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Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Libertyville's Sydney Dulak learns ‘it's so much easier playing free.' She makes it difficult for Fremd.
Libertyville senior forward Sydney Dulak is winning the mental game this season. Dulak said that wasn't the case last year, when she struggled to handle self-imposed pressure after committing to Saint Louis. 'Last year, I was in my head a lot,' she said. 'Just myself, I needed to be good. When I set super high standards, I don't take it too well, especially last year.' But Dulak has been a different player throughout the Wildcats' run to the North Suburban Conference title and the Class 3A Fremd Sectional championship game this season, and that continued Friday night. Dulak scored twice in the first half as top-seeded Libertyville beat second-seeded Fremd 2-1 in Palatine to win the sectional title. Dulak also scored a goal against Glenbrook South in the sectional semifinal and has 13 goals and 11 assists for the Wildcats (18-1-3), who reversed a 2-1 loss to Fremd (13-6-4) in the 2024 sectional final to advance to the Barrington Supersectional at 6 p.m. Tuesday. 'When you get into these games, you have to let go,' Dulak said. 'It's so much easier playing free, like a weight off of my shoulders. It's fun again.' Calling Dulak an 'incredible player,' Libertyville coach Ian Taylor said switching her from center midfielder to the wing has made a difference too. 'It was a really positive change for her,' Taylor said. 'I think she has a little more freedom now to play her game, and she gained more confidence throughout the game, taking players on 1v1s. When she gets a chance in a game, she doesn't miss.' Taylor said Dulak can play any position on the field, though. 'She has another gear that you don't see until she puts on the burners,' Taylor said. 'She's really smart with the ball and has a great delivery with both feet. She's a really technical and dynamic player.' Libertyville senior defender Anna George said Dulak can affect the game in a number of ways. 'Sydney is so composed under pressure, and she knows what to do with the ball all the time,' George said. 'She takes her chances whenever she has them. 'She's a good goal scorer but also assists very well. She knows where everyone is on the field and can set everyone up on the field as well.' Dulak said she intends to follow in her parents' footsteps and become a physical therapist. She even likes to practice on teammates. 'I know what to do because of my parents, like icing and elevating, taking care of your body and taking the rest days,' she said. 'We have a couple of people who are injured on our team. 'We just had one of our starters, Tess McGormley, injure her ankle recently, and she wanted to get back in the next day. So I told her, 'You've got to take a break and ice.' She iced it and is now ready to play the next game.' So is Dulak. 'I feel last year it wasn't that fun,' she said. 'I was in my head and put so much pressure on myself. This year, I love my team and love it so much.'
Chicago Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Stevenson defender Annie Egeland is ‘difficult to beat.' It becomes hard to overlook the Michigan recruit too.
Lack of name recognition hasn't been a problem for Stevenson's Annie Egeland. Her older sister Ellie Egeland, a freshman midfielder at Maryland, scored 28 goals during her Stevenson career and was an all-state selection last year. 'Sometimes, definitely as a freshman, all I was known as was 'Ellie's little sister,'' Annie Egeland said. 'When I started to play, people started giving me respect. She definitely put my name out there. 'But I had to earn my own position and my own part of the spotlight instead of being in her shadow, so I had to keep working to get to her level.' Egeland is definitely earning her share of the spotlight. The Michigan recruit has become one of the best defenders in the state and has also racked up four goals and two assists in her junior season to lead the Patriots (9-4-3, 5-1-1) to a second-place tie in the North Suburban Conference and a No. 4 seed in the Class 3A Fremd Sectional. Stevenson will play 13th-seeded Waukegan in the Glenbrook South Regional semifinals at 5 p.m. Tuesday. 'Annie tackles the ball really well and has really good patience and balance,' Stevenson coach Jay Bulev said. 'She doesn't dive in and covers well and recovers well. She is difficult to beat 1v1, and she wins headers and balls out of the air.' The 5-foot-8 Egeland is also making an impression on opponents, including Saint Louis recruit Addison Stanciak, who is the career leader in goals and points scored for conference rival Warren. 'Annie's tackling and understanding of the game are elite,' Stanciak said. 'She is always anticipating the offense.' Egeland, a third-year varsity starter who was named all-conference last season, hasn't always been a defender. She used to be a forward. 'A coach moved me to outside back,' she said. 'I liked defending. I never looked back. 'Obviously, what people always see on the score sheet is the goals and assists, but they never see how many tackles you make or how you save goals.' Ellie Egeland said Annie made herself into an elite defender. 'Annie puts more time and effort into setting herself up for success from the moment she wakes up,' Ellie Egeland said. 'She is able to understand the game at such a deep and complex level, where she can spot the right pass from a mile away and know exactly the right moment to enter a tackle. 'As an attacker, I have always been scared to go against her, knowing that she is likely going to win the ball. Her ability to win balls in the air and even score as a center back is something not many can do.' Annie Egeland said the turning point in her career came in eighth grade, when she was moved to the B team in the Eclipse Select club program after playing for the A team the previous year. She said she worked tirelessly over the next several months to regain her former position. 'Sometimes that can bring you down, and a lot of people quit, but it pushed me harder, and I worked all of my eighth grade year,' Egeland said. 'I didn't rest because I didn't want to let anybody outwork me. 'Without that experience, I would not be the player I am now.'
