Eight girls from Illinois on the rise

A major city like Chicago will boast some athletic talent, as girls from the metropolitan area, and surrounding areas, are leaving their mark on the high school and club game, as people are taking notice. There are many girls raising their profile in Illinois, and here are eight girls who are on the rise.   Gianna Amidi, Midfielder/Defender, Libertyville, Class of 2025   Amidi is a versatile player as she can feature in many positions on the pitch. She can play the midfield, and step into any midfield role, or drop back and play defender. She is a player at Libertyville High, outside of Chicago, and plays for the 2007 team with Eclipse Select. Amidi is a very dedicated player, who remains diligent while on the job and is determined to do well and to improve. She is eager to learn, she works very hard and she has shown she is open to coaching in order to improve.   Cate Carnel, Outside Defender/Forward, Saint Viator, Class of 2024   Carnel attends Saint Viator in Arlington Heights, just northwest of Chicago. She is an outside back and also plays as a wide forward. Carnel plays her club with Sockers FC Chicago. Carnel is excellent with the ball at her feet, which is why she can play outside as a back or forward, and can use both feet as she is very technically sound. She very quick in transition, whether it be pushing forward or tracking back. Carnel does a good job of connecting play, using her excellent feet and vision whether she is playing as a back or a forward, supporting the attack either way. She is a physical presence on defense, and Carnel is gritty, she's lean and strong, with good height and good athleticism.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/Keller-crop-4104x2695-1682539553.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-136583" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Sebastian Montoya SM Shots</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='60404' first='Jacqueline' last='Keller'], Keeper, Fenwick, Class of 2025   Like Carnel, Keller plays for the Sockers FC in Chicago, playing on the Girls Academy 2006 team. Keller is a keeper, who also attends Fenwick High in Oak Park. When you see Keller, what stands out is how decisive she is as a keeper how quickly she reacts. This is because she remains engaged and does not switch off. She is very determined and motivated and you can see her passion out on the pitch. She has a very good attitude, she leads her team and she is a very coachable player.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/Kontuly-crop-1111x729-1682550874.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-136610" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Seredy Williams</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='22150' first='Lila' last='Kontuly'], Center Forward, Maine South, Class of 2027   Kontuly is just an eighth grader, and she is bound for Maine South High where she will be an instant boost to the high school team. She plays for the Elite Select 2009 ECNL team and she is a striker. She is a difference maker at that position as well, finding herself in a position to score goals and putting them away. She is a very fast, powerful and physical striker, who is hard to contain. She's a confident player and hard to slow down when her ears are pinned back. Kontuly is very strong and very determined on the pitch.   [player_tooltip player_id='60359' first='Libby' last='Magnone'], Midfielder, Chicago FC United, Class of 2026   Magnone attends Carmel Catholic High, but does not play for the school team because she is playing on a 10-month program for Chicago FC United. She is an ODP player, is in the Midwest pool and is highly rated for the 2026 class. Magnone is an incredibly valuable player because she plays along the spine. She can play anywhere in the midfield, and with the team recently moving from a 4-2-2-2 to a 4-3-3 she finds herself in the attack more and is really enjoying that. She has proven that she is adaptable and coachable as she will play anywhere in the midfield and adapt to any formation. She works very hard and is very dedicated to the game and passionate about it. She is tenacious as a player and as a leader, and Magnone is very strong, fast and smart.   [player_tooltip player_id='22162' first='Maizie' last='Nickle'], Defender, Huntley, Class of 2026   Nickle is a freshman playing at Huntley High, and she plays as a defender. She plays her club for Eclipse Select, playing ECNL for the 2008 team. When it comes to work rate, Nickle has it. She works very hard when either tracking back, filling in gaps or challenging for a ball. She is very aggressive in making a challenge, she is athletic and she is very fast. She is dedicated to the sport, to her team and she is very supportive of her teammates.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/Finley-Scott-crop-1997x1312-1682539928.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-136586" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Angela Scott</figcaption></figure>   Finley Scott, Defender, O'Fallon Township, Class of 2025   Scott, a member of the 2025 class, plays for the nationally ranked O'Fallon Township high school team in O'Fallon, IL. She plays club in Missouri for St. Louis Scott Gallagher, playing for the 2007 ECNL team. She is one of the top players in the state from her class. Scott is a defender that displays great vision, and since she has a high soccer IQ, she makes very good decisions. Scott is also incredibly determined, keeping herself fit and strong for the long, grueling high school and club calendars. She is very team-oriented and has developed into quite the leader. Her teammates see that she plays selflessly, and her coaches see her as someone who is good at taking instruction.   [player_tooltip player_id='45521' first='Mckenna' last='Wigfield'], Midfielder/Forward, Metea Valley, Class of 2026   Wigfield is just a freshman, and has earned a starting spot on her high school team at Metea Valley, which says a lot because they have been ranked No. 1 in the state all season long. Wigfield plays club for Galaxy SC on the 2007 team, and they are moving from USYS to Girls Academy, having just been accepted into GA. After the USYS Nationals in July, the team will begin GA in the Fall. She is a versatile player, playing all over the field as she plays as a holding mid and central mid for her club, as well as striker. Her high school team uses her either in the center of the pitch or as an attacking midfielder. She is ranked very highly, individually, by IMG and Top Drawer. She has been a team captain for her club since 2017 and has been to the United States YNT's Regional ID Camp. Wigfield is a very passionate player. She cares so much that she is determined to persevere in the face of a challenge. She is mentally tough, she is strong physically and is a very aggressive player. She is a team player and a leader, and she communicates really well. Wigfield also displays a high soccer IQ and is very creative as she plays very smart.

A major city like Chicago will boast some athletic talent, as girls from the metropolitan area, and surrounding areas, are leaving their mark on the high school and club game, as people are taking notice. There are many girls raising their profile in Illinois, and here are eight girls who are on the rise.