Lockport lands top spot, but Lincoln-Way Central, Andrew and Lincoln-Way East will make push.
Top 10 Teams
1. Lockport (24-1)
Porters lost some major talent from last season’s magical run, when they won their first 24 games, but don’t expect a big downfall. Senior forward Ava Kozak (Marquette) scored 24 goals, while sophomore midfielder Yuridia Hernandez had 13 as a freshman. Senior Alyssa Flood (Green Bay) anchors the defense.
2. Lincoln-Way Central (11-6-3)
Led by all-state senior defender Abby Sudkamp (Loyola) and a three-year starter at goalkeeper in junior Flynn Meyer, the Knights will be tough to score on. They should be fine on offense, too, with senior forward Madi Watt (Eastern Illinois) and senior midfielder Jaylin Sustr (Lewis) providing some firepower.
3. Andrew (18-6-2)
Coming off a sectional championship in 2024, the Thunderbolts are loaded in the midfield with seniors Paige Swaw (North Central College) and Grace McGlynn and junior Emily Crotty, who combined for 42 goals and 31 assists. Senior Kaitlyn Gudyka is a leader on defense.
4. Lincoln-Way East (14-6-2)
A decorated senior class of 11 graduated in 2024 but a trio of Division I recruits will help the Griffins reload. Senior forward Ellie Feigl (Missouri State), junior midfielder Elizabeth Burfeind (Purdue) and junior defender Camden Cosich (TCU) are ready for starring roles. Senior midfielder Kara Waishwell (North Central College) is the backbone.
5. Providence (17-10-1)
After winning a sectional championship with a very young team last spring, the Celtics have their sights set on state in Class 2A. Junior midfielder Alyssa Thulin was the GCAC White’s player of the year, while junior midfielder Maggie Wolniakowski scored 22 goals. Senior goalkeeper Claire Wadja had 13 shutouts.
6. Lemont (17-5)
Many stars graduated in 2024 and Lemont will be young, led mostly by juniors and sophomores. There is some varsity experience, though. Sophomore midfielder Gabriela Kuruc scored 17 goals as a freshman, while junior forward Annabella DeMaio and junior midfielder Chase Bergeson are players to keep an eye on.
7. Lincoln-Way West (10-11)
Warriors need some scorers to step up with the graduation of Ava Peterson, who broke the program record with 28 goals last season. But several starters return to help fill the void, including senior midfielder Kiersten White and junior midfielder Kate Kinsella. Senior Ava Bach is a dependable leader in the back.
Lincoln-Way West’s Kiersten White (12) sprints down the sideline against Lemont during a Windy City Ram Classic game in New Lenox on Saturday, March 16, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
8. Sandburg (6-13-4)
Following a couple down years, the Eagles have some pieces for a turnaround this season. Senior forward Gabby Dittmer has scored 40 career goals, while senior Maeve Durkin has loads of experience leading the defense. Junior midfielder Marissa Manning looks to provide another scoring option.
9. Marist (10-9-4)
Sophomore midfielder Mia Sherry scored a team-leading 12 goals as a freshman and is part of a young attacking group that gained experience last season. The RedHawks’ veterans are on defense, with seniors Claire Cotter and Giselle Coronado leading the way in front of senior goalkeeper Caitlin Schofield.
10. Homewood-Flossmoor (18-6-1)
Vikings are rebuilding after graduating eight starters but can rely on senior goalkeeper Cristina Ramirez to keep them in games. Senior midfielder Noelle Dolan (Washington in St. Louis) will run the show, while sophomore midfielder Isla Thompson is a rising star.
Providence’s Alyssa Thulin (5) dribbles the ball up the field against Tinley park during the Class 2A Kankakee Sectional final on Friday, May 23, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
The 25 Players to Watch
Camden Cosich, Lincoln-Way East, junior, defender.
Claire Cotter, Marist, senior, defender.
Emily Crotty, Andrew, junior, midfielder.
Gabby Dittmer, Sandburg, senior, forward.
Grace Durante, Beecher, junior, forward.
Calli Edwards, Mother McAuley, junior, forward.
Galilea Esparza, Eisenhower, senior, midfielder.
Emelia Estrada, Bloom, senior, midfielder.
Alyssa Flood, Lockport, senior, defender.
Fatima Fonseca, Thornwood co-op, senior, forward.
Veronica Jones, St. Laurence, senior, forward.
Ava Kozak, Lockport, senior, forward.
Gabriela Kuruc, Lemont, sophomore, midfielder.
Sissi Loza, De La Salle, senior, midfielder.
Justyna Palenica, Stagg, sophomore, midfielder.
Cristina Ramirez, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, goalkeeper.
Jade Rubalcava, Evergreen Park, junior, forward.
Abby Sudkamp, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, defender.
Paige Swaw, Andrew, senior, midfielder.
Alyssa Thulin, Providence, junior, midfielder.
Kara Waishwell, Lincoln-Way East, senior, midfielder.
Maddie Walsh, Oak Forest, senior, midfielder.
Madi Watt, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, forward.
Kiersten White, Lincoln-Way West, senior, midfielder.
Maggie Wolniakowski, Providence, junior, forward.