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player ready...Naperville North forward Cameron DeCook couldn’t hide her emotions Friday night.
The senior co-captain wasn’t crying because the Huskies lost, however. Her tears reflected her passion for playing with her teammates.
“My love for soccer has kind of dwindled over the years, especially with my decision to not play in college,” DeCook said. “But this is the perfect last season. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
DeCook has saved her best for last, making some remarkable plays and inspiring the Huskies to heights unforeseen when the season began with her and fellow co-captain Maggie Fitzgerald the only returning starters.
Among her six goals and three assists is Naperville North’s only goal — a great dribble and finish through traffic — in a 2-1 shootout loss to Barrington in the Naperville Invitational semifinals at Memorial Stadium on Friday, and a memorable 40-yard strike in a 2-0 win against Benet on April 22.
The latter play, in which DeCook beat Denver-bound goalkeeper Shannon Clark with a shot into the upper 90, was spectacular.
“I tried to pump the girls a little bit for that, but I don’t think anyone can really stop her when she decides she’s going to shoot from there,” said Clark, who plays club with DeCook. “She hits her target. She’s a really, really good player, and I give her full credit for that.”
DeCook isn’t shy about attempting shots few others would try, and goalkeepers aren’t the only ones in peril. Fitzgerald advises against trying to head any shots sent in by DeCook.
“Not many people can hit a rocket that far,” Fitzgerald said. “Imagine that Cam fires a bullet, and you’re on the end of it. It’s coming at your head, and you’re like, ‘Brace for impact.'”
DeCook’s impact extends far beyond the stat sheet.
“Cam’s soccer ability is through the roof, but Cam has grown so much as a leader and as a person,” Naperville North coach Steve Goletz said. “You want to be around her, and every time something good happens for her, it’s because she works so hard and she deserves it.”
That leadership has buoyed the Huskies (9-4-1), who again are ranked among the top 10 teams in the state.
“Cam’s the most amazing captain I’ve ever had,” junior midfielder Rachael Noren said. “Having her on the field makes a huge difference. If anyone makes a mistake, she’s always there for you. She helps you through everything.”
DeCook has been through ups and downs this season. She ranks playing with her sister Claire, a standout freshman, among the highlights.
“It’s really awesome to see her rise to the occasion and play to her full potential on North’s team,” DeCook said.
Both DeCooks scored as the Huskies beat New Trier 2-1 in the Naperville Invitational quarterfinals on Thursday. But Claire DeCook, who leads North in scoring with 16 goals and six assists, suffered a serious knee injury in that game.
Cameron DeCook has a nagging ankle sprain, which caused her to miss four games. But she’s diligent about getting treatment.
“I take really good care of it,” she said. “You think you’re back, and then all of a sudden, you don’t tape it one day, and then you twist it, and you’re out another few weeks.”
A few weeks is all that remains of DeCook’s soccer career. She’s determined to savor every minute.
“It makes me remember my love for not only the game but just for being on the team,” DeCook said. “I love the team aspect of it. Looking right and left, you see people who are willing to fight for you, literally fight tooth and nail, blood, sweat and tears, and it’s really amazing.”
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Only time will tell whether the Huskies have an amazing playoff run in them.
“Obviously, state title, you don’t want to aim any lower than that,” DeCook said. “But if we can go out and play every game like we played against New Trier and Barrington, I’ll be more than happy ending my career on that.”
Goletz said DeCook deserves a happy ending.
“I want Cam to go out enjoying her time, and I know she has,” Goletz said. “A lot of the reason for that is because of the culture that she’s continued to uphold and build for not only her sister but for this whole group. I couldn’t be happier and couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.