Juniors, Seniors in Illinois with next level skills

Three of these players are already committed while two more certainly have the potential and will end up playing at the next level. These five exemplify why the state of Illinois stands out in terms of producing talent.    Balota can lead an attack, or be the player on the end of an attack that finishes. She's comfortable doing either. When moving off the ball she's very good about timing her runs and staying onside. She uses her body well to hold off defenders, shows wonderful balance on the ball and can strike it with either foot. In leading the attack, she is quite proficient with the ball at her feet. She can carry the ball and make defenders miss and she is really good about playing a threaded ball between defenders or getting out wide and sending in an accurate cross.     Grigg moves on the ball and off the ball really well. Her movement in the midfield opens things up for other players, and when Grigg receives the ball, she is decisive in where she moves it. She plays one touch football and this really softens a defense. She can get forward well and join the attack, showing a knack for being in the right space. She hits the ball with precision and power as she can score from range, showing she is more than just a facilitator.     Kotler is heading to Bucknell and is a tremendously gifted when it comes to her calm and coolness on the ball, and her ability to make the right choice when moving it. She can play any ball on the pitch and is not afraid to do so. She can deliver a ball with accuracy, be it on the ground or over the top. She can also push the ball down the pitch if given space and will drive at defenders and force them to make a decision. She plays with power and physicality as well as finesse and touch.     McMillian is a goal scorer, but she is not selfish. She has a nose for goal, but is very happy when she sets her teammates up as she will play a nice ball into the area if she makes a wide run, or she can track back, receive the ball and play a ball out wide. However, the Illinois commit is tremendous about putting the ball in the net and can do so in a number of ways. She can slot the ball home when in front, she can score from tough angles, and she can hit a one-time shot on a ball played in. She can use either foot as well.     Russo is very dedicated to her craft and takes her responsibilities as a wide player very seriously. She can contribute on both ends, showing the ability to push up, make great runs off the side or over and underlap. She can take on defenders and beat them when on the ball, and as a defender she works hard. She disrupts passing lanes, she wins balls in the air and she will be strong and physical in a 1v1 situation with an attacker. The Marquette commit is truly a well-rounded player who contributes on both ends.

Three of these players are already committed while two more certainly have the potential and will end up playing at the next level. These five exemplify why the state of Illinois stands out in terms of producing talent.