Spring is here, which means so are spring sports! Let’s take a look at the girls soccer landscape.
*Note: All coaches were contacted for this feature. Their responses are listed below. Don’t see your school? Reach out to Michael Wojtychiw (mmwojtychiw@cps.edu) for more info.
School: Victoria Soto High School
Last Year’s Record: 9-8-1
Social Media Handle: @victoriasotogirlssoccer
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school):
We are lucky to have quite a few key starters returning this year:
Ariana Chavez, Midfielder, Junior
Emely Cruz, Forward, Junior
Ariana Gonzalez, Midfielder, Junior
Minerva Rojas, Midfielder, Junior
Valeria Davila, Defender, Junior
Selena Garcia, Forward, Senior
Yinereth Medina, Midfielder, Senior
Denice Barrera, Forward, Senior
Yareli Gomez Perez, Defender, Senior
Rubi Mendoza, Midfielder, Sophomore
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
This year, we are excited to have one freshman on the Varsity team:
Dennice Herrera, Midfielder, Freshman
We are also looking forward to the girls’ who were pulled up from JV!
Coach’s season outlook: We’re looking forward to this season with our young group. We hope to build off of our strengths and record from last year and make it even farther into state playoffs. We will also be returning to the BodyArmor tournament, having won our division last year we’re hoping to continue our success in this tournament!
School: Back of the Yards College Prep
Last Year’s Record: 10-9-1
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school):
– Emmely Munoz, Forward, Junior
– Camila Torres, Midfielder, Senior
– Yasmin Martinez, Defender, Senior
– Jimena Figueroa, Defender, Junior
Key non-starters returning (name, position, year in school):
– Citlalli Morales, Forward, Senior
– Natalia Balleza, Midfielder, Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
– Nayleah Ramos, midfielder, Freshman
– Mariah Valdez, forward, Freshman
– Valeria Jimenez, defender, Junior
Coach’s season outlook: Our goal is to win our conference title and to challenge for a regional championship in the state tournament.
School: Curie Metropolitan High School
Last Year’s Record: 10-10
Social Media Handle: instagram: curiemetrohssoccer
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats and honors):
Frida Rodriguez, CB/CAM, Sophomore, 15 goals, 6 assists and 2nd team all city
Itzury Quijano, CB, Sophomore
Erendira Robles, GK, Junior, 121 saves, sectional honorable mention
Guadalupe Gil, CM, senior
Melani Martinez, ST, Junior
Alexia Torres, WB, Junior
Leylani Corral, ST, Senior
Selena Flores, MD, Junior
Litzy Ortiz, MD, Junior
Key non-starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Denisse Bahena CM/ST, Junior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Giselle Garcia, ST/W, Freshman
Judith Meza, ST, Senior
Cindy Urbano, Freshman, CB
Vivian Villasenor, CM, Soph
Vanessa Meza, Senior
Coach’s season outlook: This year is an exciting year for our girls team. Majority of the starters are returning from last year, but losing key positions last year is just finding and establishing those roles and positions for the new players to take up those starting positions. It will be an eventful season and uplifting to see the girls in action.
School name: Jones
Last year’s record: 14-8
Key returning rotation players:
Ruby Miller, GK, Sophomore
Karina Telez, D, Junior
Leanne Guidi, D, Sophomore
Ellie Ceraso, D, Senior
Lali, MF
Olivia Bahrmasel, MF, Sophomore
Aiyanna Wright, F, Sophomore
Kaelyn Perez, F, Junior
Top newcomers:
Audrey Dziedzic, MF, Junior
Alyssa Ramos, D, Freshman
Morgan Theilke, D, Freshman
Coach’s Season Outlook: We are very young but have several star players and solid D and goalkeeping. Start of the season will be challenging as we are playing a really tough schedule and have a lot of new players in key positions. With that being said, we some key role players back and two of our new players are exceptional. I expect us to be very competetive this year and are capable of winning Premier and playing in CPS championship again. This team is a team that will be much different at the end of the year than at the beginning and I am excited to see what we are able to do.
School: Kennedy High School
Last year’s record: 4 – 12 – 2
Social Media Handle: IG: jfkcrusadersathletics
Starters returning:
Daisy Campos, GK
Endy Reynoso Valenica, DEF
Krystal Sandoval, MF
Yoseline Lopez-Chihuahua, DEF
Newcomers to watch:
Veronica Rios, MF/ST, Soph
Maritza Hernandez, ST, Junior
Season Outlook:
We graduated some of our core players but will have individuals to take on those roles. We struggled in Chicago’s top conference and hope to compete in the second-best conference in hopes to return to the Premier. We have several fresh faces in the team but especially as starters. Our schedule this year will be challenging as we face several teams who regularly compete for the CPL championship as well as contenders for 2A and 3A Illinois tournaments. Kennedy can guarantee that we will be disruptive and bring a high level of energy in every outing.
