Indiana Girls All-District Defenders

The importance of being able to protect your own goal cannot be overstated. As such, having defenders that can lock the game down and preserve victory is essential. Indiana is replete with such talent, showcasing several defenders who not only excel at keeping opponents off the scoreboard but who can also tally goals in their own right. These are versatile players who can be the anchors for their teams. Today we showcase some of the defenders who made the Girls All-District teams. <strong>Adie Schneider, Chesterton, Junior</strong> Schneider was crucial for Chesterton this season. A confident player, Schneider is excellent on the ball. She can either pick out a pass or exploit space in front of her. While her main role is to marshal the back line -- something that she does to high effect -- she can also get forward in spots and make a difference. Schneider does have goal-scoring ability as she got on the score sheet multiple times this season. The senior season of Adie Schneider will certainly be one to watch for both fans and coaches alike. <strong>Teagan Montague, 5-foot-10, Mishawaka Marian, Junior</strong> For any team that looks to build from the back, Montague would be the perfect fit. First, she handles her defensive duties very well. She is outstanding at making tackles, cutting off passes, and winning possession back for her team. When she gets the ball, she does not panic. Montague is excellent at looking up and finding a teammate. She does a great job feeding the midfielders and forwards so that they can launch an attack. Montague also provides a nice set piece presence. She scored three goals and contributed three assists this season. <strong>Alaina Adams, Munster, Sophomore</strong> Adams has garnered a lot of valuable experience early in her career at Munster. Even as a sophomore, she has managed to earn the trust of her coaches and teammates, earning herself a role in the defense. Adams is seldom, if ever, caught out of position, and she handles her assignments well. She scored the game-winning goal for Munster earlier in the season against Andrean. The ceiling is still extremely high for Adams. Look for her to make some more significant strides next season. <strong>Emma Tkacz, Leo, Junior</strong> Emma Tkacz is one of the centerpieces of the program for the Leo Lions. With still one more high school soccer campaign remaining, Tkacz already has appeared in 51 varsity matches for Leo, giving her a wealth of experience to draw from. Tkacz is a versatile player. Not only is she an outstanding defender, but she can also serve as a midfielder. This is extremely helpful as she can play either position depending on what the situation is in the game. Emma Tkacz is a very valuable prospect that scouts will need to keep an eye on next season as she will be called upon to be a leader for her team.