Season preview: New Trier
By Bobby Narang
Winning is just part of the fabric at New Trier.
State championships have been possible outcomes almost every season, especially since Jim Burnside took over the varsity program in 1997.
From that time, the Trevians have been a consistent power in the state of Illinois. They opened up Burnside’s tenure with back-to-back third place finishes at the finals. Overall, Burnside has guided the Trevians to six state titles, three-runnerup finishes and three-third place medals.
A year ago, the Trevians suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in double-overtime to Libertyville in a Class 3A supersectional, That extinguished the dream of the program’s first state title since 2016. The Trevians posted a 20-2-4 record last season; both their defeats came against Libertyville.
This season they must replace five players from last season’s team who are currently playing in college.
Burnside said his team is motivated to make a run at the state title. Last year marked the first time since 2013 that the Trevians did not make an appearance at state, not counting the 2020 season which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Trevians, who are ranked fifth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, are certainly playing at a high level so far. They’ve posted wins against Prospect and Palatine and tied no. 7 Warren on the road in their season-opener.
The Trevians’ home game against St. Ignatius on March 23 was not played due to the weather. A decision on a possible make-up date has not been announced.
“We’re off to a great start, great team chemistry and really enjoying being together, and we’re improving,” Burnside said. “I think many teams have had potential, but this team has great, great potential. There’s a lot of untapped energy, knowledge and attitude. I’m excited to see what the next month and a half brings.
“The team is always hungry no matter the season. We don’t focus on a state championship. We focus on small goals and, if we can achieve those small goals, then we feel that it puts us in a good spot to make a run in the state tournament.
“Every player, new and returners, knows, understands and appreciates the tradition of hard work, fun and success that the players before them have experienced and want to do their best in order to continue that.”
Even with significant losses due to graduation, the Trevians have high hopes for another 20-win season. Senior forward Kendall Sierens (a Denison recruit) and senior forward Ava Shah will help steer the ship.
“Kendall is a great leader and outside forward,” Burnside said. “She will be dangerous and makes her teammates better. Ava is a leader and organizer of the team.
The junior class, new and old, will contribute.
“Sadie-Grace Richardson is a strong and physical presence in the center of the field,” Burnside said.
Newcomer and junior forward Lida Dodge (Purdue) gives the Trevians a big bump in talent after deciding to play high school soccer for the first time.
“Lida Dodge is a great player who can break down defenses with individual skill,” Burnside said. “She’s a great teammate with touch, vision and skill to make the team better.”
The Class of ’24 has a strong contingent on the team.
“Annie Paden controls the midfield, is technical and has a physical presence,” Burnside said.
“Charlotte Dellin is one of the most athletic players, reads the game well. She has moved from striker to center back this season to help out the team. She’s been one of the most valuable players so far this season.
“Josie Noble is a center mid who understands how to impact a game and has huge potential.”
Senior forward Elizabeth Marquardt, a third-year varsity player, said she’s excited to make a big contribution in her first season as a starter.
“We have a lot of variety of ability on the team, so it’s been fun to get to know everyone and how everyone plays,” Marquardt said. “It’s been great. I’ve been challenged by a lot of people.
“I think the biggest difference from past teams is we have a lot of different types of people, from screamers on the bench to quiet people. That makes our team really special, because everyone has their own personality to give to the team. Being a starter been really rewarding. I’ve worked really hard for it.”
Richardson is now a starter for the first time in her New Trier career. She said she’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to play for the Trevians.
“This program is a lot about grit, determination and hard work,” Richardson said. “You know we can count on any teammate to be there for you.
“Last year I learned this team and program is the biggest family. That’s something you have to take advantage of every single second. I lost my freshman year, I don’t want to lose another second (of time). This is a special program.”
Second-year starter Dellin is another player expected to make a big leap this season after playing valuable minutes in her freshman season.
“That was definitely a shock last year, kind of opened my eyes to see where I was as a player,” Dellin said. “Then again, that can go away in an instant, especially on this team.
“Last year I was definitely a lot more to myself until the older girls, especially the seniors, brought myself out. Now I feel I want to keep that going and be a leader for the freshmen or anyone else new.”
Freshman Olivia Wilson started the first two games before an injury kept her out of the 4-1 win over Palatine. The 5-foot-11 defender said the older players have helped her adjust to playing on the varsity.
“It’s definitely a little scary at first, but everyone is so welcoming and nice on the team, which makes it easy,” Wilson said. “It’s great to be a part of the New Trier family. As a freshman, I didn’t think I would make varsity. It’s an amazing opportunity.”
Burnside said he didn’t add any new games to the schedule. He anticipates another strong season from his team following a solid first two weeks.
“We do our best to tailor our coaching to the team, but for the beginning of the season, we always focus on the basics, like defense,” Burnside said. “We have many great players who can step in and impact a game. We also feel that our greatest strength is in our ability to play as a unit.”
