the 1-0 win over Downers Grove North in the state semifinals.
"Winning something together is a lot more fun than an individual award," Spinell said. "Ultimately, nothing tops winning state. There hasn't been a day I haven't thought about it. It's probably the best day of my life -- definitely the best way to end my high school soccer."
Spinell, and her fellow Fillies seniors, actually missed their official graduation ceremony to compete in the state finals. Upon returning to Barrington after the championship, the Fillies -- who finished 28-1-0 -- were escorted back to the school in Barrington Fire Department trucks. A private graduation ceremony followed, with teammates, friends and family members in attendance.
"Every person on the team wanted to be at state instead of graduation," Spinell said. "It was something we wanted for so long, so there was no conflict. I love my team. We have great chemistry, and we worked so hard."
Cameron Herman, a senior defender at Young, joined Spinell on the all-state team. She was a Chicago Fire All-State All-Academic First Team selection as well.
In addition to playing soccer -- and golf -- Herman participated in the state-wide Science Olympiad for four years, and she worked at the University of Chicago's Comprehensive Cancer Research Center. She also volunteered at Presence Hospital, in Chicago, as part of a program that provides live music for extremely ill patients.
Herman, who plans to study neurology at Northwestern University en route to becoming a doctor, posted a weighted 5.08 grade-point average in 2016-17 (3.9 unweighted).
"I want to make an impact," she said. "I believe you shouldn't take what you have for granted. To me, it's important to give back to help others who need guidance or don't have the same opportunities. I want to make sure other people feel fulfilled."
Warren senior defender Rebecca Pineau also made the Fire's All-Academic All-State First Team. A member of the National Honor Society, Pineau (4.1 GPA) will study environmentally sustainable public policy at Arizona State University.
She also coaches soccer to first- and second-grade students as a volunteer at the Lindenhurst Park District.
"I personally like being part of a community ... a neighborhood," Pineau said. "I'm happy being part of something, and I think it's important to give back to the community. With coaching, I feel like a role model for the younger girls. I looked to people helping me when I was younger, so it's nice to have them do the same. And it's fun."
Chicago Fire Group Sales Senior Account Executive David Quinn said the Chicago Fire considers the big picture when making selections for the All-Academic All-State Team.
"Being well-rounded prepares you for later in life," he said. "Helping others -- refereeing, coaching, charity work -- you need to do those kinds of things to be a better person, to be a better human being.
"The coaches talk about their (the All-Academic All-State Team members) leadership -- and respect. And they're not always the best players. They're the glue players. They may not do things you see on the field, but whatever they do makes a team better ... makes someone's day. The All-Academic All-State Team is something that fits them."
New Trier head coach Jim Burnside, who guided the Trevians to a second place finish in the Class 3A state tourney, was this year's inductee into the IHSSCA Hall of Fame. After earning three-consecutive state titles, New Trier (24-3-1) fell to Barrington after a 3-0 count in penalty kicks snapped a 0-0 draw in this year's championship match.
"I feel honored and humbled," Burnside said. "It's hard to look at yourself and say, 'I'm in that (Hall of Fame) group. It's a little surreal. But it's not about me, it's about those around me. My family has allowed and encouraged me, so I have to give deepest thanks to them -- and to each and every player I've coached."
Burnside, the IHSSCA's Coach of the Year in 2015, owns 484 career wins -- second-most in IHSA girls soccer history -- including a 27-game postseason winning streak that ended in this year's title match. During his 21-year run at the New Trier helm, Burnside's teams have captured a total of six state titles, two second place finishes and two third place finishes.
"We play a team sport, and the energy of the team is greater than any one individual," he said. "In order to be successful, the team needs to come together and play well. In the end, it's not about the wins and losses. It is about a team, and that takes everybody -- from the grounds crew to the athletic department to the players to the families. And family is the greatest component in that success.
