Two years ago, a number of local high school girls soccer coaches laughed when Huntley cracked the local and national rankings before the start of the 2009 campaign.
The Red Raiders shut up most of their critics after posting a 24-2-1 record that spring and following with a 21-3-1 showing in 2010.
This season could be the one that finally forces everyone to give Huntley the respect it deserves. With 10 seniors back, the Red Raiders will be ranked high locally and nationally.
Forward Aimee Wronski (29 goals, 11 assists) and defender Alyse Williams are the two names you’ll hear the most, but midfielder Bre Burry, goalie Kaytlyn Owens and freshman Delaney Loprieno are three others to watch.
“We have depth, speed, explosiveness up top and a solid defense,” Huntley coach Kris Grabner said. “This team will be very strong all over the field. Having Alyse Williams back (from a torn ACL) on defense will certainly make us stronger.”
Grabner, who also coaches for the Chicago Magic, has led the girls program to an 85-10-2 record since 2007.
Swan song: Mundelein’s Dave Ekstrom and Lincoln-Way East’s Brian Papa will retire after this spring season. Their assistant coaches are expected to replace them in 2012.
Final decision: After long debate, Downers Grove North’s Paul Hogan will play at Northern Illinois this fall. He signed with the Huskies in early February.
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Email Joe Trost at [email protected].