Chicago Tribune
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Lake Zurich shortstop Kelly Selzer, a backspot in cheerleading, makes sure teammates ‘have each other's backs'
Lake Zurich's Kelly Selzer has learned a few things during her years as a cheerleader. The senior shortstop is leaning on that experience as she tries to push the Bears forward this season. 'I would watch football coaches screaming in the faces of a player, going really hard on them, and then after that, I would see their teammate go up to them and pat them on the back,' Selzer said. 'I saw teammates help each other and have each other's backs even when things are going wrong. 'Being in sports growing up, it definitely shaped me and caused me to be the athlete I am today.' Selzer, a Wisconsin-Oshkosh softball commit who is a three-year varsity starter, has been a backspot in cheerleading for all four years at Lake Zurich. 'The backspot is a person in the back who sees the trick develop, makes sure everything is in place and calls the stunts,' she said. 'That has allowed me to look at the big picture and trust my teammates.' For Selzer, it's all about the team. 'Cheerleading has taught me how to be a leader and bring your team together,' she said. 'It's not just about yourself but also the people around you.' Selzer has certainly earned the trust of the people around her. She's hitting .370 and has an .896 fielding percentage, helping the Bears (7-9-1, 4-1) compete in the North Suburban Conference this season. 'Kelly has always been very consistent for this program,' Lake Zurich coach Nicole Pieper said. 'We've moved her around in the batting order, but she's been able to produce. Kelly can play anywhere and has a lot of talent defensively.' Selzer, who also has a background in gymnastics and intends to study athletic training in college, said she has more confidence on the field this season. 'I have much better range,' she said. 'I take that risk and go for the ball more now. I'm also more aggressive swinging at the first pitch and not getting down in the count.' Pieper pointed out Selzer does much more for the Bears. 'Kelly is also our biggest leader on the team, both by example and vocally,' Pieper said. 'For a coach, it's great to have her on our team, especially for our underclassmen.' Lake Zurich sophomore middle infielder Kendall Hull, who is batting .516, appreciates having Selzer on her side. 'Kelly is a very talented player because of her hustle and energy,' Hull said. 'She's always making crazy plays in the field and getting clutch hits when we need them. 'She's been a role model for me in the infield, helping improve my game. She is always willing to help others if they need it and is giving 110% to the team every day.' Lake Zurich senior center fielder Isabella Vodicka, who is batting .446, has known Selzer for several years and agrees with Hull. 'I've always admired how Kelly interacted with people around her,' Vodicka said. 'Her teammates gravitate toward her because she's relatable, is grounded and always gives 100%.' Pieper has watched Selzer develop into that player. Pieper said she has known Selzer since she was 12. 'I've seen a lot of growth in her as a person, with her leadership the biggest thing,' Pieper said. 'She's a very supportive teammate.'
Chicago Tribune
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Zion-Benton's Sam White overcomes one injury after another. Surgeries too. ‘I learned to push through it.'
