Notebook: Notre Dame
By Mike Garofola
GLENVIEW – Last fall, Notre Dame had a high-powered attack and terrific balance on the both sides of the ball. The Dons reached the doorstep of making their first state finals appearance.
The team posted the best record in program history at 23-2-2 and lifted their first regional and sectional plaques as well as going unbeaten and untied to take their first East Suburban Catholic Conference title.
However, graduation hits and the loss of Chicagoland Soccer all-state forward Freddy Krug and his All-State Watch List brother and defender Martin, who both moved overseas, left many question marks as to whether the Dons could maintain last fall’s level of brilliance.
"When we came back to earn a 1-1 draw at Glenbrook South (Monday), which had (18) seniors honored while we played just six, it said a lot about the leadership of this senior class, the chemistry they have fostered and the team camaraderie, " said manager Mike Smith, who was a former Dons star.
After a 4-5-0 start, Notre Dame (12-5-1) has turned its fortunes around with a nine-game unbeaten streak. The Dons made their debut in the Chicagoland Soccer Class AA Super 7 poll at no. 7.
With a complete 4-0 win at Carmel on Wednesday, the Dons extended their conference win streak to 16 games. If they win Saturday when they host Benet, they will repeat as undefeated conference champions.
"We have come a long way this season,” Smith said. “The reason for that is the leadership coming from our seniors, who have been there for every player on our roster, proving we are all family here at Notre Dame soccer."
Smith took over the program when Reggie Lara moved to Glenbrook South in 2017.
"When I knew I would be leaving, I recommended him highly to our athletic director, Mike Hennessey to take over," began Lara.
"It was obviously the right choice, because Mike has taken his program to new heights and achievements never seen before.
“When I was a senior playing at Notre Dame, he was a sophomore. All of the upperclassmen knew he was an extremely hard-working player, who was passionate about the sport."
What's the reason for the turnaround this season?
"Our success here at Notre Dame is all on the players, especially because of our senior class and guys like Daniel Deano, Francesco DiFilippo, Luca Lobianco, and Jack Plovanich," Smith said.
"We are talented," said Deano. “It took the young guys, in particular, time to get comfortable with the physical play and the speed at the varsity level. Right now, they are all doing very well.”
Deano proudly wears the captain’s armband with DiFilippo, Lobianco, Plovanich and junior Ryan Shanahan. Shanahan’s older brother Mike was a tri-captain with fellow 2022 graduates Paul Harris and Zach Martin last season.
"Daniel just loves playing this game. His soccer IQ is off the charts, his humility sets him apart from other leaders in the state,” said Smith. “He cares so much about his teammates, and those around him."
"I take a lot of pride being a member of Notre Dame soccer and one of our captains," said Deano, who carries a dazzling 5.0 GPA, and hopes to play collegiate soccer next fall.
Central defensive star Plovanich feels just as strongly about his role as a captain.
"It's really important to me to be a strong leader, not only for all of the young guys we have on the team, and in our program, but also as a player who represents Notre Dame," said Plovanich, who plans to apply to the Air Force Academy, a destination that’s been a dream of his.
"The Academy is a place where I share the same values and commitment to excellence. Plus, I see it as an honor to serve my country.
"Nothing is out of reach if you want to go after. That's what I feel about my future and this team, because we have the talent to do a lot of great things this season."
By Mike Garofola
GLENVIEW – Last fall, Notre Dame had a high-powered attack and terrific balance on the both sides of the ball. The Dons reached the doorstep of making their first state finals appearance.
The team posted the best record in program history at 23-2-2 and lifted their first regional and sectional plaques as well as going unbeaten and untied to take their first East Suburban Catholic Conference title.
However, graduation hits and the loss of Chicagoland Soccer all-state forward Freddy Krug and his All-State Watch List brother and defender Martin, who both moved overseas, left many question marks as to whether the Dons could maintain last fall’s level of brilliance.
"When we came back to earn a 1-1 draw at Glenbrook South (Monday), which had (18) seniors honored while we played just six, it said a lot about the leadership of this senior class, the chemistry they have fostered and the team camaraderie, " said manager Mike Smith, who was a former Dons star.
After a 4-5-0 start, Notre Dame (12-5-1) has turned its fortunes around with a nine-game unbeaten streak. The Dons made their debut in the Chicagoland Soccer Class AA Super 7 poll at no. 7.
With a complete 4-0 win at Carmel on Wednesday, the Dons extended their conference win streak to 16 games. If they win Saturday when they host Benet, they will repeat as undefeated conference champions.
"We have come a long way this season,” Smith said. “The reason for that is the leadership coming from our seniors, who have been there for every player on our roster, proving we are all family here at Notre Dame soccer."
Smith took over the program when Reggie Lara moved to Glenbrook South in 2017.
"When I knew I would be leaving, I recommended him highly to our athletic director, Mike Hennessey to take over," began Lara.
"It was obviously the right choice, because Mike has taken his program to new heights and achievements never seen before.
“When I was a senior playing at Notre Dame, he was a sophomore. All of the upperclassmen knew he was an extremely hard-working player, who was passionate about the sport."
What's the reason for the turnaround this season?
"Our success here at Notre Dame is all on the players, especially because of our senior class and guys like Daniel Deano, Francesco DiFilippo, Luca Lobianco, and Jack Plovanich," Smith said.
"We are talented," said Deano. “It took the young guys, in particular, time to get comfortable with the physical play and the speed at the varsity level. Right now, they are all doing very well.”
Deano proudly wears the captain’s armband with DiFilippo, Lobianco, Plovanich and junior Ryan Shanahan. Shanahan’s older brother Mike was a tri-captain with fellow 2022 graduates Paul Harris and Zach Martin last season.
"Daniel just loves playing this game. His soccer IQ is off the charts, his humility sets him apart from other leaders in the state,” said Smith. “He cares so much about his teammates, and those around him."
"I take a lot of pride being a member of Notre Dame soccer and one of our captains," said Deano, who carries a dazzling 5.0 GPA, and hopes to play collegiate soccer next fall.
Central defensive star Plovanich feels just as strongly about his role as a captain.
"It's really important to me to be a strong leader, not only for all of the young guys we have on the team, and in our program, but also as a player who represents Notre Dame," said Plovanich, who plans to apply to the Air Force Academy, a destination that’s been a dream of his.
"The Academy is a place where I share the same values and commitment to excellence. Plus, I see it as an honor to serve my country.
"Nothing is out of reach if you want to go after. That's what I feel about my future and this team, because we have the talent to do a lot of great things this season."