The spring sports have started! Let’s check out what our coaches have to say about their teams this upcoming season
*All coaches were contacted multiple times for this exercise. Those responses are below.
School name: Acero Victoria Soto High School
Last season’s record: 12-6
Social media handle: @victoriasotogirlssoccer
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats and honors):
- Stephanie Villanueva, Senior, Goalie, 17 games played
- Fabiola Torres, Senior, Defender, 1 assist
- Dennice Herrera, Junior, Defender, 2 assists
- Rubi Mendoza, Senior, Midfielder, All Conference 2025
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
- Yahaira Moreno, Senior, Goalie, 9 games played
- Keyla Chacon, Sophomore, Midfielder
- Melany Casimiro, Senior, Defender, 1 goal scored, 1 assist
- Valentina (Dana) Martinez, Junior, Defender
- Marlyn Covarrubias, Sophomore, Midfielder
- Matzayani Perez, Junior, Midfielder, 1 goal scored, 1 assist
- Gisell Perez, Sophomore, Midfielder
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
- Delilah Flores, Freshman, Striker
- Yaretzy Cruz, Freshman, Defender
- Estefany Caceres, Freshman, Striker
Games to watch:
- Curie (4/6)
Coach’s season outlook: After finishing last season with a record of 12-6, our team has clearly demonstrated a strong foundation and winning culture. However, graduating ten seniors means losing a significant amount of experience, leadership, and key contributors. This season will be focused on developing our younger players, building new leadership within the team, and maintaining the competitive standard set last year. Overall, the goal is to grow throughout this season and remain competitive as our new roster gains experience.
School name: Chicago Academy
Last season’s record: 10-8
Social media handle: @CAHS_Soccer
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Jade Bolares, Senior, F
Jiselle Gonzalez, Senior, D
Yaneli Gonzalez, Junior, D
Narly Ramos, Junior, MF
Manal Elboury, Sophomore, MF
Amira Al-Hindi, Sophomore, D)
Maya Sanchez, Sophomore, MF
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
Anastazja Novak, Senior, F
Yanely Lagunas-Garcia, Senior, MF
Valerie Orzco-Vera, Senior, F
Katie Martinez, Senior, F
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Shahira Zedany, freshman, F
Games to watch:
MLA and Westinghouse
Coach’s season outlook:
Lost some really great seniors last year, but we are rebuilding on the backs of a really strong junior class and some great senior leaders. We have some exciting sophomores that will be stepping up into some important positions this year, so the team has a lot of upside!
School name: Curie Metropolitan High School
Last season’s record: 5-10
Returning starters (name, class, position and honors):
Vivian Villasenor, Senior, CB, All-Conference
Layla Chavez, Senior CB
Itzury Quijano, Senior, CM, all-conference
Brissia Garcia, Sophomore, CM
Sarai Delgado, Senior, GK, All-conference
Angelique Saavedra, Sophomore, CM
Alexa Lobo Acosta, Sophomore, Fullback
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Victoria Richarte, Junior, CB
Jaquiline Villagomez-Diaz, Senior, CM
Alondra Agular
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Frida Reyna Grace, Senior, Fullback
Scarlet Dominguez, Sophomore, Fullback
Neenah Alvarez, Junior, ST.
Natalia Rios, Sophomore, CM,
Evelin Andrade, Junior, CM
Coach’s season outlook:
We have a lot of seniors this year, with the addition of the new players joining this year, that have a lot of potential and the work ethic they are putting in this year is way better, so it’s going to be a fun year.
School Name: Hancock College Prep
Last Season’s Record: 6-13
Returning Varsity Players:
- Mora, Ema (GK, Sr.)
- Carillo, Kimberly (F, Sr.)
- Sandoval, Clarissa (M, Sr.)
- Rincon, Ximena (M, Sr.)
- Cuevas, Angelique (M, Sr.)
- Arellano, Xitlaly (D, Jr.)
- Iniguez, Cedahlia (D, Sr.)
- Bernal, Isabel (F, Sr.)
- Hernandez, Mia (M, Sr.)
- Gallichio, Francesca (F, So.)
- Albarran, Xena (D, Jr.)
- Moreno, Adelynn (M, Sr.)
- Alonso, Frida (D, Jr.)
- Jimenez, Cristal (D, Jr.)
Top Newcomers:
- Torres, Yisselle (F, Fr.)
- Salas, Jasmine (D, Sr.)
- Rosales, Kaori (D, So.)
- Ortega, Allison (D, So.)
- Rodriguez, Heaven (M, Jr.)
- Madrigal, Sophia (M, So.)
- De La Torre, Alejandra (D, So.)
- Mendez, Marissa (M, Fr.)
- Maldonado, Sophia (M, So.)