By Bobby Narang
Winning is just part of the fabric at New Trier.
State championships have been possible outcomes almost every season, especially since Jim Burnside took over the varsity program in 1997.
From that time, the Trevians have been a consistent power in the state of Illinois. They opened up Burnside’s tenure with back-to-back third place finishes at the finals. Overall, Burnside has guided the Trevians to six state titles, three-runnerup finishes and three-third place medals.
A year ago, the Trevians suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in double-overtime to Libertyville in a Class 3A supersectional, That extinguished the dream of the program’s first state title since 2016. The Trevians posted a 20-2-4 record last season; both their defeats came against Libertyville.
This season they must replace five players from last season’s team who are currently playing in college.
Burnside said his team is motivated to make a run at the state title. Last year marked the first time since 2013 that the Trevians did not make an appearance at state, not counting the 2020 season which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Trevians, who are ranked fifth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, are certainly playing at a high level so far. They’ve posted wins against Prospect and Palatine and tied no. 7 Warren on the road in their season-opener.
The Trevians’ home game against St. Ignatius on March 23 was not played due to the weather. A decision on a possible make-up date has not been announced.
“We’re off to a great start, great team chemistry and really enjoying being together, and we’re improving,” Burnside said. “I think many teams have had potential, but this team has great, great potential. There’s a lot of untapped energy, knowledge and attitude. I’m excited to see what the next month and a half brings.
“The team is always hungry no matter the season. We don’t focus on a state championship. We focus on small goals and, if we can achieve those small goals, then we feel that it puts us in a good spot to make a run in the state tournament.
“Every player, new and returners, knows, understands and appreciates the tradition of hard work, fun and success that the players before them have experienced and want to do their best in order to continue that.”
Even with significant losses due to graduation, the Trevians have high hopes for another 20-win season. Senior forward Kendall Sierens (a Denison recruit) and senior forward Ava Shah will help steer the ship.
“Kendall is a great leader and outside forward,” Burnside said. “She will be dangerous and makes her teammates better. Ava is a leader and organizer of the team.
The junior class, new and old, will contribute.
“Sadie-Grace Richardson is a strong and physical presence in the center of the field,” Burnside said.
Newcomer and junior forward Lida Dodge (Purdue) gives the Trevians a big bump in talent after deciding to play high school soccer for the first time.
“Lida Dodge is a great player who can break down defenses with individual skill,” Burnside said. “She’s a great teammate with touch, vision and skill to make the team better.”
The Class of ’24 has a strong contingent on the team.
“Annie Paden controls the midfield, is technical and has a physical presence,” Burnside said.
“Charlotte Dellin is one of the most athletic players, reads the game well. She has moved from striker to center back this season to help out the team. She’s been one of the most valuable players so far this season.
“Josie Noble is a center mid who understands how to impact a game and has huge potential.”
Senior forward Elizabeth Marquardt, a third-year varsity player, said she’s excited to make a big contribution in her first season as a starter.
“We have a lot of variety of ability on the team, so it’s been fun to get to know everyone and how everyone plays,” Marquardt said. “It’s been great. I’ve been challenged by a lot of people.
“I think the biggest difference from past teams is we have a lot of different types of people, from screamers on the bench to quiet people. That makes our team really special, because everyone has their own personality to give to the team. Being a starter been really rewarding. I’ve worked really hard for it.”
Richardson is now a starter for the first time in her New Trier career. She said she’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to play for the Trevians.
“This program is a lot about grit, determination and hard work,” Richardson said. “You know we can count on any teammate to be there for you.
“Last year I learned this team and program is the biggest family. That’s something you have to take advantage of every single second. I lost my freshman year, I don’t want to lose another second (of time). This is a special program.”
Second-year starter Dellin is another player expected to make a big leap this season after playing valuable minutes in her freshman season.
“That was definitely a shock last year, kind of opened my eyes to see where I was as a player,” Dellin said. “Then again, that can go away in an instant, especially on this team.
“Last year I was definitely a lot more to myself until the older girls, especially the seniors, brought myself out. Now I feel I want to keep that going and be a leader for the freshmen or anyone else new.”
Freshman Olivia Wilson started the first two games before an injury kept her out of the 4-1 win over Palatine. The 5-foot-11 defender said the older players have helped her adjust to playing on the varsity.
“It’s definitely a little scary at first, but everyone is so welcoming and nice on the team, which makes it easy,” Wilson said. “It’s great to be a part of the New Trier family. As a freshman, I didn’t think I would make varsity. It’s an amazing opportunity.”
Burnside said he didn’t add any new games to the schedule. He anticipates another strong season from his team following a solid first two weeks.
“We do our best to tailor our coaching to the team, but for the beginning of the season, we always focus on the basics, like defense,” Burnside said. “We have many great players who can step in and impact a game. We also feel that our greatest strength is in our ability to play as a unit.”