"We all hope to provide a venue for the kids to grow and be the best they can be ... offer opportunities for them to be successful, and learn to deal with failure as well. There's so much more to it than just winning. I would never take credit for molding young people. I just hope that I've had a part in helping them reach their goals and their potential."
The Coach of the Year award was kept within the organization's hierarchy when IHSSCA president and Hall of Famer Brian Papa earned the honor for his work in his rookie season at Downers Grove North. The Trojans turned heads in the state soccer scene this season.
It was a season of firsts for Downers Grove North (20-4-2), which won its first sectional and supersectional crowns, and state trophy with a fourth place finish at the Class 3A state tournament. Winning is old hat to Papa, who has amassed more than 800 victories in 36 years as a boys and girls head coach.
After officially retiring from teaching and a head coaching position at Lincoln-Way East after the 2015-16 school year, Papa decided to stay on the sidelines and take over at Downers Grove North.
"If you would have told me that we'd make the Final Four at the beginning of the year, I wouldn't have believed it," Papa said. "First of all, I have to thank (Trojans assistant coach) Christine Tomek. Without her, none of this would have been possible. She helped me get to know the players, and that gave us a head start. Then we won a couple games, and things started falling our way. The team had to buy in, and that's what was special about this group.
"There was a cloud lifted when we won regionals. But I didn't want to settle, and the kids had their sights set higher as well. They worked their butts off, and the end result was positive.
"To be honored like this (as Coach of the Year) is a great thrill, like the icing on the cake for the season. And it's always an honor to be recognized by your peers. But you've got to have the kids, the school and the families believe in you. Hopefully, we can keep it going."
New Trier's Molly Lombardi was honored as Assistant Coach of the Year.
"It's quite an honor," Lombardi said. "There are some amazing coaches in the state, and it's an honor to be recognized among so many great people."
Lombardi, a social studies teacher at New Trier, has been part of Burnside's staff for 12 years.
"Jim has been an incredible mentor along the way," Lombardi said. "We always talk about the whole being more important than the individual, and that's what's special about being part of the New Trier program. It's 100 percent about the process. You hope the girls have a positive experience, learn about themselves and make lifelong memories.
"The winning makes for a fun ride. But, win or lose, we measure a season about the girls enjoying themselves and building character."
Tom Bower, the boys and girls head coach, and athletic director at Latin (Chicago), was named Soccer Person of the Year. A 2016 Hall of Fame inductee, Bower owns more than 600 combined wins for the Romans.
He's also been involved with PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) for 20 years. PCA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources for youth and high school sports coaches, administrators and student-athletes.
"I really try to coach kids to play the game the right way," Bower said. "If you teach the game the right way, wins come along. Do it correctly, and the winning takes care of itself.
"You can't spend too much time worrying about winning. The key in high school sports (is) the student-athletes need to be able to make decisions and not be afraid to make decisions. That's the time to make mistakes and learn from it. I've always felt that way.
"You see a lot of coaches yelling directions, but the kids are capable of making decisions themselves. Let them make decisions and figure it out for themselves. Take that responsibility -- own that decision even if it's not the right one. It's great to see kids go through that journey. You feel they'll be in decent shape as they move forward in life."
Chicago Math and Science was the recipient of the IHSSCA Sportsmanship Cup. Titans head coach Amy Bartlett, who's also the head of the school's special education department, accepted the award on behalf of her team.
Prior to its match with Chicago Academy this season, Bartlett and Co. learned that the Dolphins goalkeeper died in a car accident during spring break. To honor her memory, Chicago Math and Science orchestrated a true act of sportsmanship.
"We were their first game back after the accident, so it was a very emotional for them," Bartlett said. "So we had a moment of silence, and then every one of our players handed a rose to each one of their players. It was us showing solidarity with them.
"Being nominated for something like the Sportsmanship Cup means a lot to me. I truly believe in developing people first, and soccer is a means to help with that. You want to teach skills -- on and off the field. I stress that. I'd rather they be good people rather than just phenomenal athletes."