New Trier Boys & Girls Manage a 3A State Championship Sweep

There is no question that New Trier was the best high school for the boys and girls 2023-2024 season. The boys managed a 3-1 win against Lyons to take the state trophy in the Fall while the girls got the win after a penalty shootout against St. Charles North in the Spring. It is rare and incredibly difficult to go back to back and especially to do it with both boys and girls! Below we will look at players who helped their school reach the summit and will be back in the 2024-2025 season to look to do it again. With the girls season fresh in our minds and concluding less than a month ago, we start with them.   The greatest strength lay with their defensive unit and stout freshman goalie as six goals allowed the whole season is one impressive feat. Seniors were the first names on the starting lineup so that might be something to monitor. The side had quite a few Seniors who led the team however, the below listed individuals were among the most important and will be returning. These are the future and the present and will be an exciting group to take New Trier to the next chapter.    Our number one-ranked Goalkeeper in the 2027 class is well-known and deservingly so. Safe hands in the back, she only allowed six goals the whole year. She has good handling, good shot stopping, good diving, and is good with the ball at her feet. She oozes confidence, you would never think she is a Freshman. She is a natural leader, a vocal and intelligent player who commands her box.     Addy does well to be in the necessary positions to receive the ball and does well to get into the open space. She has a good change of pace and direction that allows her to beat her defenders more often than not. She is brave and does not shy away from a tackle although she can work on her balance and strength to avoid getting disposed by the bigger and more physical opponents. She makes up for it in her composure in front of goal and her ability to find the open man in the box that makes her an important figure for New Trier moving forward.     Maeve is a physical presence in the midfield. She has good tackling and uses her physical ability to retain the ball and use her good footwork to get out of tight spaces. She has good vision and is consistently looking to move the ball forward. She is intelligent and has good awareness, she never forces the pass but instead makes things simple. She will be important for New Trier to be able to control the midfield.    The boys side did not have nearly the amount of seniors the girls did. However, they will next year. The athletes below are who I expect to lead the way in the fall.      Gabe does all of the fundamental and simple things right. His body positioning, his first touch and control, his short passing, decision-making, and tackling are all at a top level. He makes the game look easy, he runs with the ball into any space you give him and will break lines if he cannot run in himself. If he is needed to sit deeper in a holding midfield role, Gabe will do well to distribute the ball. An intelligent and important player for New Trier, he will be leading the midfield next year.     Calyx is a skillful player, he has a scary left foot and a great pace. He finds the angles in tight spaces to get a cross or shot in and his relentless press helps New Trier win back possession time and time again. Only a Sophomore, Calyx will be leading the line for another couple of years for the State Champions, which can be scary to think about. A dynamic player with good footwork and has the attitude and confidence where he fears none. He can play a 10 or a 9.     Cole has great composure in front of goal and with the ball at his feet. He has good decision-making and awareness of when to attack the box or play wide. In the same sense, whether it be coaching instruction, he does well to come in to receive the ball at the top of the 18-yard box and when to get wide to receive the ball in space. He is skillful on the ball and elusive making him hard to dispossess. Cole is a headache for defenders.

There is no question that New Trier was the best high school for the boys and girls 2023-2024 season. The boys managed a 3-1 win against Lyons to take the state trophy in the Fall while the girls got the win after a penalty shootout against St. Charles North in the Spring. It is rare and incredibly difficult to go back to back and especially to do it with both boys and girls! Below we will look at players who helped their school reach the summit and will be back in the 2024-2025 season to look to do it again. With the girls season fresh in our minds and concluding less than a month ago, we start with them.