Is This Star-Studded 2026 Girls Soccer Team the Best Ever? Shocking Predictions Inside!

As the 2026 girls' soccer season approaches, local teams are gearing up with a mix of returning talent and fresh faces. Each team's journey forward is shaped by past performances and the aspirations of coaches and players alike. Here's a snapshot of what to expect from some of the key teams in the area.

Team Previews for 2026

Bolingbrook

Coach: Henry Cheung

2025 record: 3-17-3

Top returners: Chelsey Rufino, sr., F/M; Milah Villanueva, so., M; Daniela Castillo, so., M; Cecilla Valdez, so., D; Bella Loya, so., M

Key newcomers: Victoria Ramirez, so., M; Jazelle Duron, jr., D/M

Worth noting: Bolingbrook had a challenging season last year, but the addition of Cheung, who also coaches at Joliet Junior College, brings new energy. Rufino is seen as a standout player, while Cheung is particularly excited about Villanueva and Ramirez. He expressed optimism about the team's potential for growth, stating, “If we stay committed, we’re going to surprise a lot of people with how far we come.”

Coal City

Coach: Alicia Matusiak

2025 record: 15-5-1

Top returners: Hayden Francisco, sr.; Nettie Connor, jr.; Courtney Elberts, jr.; Kyah Hawkins, jr.; Claire Mohler, jr.; Maggie Sterba, jr.

Key newcomers: Liv Ferrari, fr.

Worth noting: With the retirement of long-time coach Todd Painter, Matusiak steps in to lead a squad that reached the sectional semifinals last year. The team is primarily junior-heavy, which bodes well for future seasons. Matusiak highlighted Ferrari’s impressive work ethic, indicating her potential for significant contributions.

Joliet Central

Coach: Stephanie Phillips

2025 record: 6-14

Top returners: Daniela Moreno, sr., D; Cali Judd, jr., GK; Metzli Salomon, sr., F; Fatima Arriaga, jr., M; Ariadna Arciniega, sr., M

Key newcomers: Maylen Gomez, so., F; Ana Moreno, F, M

Worth noting: The record may not reflect it, but Joliet Central was competitive last season. Judd has accumulated 356 career saves, and Arriaga is expected to be a key scorer. Phillips noted the positive energy and commitment from the players, setting high expectations for improvement this season.

Joliet West

Coach: Alan Stewart

2025 record: 15-9

Top returners: Sophia Podmolik, sr., D; Jovi Biancorosso, sr., F/M; Valerie Garcia, sr., M/D; Natalia Bedolla, sr., M/D; Isabel Cordoba, jr., D/M; Alicia Casillas, jr., F/M; Emma Vugteveen, so., F; Giselle Aguirre, sr., GK

Worth noting: After graduating nine seniors, including key contributors, Stewart faces a rebuilding challenge. However, Vugteveen, who scored 28 goals last season, remains a bright spot. New talent from the freshman and junior varsity teams will be crucial as the team seeks to maintain its competitive edge.

Lemont

Coach: Rick Prangen

2025 record: 17-7

Top returners: Gabby Kuruc, jr., M; Chase Bergeson, sr., M; Ava Bergeson, jr., M/D; Alexandra Chrisman, jr., M

Key newcomers: Madison Weil, fr., F; Abbey Schrimpl, fr., M; Emma Heinz, fr., D

Worth noting: Lemont had a standout season, reaching the sectional semifinals after finishing first in their conference. With Kuruc’s All-State performance and a talented roster, the team aims for another strong showing, even with a young lineup.

Lincoln-Way Central

Coach: Breanna Bembenek

2025 record: 17-4

Top returners: Taylor Watt, sr., D; Sydney Zale, sr., D; Flynn Meyer, sr., GK; Alyssa Sudkamp, jr., D; Julianne Rafacz, jr., M/F; Jolie Kolosh, so., M; Madelyn Krynski, jr., M/F; Emilee Stevens, so., F

Key newcomers: Ella Forystek, fr.; Lyla Gallagher, fr.

Worth noting: Bembenek steps into a leadership role as the team navigates significant departures. With a strong returning core, the Knights aim to uphold their competitive standard and establish a disciplined style of play.

Lincoln-Way East

Coach: Mike Murphy

2025 record: 19-4-1

Top returners: Ava Feigl, sr., D; Emma Lukin, sr., D; Ximena Hernandez, jr., F; Alina Puri, jr., F

Key newcomers: Leila Othman, fr.; Lily Harby, fr.; Sunny Swierczewski, jr.; Lorigan Wrzesinski, jr.

Worth noting: Despite losing a significant senior class, including standout players, the Griffins look to build on their previous success with Feigl and Lukin leading the charge. The strong group of newcomers is expected to bolster the team’s chances for a successful season.

Lincoln-Way West

Coach: Joe Stephens

2025 record: 10-8

Top returners: Quinn Smith, so., D; Abby German, jr., M; Jaiden Hughes, sr., F; Kate Kinsella, sr., M; Kirsten Meder, sr., D; Lauryn Orris, sr., D; Cora Franczyk, sr., GK

Key newcomers: Skylar Zahorik, so., GK; Grace Kinsella, fr., F; Kacie Sheriff, fr., D; Lucy Sheriff, fr., F

Worth noting: The Warriors showed resilience by winning a regional championship last season despite a challenging record. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, Stephens is optimistic about the team’s future.

