Emerging Names on the Girls High School Scene in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're already more than two weeks into the high school girls soccer season in Illinois. Here's a look at some new names that are emerging.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>M/F [player_tooltip player_id='138247' first='Lucia' last='Trautman'], DePaul Prep (2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's been unstoppable for DePaul this season. Already 17 goals in just six games (20 in 22 games last season) to go along with five assists. Recently scored three goals in a 6-0 rout over CCL rival St. Laurence. Strong #9/10 player with terrific speed on the run and excellent ball placement. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GK Mimi Carvalhi, Fenwick (2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting as a freshman for the Friars. Carvalho has already picked up a pair of clean sheets, while only conceding twice on the young season. 0.361 GAA so far. Will definitely be a player I'll watch more closely as her career blossoms. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>F [player_tooltip player_id='22150' first='Lila' last='Kontuly'], Maine South (2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making a name for herself at Maine South. Already has 8 goals in just 3 matchups. This includes a pair of hat tricks over Taft and Maine West. Excellent movement around the opposing 18 both one and off the ball. Not afraid to take risks and can score in a variety of ways. Solid with both legs. Plays for Eclipse ECNL on the club scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W Lily Senese, Metea Valley (2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's waited her turn and has taken advantage of the early chances she's gotten. Speedy winger with an excellent ability to change direction. Also unafraid of taking risks. Has 3 goals in just 4 matchups for a highly-ranked Mustang squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GK Cynthia Waller, Lane Tech (2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tall 6'0" GK who hasn't gotten the attention she deserves. Started on varsity as a sophomore for CPS lane tech last season. This year, she's only conceded twice in four games while facing 17 SOG. Commands her box with aerial balls. Vocal presence with the back line. Strong distribution skills with both her hands and feet. Initiates counter-attacks quickly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>F [player_tooltip player_id='105469' first='Sophie' last='Piekarski'], Glenbrook South (2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making her varsity debut this season after spending last spring with the FC United Academy Team. 3 goals in four matches so far for the Titans. Powerful shooting ability. Super technical on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MF Zibby Michaelson, Lyons (2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already has four goals in four matchups for Lyons this season. I'm really impressed with her ability to separate herself from opponents both with and without the ball. Creates great chances for others on the counter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->