Coach’s Season Outlook
Even though we went down a conference, we are looking forward to competing and facing more local schools. We are focused on building a winning culture and keeping our eyes on those crucial conference games. We can’t wait to get started.
School name: Horizon Science Academy Southwest Chicago
Last season’s record: 3-7-1 (1-3-1 in Conference)
Social media handle: hsasouthwest
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Johana Tavira, Senior, and Middle Position
Jocelyn Vega, Junior, and Forward Position
Jaida Ortiz, Junior, and Forward or Middle Position
Anndriana Trujillo, Junior, Defense
Naheli Manzanares, Sophomore, Defense
Adanely Mondragon, Junior, Middle
Games to watch: Horizon Southwest vs Bogan
School name: Lincoln Park
Last season’s record: 14-9
Social media handle: @lincolnparksoccer_boosterclub
Returning starters:
The Lady Lions are returning 15 players from last season, which is the majority of our roster.
Top newcomers:
The Lady Lions expect to feature three new freshman players this season.
Games to watch:
Rivals games vs. our suburban opponents in Skokie and our Premier Conference opponents.
Coach’s season outlook: Excited!
School name: Northside
Last season’s record: 10-6-3
Social media handle: @ncpwsoccer
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats):
Ava Brake, Sr. Mid, 3 goals, 1 assist
Natlia Zupko, Sr. D
Bella Sanchez, So., D
Lizzie Roubik, So, D
Isabel Geenen, So, F
Emma Geenen, So, M
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Angie Erickson, So, M
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Olivia Hotary, So, G
Game to watch:
Payton – April 17
Coach’s season outlook:
A small but strong returning group will look to guide the new players as we will be looking to reach the levels of success we had last year – one of our best in 7 years.
School Name: Payton
Last Season’s Record: 5-12-1
Returning Starters:
Zara Lau, Sr., Fwd., 7 goals, 6 assists
Cameron Caprio, Sr., D, 1 goal, 2 assists
Caylie Kromelow, Sr., D
Samantha Pilgrim, Sr., Fwd, 6 goals, 2 assists
Maggie Trygesstad, Jr. Fwd, 4 goals, 7 assists
Maeven Sprenger, So., D
Samantha Palmer, So., D
Louisa Blankburn, So., D
Emily Sprenger, Sr., GK
Returning non-starters:
Sasha Pruess, So., Mid
Hannah Morales, Sr., Mid
Isabella Mendez, Jr., Mid
Maya Wojciechowski, Jr., Mid
Alex Park, Jr., Mid, 2 assists
Top Newcomers:
Claire Omer-Springs, Fr., Mid
Madison Marshiano, Fr., D
Games to watch:
Saturday 4/11 Payton vs Evanston 12PM @ETHS
Monday 4/20 Payton vs Solorio 5pm @Solorio
Monday 4/27 Payton vs Lane Tech 5pm @Lane
Wednesday 5/13 Payton vs Von Steuben 4:30pm @Moody Field (Senior Day)
Season Outlook: Payton was moved up to 3A after a 2A Super-Sectional appearance two years ago. We now will compete in IHSA State Playoffs against schools 3-4 times our size. We are up for the challenge!
School: Prosser Career Academy
Last season’s record: 6-10-2 Overall – 3-0-1 Conference
Social media handle: Instagram @pcasoccergirls
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Litzy Cruz, GK, Jr.
Melissa Rangel, D, Jr.
Brianna Huerta, MF, Sr.
Cinthya Onofre, MF, Jr.
Rachel Guzman, MF, Sr.
Valerie Vicente, MF/FORW, So.
Olivia Cambray, FORW/MF, Jr.
Joselyn Alcala, D, Jr.
Karla Mendieta Jara, D, So.
Joanni Alvarez, D, So.
Vida Corona, MF/FORW, So.
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Liliana Mora, MF, Jr.
Jennifer Cortez, MF, Jr.
Samantha Sandoval, MF/FORW, Sr.
Aida Tenemaza, MF/FORW, Sr.
Kathy Lopez, D, FORW, Sr.
Melany Flores, D, So.
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Esmeralda Roman, FORW/MF, Sr.
Jennifer Aucacama, MF, So.
Amy Rios, MF, Sr.
Sheila Correa, MF, FORW Fr.
Adeleni Tavira, MF, FORW Fr.
Emily Garces, MF, Fr.
Coach’s season outlook:
We have 17 returning players and while initially we only planned to carry 20 players we had a lot of great talent and will carry 23 this season. Looking forward to what this team is able to do and how we improve as a unit.