School: Kenwood Academy High School
Last Year’s Record: 6-3-3
Key starters returning (name, year in school):
Delphine Spieles, Sophomore
Willa Pereira, Sophomore
Journey Lemons, Junior
Key newcomers (name, year in school):
Addy Wells, Freshman
Hilary Bolivar, Junior
Amelia Berg, Freshman
Gabby Baker, Sophomore
Coach’s season outlook:
With only 5 returning varsity players, this young team is looking to grow together and have success through commitment and hard work. We got moved up to the First South division this year, and are looking to make a name for ourselves.
School: Marine Leadership Academy
Last Year’s Record: 24-2
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats and honors):
Ivette Herrera, MF, SR, All City.
Crystal Gutierrez, F, JR, All City.
Valerie Betancourt, G, SR, All City.
Coach’s season outlook: We had one of the best seasons in CPS history last year for a 1A school. While we did lose 5 senior starters, we return lots of talent.
School: Northside Prep
Last Year’s Record: 4-9-2
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Angie Vazquez, G, Jr
Maddie Reed-Horn, M, Sr.
Elsa Voss, M, Sr
Phoebe Phonwiang, F, Jr
Key non-starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Chiara Guerrera, F, Jr
Coach’s season outlook:
After graduating a large group of seniors, this will be a rebuild year. A strong core from last year returns to help us compete in the Premier Division North.
School: Payton
Last Year’s Record: 11-9-1
Social Media Handle: Instagram: wpcpgirlsvarsitysoccer; Twitter: PaytonSoccer34
College commitments: Ajla Gradjan – UIC, Chloe Guzik – IIT
Key starters returning (name, year in school):
Cate Cupps, Senior
Isa Katz, Senior
Ajla Gradjan, Senior
Felicity Cole, Senior
Chloe Guzik, Senior
Nora Cervenka, Senior
Key non-starter returning: Arielle Evans
Coach’s season outlook: Looking to build on last year’s City semi final run and Sectional loss. We have a lot of potential and hope to fulfill it.
School: Prosser
Last Year’s Record: 2-12-1 overall, 1-3-1 conference
Returnees (name, position, year in school):
Aguero, Emely (Forward) Senior
Carreno, Karen (Midfield) Junior
Delgado, Stephanie (Midfield) Senior
Garcia, Yaneli (Midfield) Junior
Gonzalez, Lizbeth (Defense) Senior
Maldonado, Adriana (Midfield) Senior
Reed, Destiny (GK) Senior
Salgado, Marisol (Forward) Senior
Tenemaza, Aida (Midfield) Sophomore
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Arroyo, Anahi (Midfield/Defense) Junior
Flores, Angelina (Defense) Freshmen
Onofre, Cinthya (Midfield/Defense) Freshmen
Rivas, Marian (Midfield) Junior
Coach’s season outlook: We are looking to improve last year’s stats and continue to develop our players.
School: Senn
Last Year’s Record: 6-6
Social Media Handle: senngirlssoccer
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Laura Tobar, Left Midfielder, Senior
Lesly Sanchez, CDM, Senior
Daniela Palacios, Right Winger, Senior
Alexa Palacios, Center Midfield
Key non-starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Delgado, Alexa, Center Forward, Sophomore
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Maddie Cole, Right Midfielder, Junior
Coach’s season outlook:
Looking forward to having a strong season! Senn girls soccer has many returning varsity players and new players.
School: Solorio
Social Media Handle: Instagram @soloriosoccer
Key starters returning (name, year in school):
- Guadalupe Ruiz, Junior
- Emily Sotelo, Senior
- Janeth Ortega, Senior
- Itzel Rivera, Senior
- Giselle Vazquez, Sophomore
- Anahi Sotelo, Senior
- Karla Pineda, Sophomore
- Angelina Dominguez, Junior
Key non-starters returning (name, year in school):
- Lizbeth Salgado, Junior
- Joselyn Andrade, Junior
- Ruby Guzman, Senior
- Sarahi Barajas, Sophomore
- Yulissa Sanchez, Junior
- Samantha Morales, Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
- Layla Vicario, Freshman
- Valeria Perez, Freshman
- Joanna Guzman, Freshman
- Emily Quinones, Freshman
Coach’s season outlook: We are looking forward to a new season with a lot of changes coming up. We’re looking forward to our returners taking the lead on a productive season and our new team members learning and contributing to our team’s success.
