On March 27, Deerfield sophomore Malori Killoren had every reason to be anywhere other than the soccer field. She was still dealing with complications of a stomach flu.
Her coach knew differently.
“She was not feeling that great, but there was no way she was not going to play,” Deerfield coach Rich Grady said.
Grady did give Killoren a break in the Warriors’ Central Suburban North opener against Highland Park, shifting from midfielder to the less physically demanding forward position.
In the 10th minute, Killoren seized the first significant scoring chance by blasting home a rebound. Deerfield went on to win 4-1.
“She is the most technically gifted player I have ever coached: great touch with either foot, excellent vision, and a real sense of the game,” Grady said.
Killoren made an immediate impact as a freshman, leading the Warriors in scoring with 10 goals and four assists. She is off to a fast start this season with six goals and five assists for the Warriors (6-1-0).
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Her love for the game is apparent.
“I feel so free when I’m playing,” Killoren said. “Every game is a hard game, and I want to give it my all every time I go out there. I love taking those important shots, or working hard and getting the ball back.”
Killoren grew up around the sport, as her father and uncle played for Columbia College in Missouri.
“I feel like I am very smart with the ball,” she said. “When I get the ball, I know what I am going to do. I consider myself a very attacking player. My instinct is always to attack and take people on. You have to be fearless out there. … By taking on that defender, you might never know if they can keep up with you.
“I like to make a lot of cool plays and try new things.”
Having a year to adapt to the speed and physical style of varsity competition has been beneficial, Grady said.
“It’s hard to take charge as a freshman,” Grady said. “I think the biggest thing about her this year is that she is not deferring to the seniors.”
Deerfield has averaged more than three goals per game, and Killoren’s positional versatility is a big reason. She has already played forward, attacking midfielder, holding midfielder and outside midfielder.
“We have a lot of returning players last year and I got to know how they all play, the touches they like and what they are comfortable with,” Killoren said. “Now I can just go and play. I am going to do all I can to help us get as far as we can.
“I think we can have a great ride this year.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance writer for the News-Sun.