Lockport

Coach: Todd Elkei

2025 record: 18-5

Top returners: Hayden Spodarek, sr., D; Yuridia Hernandez, jr., M; Julianna Reyes, sr., F; Lily Nonte, sr., M; Makenna Klacko, sr., M; Olive Luecke, sr., GK; Madisyn Dumbauld, sr., GK; Kiera Gallagher, sr., D; Alex Podgorski, sr., F; Lucianna Bongiovanni, sr., D

Key newcomers: Evelyn Ryniejski, fr., D; Ashley Purpura, fr., D; Lily Sponaugle, fr., D; Emily Kopec, fr., M; Nicole Pochron, fr., F; Natalia Stasiak, fr., F; Gianna Adamik, fr., M

Worth noting: Lockport's undefeated conference season and subsequent regional finals appearance has set high expectations for this season, particularly with Spodarek and Hernandez leading the charge.

Minooka

Coach: Chris Brolley

2025 record: 15-7-2

Top returners: Callie Hefner, sr., M; Savannah Mwaba, so., M; Jasmine Frazer, jr., GK; Malaya Garcia, sr., M/F; Carlee Rausa, jr., D; Lydia Wadja, sr., M; Shea Freckleton, jr. D

Worth noting: Minooka has secured three consecutive sectional finals appearances. Hefner, a key player, will be crucial as the team strives for a fourth straight visit.

Morris

Coach: Steve Custer

2025 record: 11-9-1

Top returners: Sara Crisman, sr., M; Nicolette Boelman, sr., D; Kenzie Ahearn, so., F; Madelynn Zamora, so., M; Leah Martin, so., M

Key newcomers: Kelsey DeMarse, so., D; Sofia Vought, jr., D

Worth noting: With 45 players registered, the program is generating significant interest. Custer highlights the blend of experience and talent as key to their aspirations for a successful season.

Peotone

Coach: Ryan Murray

2025 record: 12-7-1

Top returners: Allie Werner, sr., F; Peyton Bisping, sr., F; Callie Weiss, jr., D; Katelyn Leitelt, so., M; Nayeli Horta, jr., D/M

Key newcomers: Selah Turner, fr., D

Worth noting: With Werner poised to break the school goal record this season, the Blue Devils are aiming for a sectional title. Murray emphasizes the importance of player development moving forward.

Plainfield Central

Coach: Ken Schoen

2025 record: 15-4-4

Top returners: Ava Lambert, jr., F; Kaitlyn Lambert, jr., F; Maggie Lambert, jr., D

Key newcomers: Emilia Mlynarczyk, so., M/F

Worth noting: With nine starters returning, the foundation is solid for a strong playoff run. Ava Lambert is a standout player to watch as she aims to continue her impressive scoring.

Plainfield East

Coach: Rebecca Ford

2025 record: 9-10-2

Top returners: Kessiah Purnell, sr., F; Danielle Escobar, so., M; Nini Ramos, so., GK; Makayla Stengele, jr., D; Isabella Bustamante-Lopez, sr., D

Key newcomers: Veronica Sawyer, so., D; Allison Wence, so., D

Worth noting: As a young team, there’s ample potential. Purnell and Escobar are expected to take on larger roles as the team develops.

Plainfield North

Coach: Kathleen Monterosso

2025 record: 17-4-4

Top returners: Delaney Harwood, sr., D; Ilyana Barriball, jr., M/F; Katelyn Haiser, sr., F; Mady Czarnik, jr., D; Molly Nelson, so., M; Hailey Johnson, so., D; Ellie Bearden, sr., D; Lauryn Amico, sr., M

Key newcomers: Addison Duval, sr., M; Jourdan Henderson, fr., F; Kate Wilson, fr., D

Worth noting: The Tigers reached the regional finals last season. With experienced players returning, including Barriball and Haiser, Monterosso is looking to deepen their playoff run this year.

Plainfield South

Coach: Thomas Blake

2025 record: 7-10-1

Top returners: Jasmine Acosta, jr., M; Vanessa Espinosa, sr., D; Rachel Brayton, so., M; Megan Dietel, so., D

Key newcomers: Brooke Appel, so., GK; Ella Buturusis, fr., M; Mia Brooks, fr., M

Worth noting: With a mix of 10 returning players and strong newcomers, the Cougars aim for significant improvement this season.

Providence

Coach: Mike Taylor

2025 record: 22-1-2

Top returners: Alyssa Thulin, sr., M; Maggie Wolniakowski, sr., F; Alexa Thompson, jr., D; Guiliana Savarino, jr., M; Gabby Tylka, so., M; Bailey Ortiz, D; Lydia Arrigoni, so., F

Key newcomers: Gabriella Raczka, so., GK; Aubrey Curry, fr., M; Morgan Johnson, fr., D; Quinn Zdralevich, fr., M; Kellyn Shellito, fr., D

Worth noting: Coming off a supersectional appearance, Providence looks to maintain its momentum. With a mix of experienced players like Wolniakowski and emerging talent, Taylor aims for a deep playoff run this season.

Wilmington

Coach: Eric Dillon

2025 record: 5-11

Top returners: Audrey Powlick, sr., M; Addison Van Duyne, jr., M; Sally Clifford, jr., D

Key newcomers: Tracy Jones, fr., M/D/F

Worth noting: As Dillon steps into the head coaching role, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork and fundamentals, particularly after losing last season's top scorer. The team will depend on the returning scorers to rise to the occasion in filling that void.

Editor’s note: Joliet Catholic and Romeoville did not provide preview information.