If position largely dictates identity in girls soccer, Kaneland junior Rachael Lutter is a chameleon. She has the flexibility to play anywhere on the field and a variety of skills to impact the game.
Lutter has the size to be a defender, the balance and presence to play in the midfield, and the shot-making ability to play forward.
“I might throw her in the goal as well,” Kaneland coach Scott Parillo said. “She has a very high soccer IQ, which allows her to play this many positions.
“She is incredibly fast, uses both feet very well, and uses her body to her advantage. She has what you can’t teach — the intangibles.”
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Her interchangeability has already distinguished the early part of the season for Kaneland (4-1). With the graduation of standout midfielder Holly Collingbourne, the Knights needed a new go-to offensive threat
In making the transition from defender to forward, Lutter has been Kaneland’s offensive centerpiece. She welcomes the increased profile and has responded in kind, totaling four goals and an assist.
Regardless of where she plays, Lutter has a knack for being in the buzz of the activity.
“I like to play wherever there is more action,” she said. “Now I am playing more forward, but it really is about wherever my coach needs me. I have had to make some adjustments like becoming more comfortable with having the ball.”
She’s the beneficiary of both worlds.
Having been a defender, she understands the motivation and mentality of playing in back. She knows how defenders try to influence or take away the movement and the tactical thoughts of an attacking player.
“I know what (defenders) do and what they don’t like,” Lutter said. “They don’t like when you interchange, that is going from player to player. Because of this experience (playing different positions), it’s definitely impacted my style and how I like to play.
“I definitely like to include everybody, not really play direct but a more possessive style of soccer.”
A two-time all-conference choice, Lutter has already experienced plenty of high-pressure situations. As a freshman, she converted the clinching penalty kick in a shootout for a Class 2A sectional semifinal victory over Rockford Boylan.
She’s the middle of three sisters with a strong pedigree in the sport. Her older sister Emily was the first to play organized soccer, paving the way for Rachael and her sophomore sister Olivia, a starting defender.
“I watched my older sister play when I was younger and I was just stuck,” Rachael said.
Lutter committed at the end of her sophomore year to play at Cincinnati. With her recruiting out of the way, she’s motivated by team success. The Knights fell in the regional championship game last year.
“Last season was kind of disappointing, and after that it sparked an interest for me to be better for the team,” she said.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.