When Tessa Wojkovich says she’s been attending Andrean girls soccer games since she was 2 days old, she might be only slightly exaggerating.
The 59ers senior midfielder had two cousins go through the program. Her two sisters, Rebecca, a 2010 graduate; and Gabby, a 2013 grad, both played for Andrean.
Wojkovich’s connection is deep-rooted. She professes her “love” for the game, the team and the school.
So the 59ers’ performance this season has been especially meaningful. They began this week 7-0, ranked No. 6 in the Class A state coaches poll.
“I’ve been watching the program my entire life,” Wojkovich said. “I’ve been so involved. I promised myself by the time I got here, I would give everything I had to the program to make it the best it possibly could be.
“I want to be the best player I can possibly be, not just personally, but to help the team be the best it can possibly be this year and for years to come.”
More Top Picks Best Walking And Jogging Shoes For Women
Wojkovich’s all-out effort stands out, according to Andrean coach Jeff Clapman.
“She’s by far the hardest-working player I’ve ever been around,” he said. “There have been games we’ve had to sub her out and just tell her there are pockets when you have to recover your wind.
“She works so hard to the point of fatigue — and I mean that in a good way. It’s a credit to her because she wants so much for this team to be successful.”
Wojkovich is a four-year starter, the last two at left midfield, and a two-year captain. She was instrumental last season in the 59ers winning their first sectional and regional titles since 2004, using her speed and skill to post eight goals and four assists.
They’re striving for even more this season, especially with 10 seniors.
A summer speech from former Andrean coach John Marovich, now the women’s coach at Valparaiso University, served as further inspiration. He emphasized the 59ers’ rich tradition, including reaching the state championship game in 1999, when they lost in penalty kicks to Indianapolis North Central.
“I don’t want to get too far ahead, but that’s where we want to be,” Wojkovich said. “The program was great, amazing, then it dwindled for a little while. We’re trying to dig deep, and get it back there and keep it there.”
With their experience and maturity, the 59ers aren’t overlooking any teams. They’ve focused on game-to-game strategy and gaining familiarity with opponents’ personnel and each other’s tendencies.
“The awesome thing about our team, we’ve been playing together for so long,” Wojkovich said. “The dynamic just builds and builds and builds. We’ve become the best of friends on and off the field.”
Wojkovich has three goals and three assists this season. But statistics don’t define her.
“Her personality is infectious — she’s always positive and uplifting,” Clapman said. “She always has a smile on her face, even in tough situations.
“Her personality and work rate make her a unique kid, and we’re just glad to have her.”
Formidable fortnight: Crown Point had a 4-0-1 record, netting results against quality opponents. But the Bulldogs are in the middle of a particularly challenging two weeks.
They tied Culver Academies 1-1 on Sept. 3 and lost 1-0 to Chesterton on Tuesday on a penalty kick. At Saturday’s Hamilton Southeastern invitational, they lost 2-0 to the host team, ranked No. 7 in Class 2A, and lost 2-0 to No. 4 Indianapolis Brebeuf, last year’s state champion.
On Tuesday, the Bulldogs play Class 2A No. 15 Valparaiso, the Duneland Athletic Conference’s last undefeated team. On Thursday, the Bulldogs play undefeated Andrean, ranked No. 6 in Class A No. 6.
“I’m happy with how we’ve played,” Crown Point coach Chris Mikrut said. “It’s a tough schedule, and the Indy trip is brutal — it really welcomes you to playoff soccer. You see how good you are, and go from there.”
Top of the table: Munster and Andrean both are 3-0 in Northwest Crossroads Conference play.
The Mustangs play Hobart on Tuesday and Highland on Sept. 20. The 59ers play a dramatically improved Lowell and Kankakee Valley.
The teams play each other in a conference finale Sept. 27 at Andrean.
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff
Top 10
With last week’s rankings in parentheses
1. Valparaiso (3)
2. Munster (1)
3. Andrean (5)
More Top Picks Best High Contrast Keyboards For Seniors
4. Chesterton (6)
5. Crown Point (2)
6. Lake Central (4)
7. Kankakee Valley (7)
8. Griffith (8)
9. Wheeler (9)
10. Highland (NR)
Player of the Week: Valparaiso’s Kelly Landry, a junior, scored on a free kick for the game’s only goal as the No. 15 Vikings, who are undefeated in Class 2A, handed No. 8 Munster its first loss.