School: Taft
Last Year’s Record: 8-10-2
College commitments: Morgan Tucker – Quincy University
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats and honors if available):
Seniors – Olivia Kennedy (MF – All-Sectional), Morgan Tucker (MF), Abigail Meneses (MF), Maya Piotrowski (FW), Asia Ling (D – All-Conference)
Juniors – Ava Balmaseda (MF/D – All City 2nd Team), Riley Cholewa (GK), Adi Robinson (MF/D), Jaylene Mercado (MF/D)
Sophs – Lily Sarli (MF), Aria Lipa (D), Lelja Drndar (D)
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Senior – Adina Ortiz (Sr – GK), Zayna Saadeh (D), Anastasia Stojakovic (FW)
Juniors – Joyce Abdelnour (FW), Sophia Blake (MF), Elizabeth Rivera (MF)
Freshmen – Juliette Popelka (MF), Anela Tagal (MF), Vivienne Wyszynski (MF)
Coach’s season outlook: We are optimistic that this season will be a continuation of the positive trajectory of the program. We are thrilled to have three full teams this season and a top-class coaching staff. We have a great mix of seniors and returning players with experienced leadership and new players bringing their skills and energy into the mix. The goal is always to be competitive in every contest, play our brand of soccer, and challenge for all available trophies. We are very excited to see what this squad can do.
School name: Tilden
Coach’s season outlook:
Heading into the new season, we’re thrilled to welcome back some key players who are sure to make a big impact on the field. Marisa Brown, our dynamic sophomore forward, has been on fire and is poised to continue her impressive performance. Joining her is Kaninah Brown, a junior defender who’s known for holding it down at the back. Estrella Juarez, also a sophomore defender, adds to our solid defensive line. In midfield, we have the talented duo of Rachel Ruiz, our junior MVP, and Ashley Perez, a junior known for her speed and agility. And let’s not forget our senior leader, Michelle Valdovientos, who brings experience and skill to our defensive efforts.
But it’s not just about the returning stars – we’ve got some exciting newcomers, too. Brihny Medina, a sophomore forward, is one to watch with her fiery playstyle. Plus, we’ve got a whole host of fresh faces eager to make their mark, including Latoya Hughley, Gianna Martinez, Ismely Arias, Sandy Franco, Alexia Alatorre, Fatima Estrada-Vazquez, Joquebed Muila, Hulda Muila, and Beyonce Pulido. With so much talent and enthusiasm, our team is ready to take on any challenge.
Looking ahead, our coach is feeling optimistic about the season. It’s our second year back since Tilden last had a soccer team, and the excitement is palpable. Despite the many first-time players, everyone is enthusiastic about being part of the team and bringing soccer back to our school. We know we’re a work in progress, but with dedication and teamwork, we’re confident that we’ll make our mark on the field this season. Get ready to see us in action – this year, we’re a team on the rise!
School: Wells
Last Year’s Record: 4-2-1
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school):
This year, we have several strong returning players: our co-captain and winger Kathy Martinez, our senior DCM Alexa Watson, and our most attacking duo Ana Melo Freire and Anny Dubon Murillo. We also have several strong defensive players returning and we’re looking to have these seasoned players support our newcomer athletes.
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
We have several new exciting prospects at Wells this year, including 2 senior players: Shayla Diaz and Orquidia Delgado. We’re also excited that our team is continuing to grow in numbers.
Coach’s season outlook:
Last season Wells was proud to have battled into the top half of our conference, narrowly missing out on the top spot. This year, we’re looking to maintain and improve on that form.
School: Westinghouse College Prep
Last Year’s Record: 12-0-6
Social Media Handle: @GWCPSoccer (Instagram and Twitter)
Key starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats):
Jasmin Geronimo – Midfielder, Sophomore, 47 goals and 14 assists.
Ciamar Leon – Midfielder, Senior, 4 goals and 16 assists.
Dayana Rosendo – Defender, Junior.
Judith Yam – Defender, Junior
Jocelyn Tenecota – Defender, Junior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Kairy Rosendo – Defender, Freshman
Aurora Oviedo – Forward, Freshman
Coach’s season outlook:
We are reconstructing after losing key players in all areas. We are looking forward to how this team will mesh, as it’ll be a mixture of both young and veteran players. Against all these variables, we hope we can have a similar season, if not, better season than last year.