School: Solorio Academy High School
Last season’s record: 16-5
Social media handle: @soloriosoccer
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Sarahi Barajas: Senior, GK
Violeta Cavallo Trossero: Junior, D,
Kheana Perez: Sophomore, F/M
Emily Quinones: Junior, D
Frida Rodriguez: Senior, D/M
Gigi Vazquez: Senior, M
Sophie Vega: Sophomore, D
Layla Vicario: Junior, M
Dixie Zamago: Senior, M/F, All City
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Esmeralda Blanco: Senior, F
Joanna Garcia: Junior, M
Melanie Macedo: Senior, D
Valerie Perez: Junior, D
Karla Pineda: Senior, F
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Lilliana Barrera: Freshman, M
Nathaly Escobar: Freshman, M/F
Sofia Guijosa: Freshman, M/F
Nadia Pineda: Freshman, D
Coach’s season outlook:
We have a lot of great talent on the team this year. We did very well in the first division south last year and are hoping to continue to have success in the premier division now. We have a lot of great returners but also a lot of freshmen who I think can make a great impact.
School name: Taft High School
Last season’s record: 8-9-1
Social media handle: @taft_hs @taftHSathletics
College commits (if available): Aria Lipa- Quincy University
Returning starters (name, class, position, honors):
- Aria Lipa, Senior, Defender, all conference
- Juliette Popelka, Junior, Forward, all city, all-sectional
- Anela Tagal, Junior, Midfielder
- Abigail Mercado, Sophomore, Midfielder
- Lejla Drndar, Senior, Defender
- Emilia Kieras, Sophomore, Forward
- Lesly Patino, Junior, Midfielder
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
- Izabel Newton, Senior, Defender
- Jaylin Gonzalez, Senior, Forward
- Daniella Gomez, Junior, Midfielder
- Angelina Sliwa, Junior, Forward
- Isla Johnson, Sophomore, Defender
- Vivienne Wyszynski, Senior, Defender
- Lilyana Sarli, Senior, Forward
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
- Emma Dervisevic, Sophomore, Forward
- Sharon Kucia, Junior Defender
- Panayiota Kaloudis, Freshman, Forward
Games to watch: vs Amundsen 3/19, vs Jones 4/4
Coach’s season outlook: We are returning a lot of experienced players while also being extremely young. We have grown as a program in both skill and number of athletes and we have a talented sophomore and junior class that complement each other well. The goal is to compete for a conference championship and try to make waves in the CPL tournament. Juliette Popelka and Emma Dervisevic should form a dynamic duo up top and the leadership and versatility of Aria Lipa will be key to our success.
School name: Tilden
Social media handle: TildenHs on Instagram
Returning starters (name, class, position):
– Julienny Sanchez, Golie, Junior
– Maria Victoria Pinto, Defense, junior
– Maria Jose Pinto, Defense, sophomore
-Mariasa brown, Mdf, Senior
-Lea Kelly, MDF, Senior
-Leizman Serrano, fwd, sophomore
-Brenda Valdez, Mdf, Sophomore
-Ismely Aria-lopez, mdf, junior
-Sandy Franco, Junior
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Ashley Castro, FWD, Sophomore
Jheankarlys, Fuenmayor, Freshman
Games to watch:
Air Force, first time going against this team.
Coach’s season outlook:
Hoping for another great start to the season.
School: Von Steuben
Last season’s record: 10-9-2
Social media handle: @vonsteubengirlssoccer
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats):
Emma Navarro: Senior, LB and LW, 22 goals and 3 assists last season
Sophia Zhu: Junior, CDM and CB, 2 goals and 7 assists in 9 games last season
Vanessa Tobar-Ovalle: Senior, CM and CDM, 10 goals and 5 assists last season
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Joselyn Sarmiento: Freshmen, RB and RW
Bridgette Sanchez: Freshmen, LW, ST
Games to watch:
@ Resurrection
@ Leyden
Coach’s season outlook:
This graduating class has been the core of the group for the past two years. They’ll make sure that they leave Von after giving the team everything they’ve got. We are looking to make a good playoff run as well. We added 5 new freshmen to the group in hopes of creating a new core for the foreseeable future!
School: Westinghouse College Prep
Last season’s record: 13-4 (5-0 Conference)
College commit: Jasmin Geronimo – Heartland Community College
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats and honors):
Karina Tapia, CM, Sophomore, 8 goals, 23 assists last season.
Jasmin Geronimo, Senior, CAM, career 138 goals, 29 assists, 52 goals last season, All State 2025, All City 2025.
Top Newcomers: Keisha Lucero, CM, Freshman, looking to make an instant impact playing varsity and fighting for a starting spot in the squad.
Games to watch:
April 24th Westinghouse V Payton (Non-conference)
Date TBA Berwyn/Cicero Morton Vs Westinghouse (Non-conference)
4/20 Westinghouse Vs Steinmetz (Conference)
Coach’s season outlook: Coach Salto (new coach) will have a big test in his first season to keep the team in a winning position this year. He will be looking to make the premier division and fighting for all of the silverware this season for Westinghouse.