This season is like an entirely new ballgame for Zion-Benton's Sam White. The junior shortstop didn't have surgery in the offseason, a first for her in high school. In fact, White's injury history is an extensive one. 'The injuries have really upset me because I've had so many starting when I was 12 and had major knee surgery,' she said. White had surgery on her throwing arm for elbow and shoulder injuries in each of the previous two offseasons. She also suffered a stress fracture in her back last summer but didn't need surgery. White joked that she hasn't played any other sports at Zion-Benton because 'I probably would get injured.' But she proudly pointed out that when the season starts, she's ready to play. 'I still never missed any games because of all my injuries,' she said. 'I learned to push through it. I wanted to keep improving and not let a setback end everything.' Indeed, White has become a highly productive player for the Zee-Bees. A third-year starter, White is batting .400 with a .480 on-base percentage and six RBIs, and she has an .889 fielding percentage. White knows how to rise to the occasion too. She went 3-for-3 at the plate and handled all of her chances at shortstop during Zion-Benton's North Suburban Conference loss to first-place Warren on Monday. 'She hit the ball really well and also showcased incredible defensive skills at shortstop against Warren,' Zion-Benton coach Tina Meyer said. 'Balls were hit all over the field, but Sam was everywhere making play after play. She finished the game with a flawless defensive performance.' White and Meyer both said that was one of the best all-around games White has played for the Zee-Bees. 'The Warren game was really fun,' White said. 'I was able to really hit well and keep my mindset strong even with two strikes to help the team. I was able to get a lot of diving plays at short. I definitely was more confident in that game.' Meyer said White is even more valuable to the team than her production suggests. 'She consistently gives 110% effort day in and day out,' Meyer said. 'Her primary position is shortstop, but she's always willing to step into any role the team needs without hesitation. Her versatility makes her a valuable asset on the field. 'Beyond her skills, Sam is someone we can always count on to be one of the first to arrive and be ready to help out in any way she can. Her dedication truly sets her apart.' Zion-Benton junior pitcher/third baseman Ashlyn Totsch also noted White's nonstop motor. 'Sam always goes for the ball, no matter where it is,' Totsch said. 'She consistently puts her best foot forward at shortstop and doesn't let errors get in the way of making the next play. On the bases, she is fast and smart and takes advantage of any mistakes the defense makes.' Zion-Benton senior center fielder Sidney Carlson said White is a caring teammate too. 'Sam has a great way of making people feel confident in themselves and supported,' Carlson said. White, who said she has a 4.58 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders of America, also coaches one of Zion-Benton's feeder teams. 'I really enjoy feeder because there's a lot of different personalities,' she said. 'It's a very different environment. I also like doing a lot of community service hours. I like to keep busy.' White is determined to keep playing too. 'I always try to give my full effort on the field, push myself and not worry about injuries,' she said. 'I'm still going to give 100% effort.'
Chicago Tribune
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Bobby Narang's Lake County softball rankings and player of the week for Lake County
As Mundelein and Stevenson rise to the top of the rankings, their North Suburban Conference rivals Libertyville and Warren hold steady behind them. TOP 10 With records through Tuesday and previous rankings in parentheses. 1. Mundelein 7-1 (2) Freshman catcher Avi Perez, who is batting .625, has adjusted quickly to the varsity level for the 2024 Class 4A state semifinalist. 2. Stevenson 7-2 (NR) Sophia Becker has taken a step forward, hitting .652 for the fast-rising Patriots, who beat Libertyville in their North Suburban Conference opener. 3. Libertyville 3-2 (3) Zoe Kinsella hit two home runs in her first 12 at-bats for the Wildcats. 4. Warren 3-2 (4) Mia Meno is coming into her own for the Blue Devils this season. 5. Carmel 3-1 (6) Showing great command in the circle, Kaitlyn Konen strikes out 15 during the Corsairs' win against Palatine on Monday. 6. Antioch 0-6 (1) Freshman Tanner Ludwig's fast start for the 2024 Class 3A state runner-up includes a .583 average and a team-high two home runs in five games. 7. Grant 7-4 (10) Bri Lopez's timely hitting and great defense in right field, including four diving catches, helps the Bulldogs win six of seven. 8. Wauconda 2-10 (5) Coming off an impressive freshman season, Madison May is batting .625 with three doubles, a triple, a home run and six RBIs in her past five games. 9. Grayslake Central 3-2 (7) Kate Davies has picked up right where she left off, too, hitting .588 with five home runs and 14 RBIs in 17 at-bats. 10. Lakes 2-2 (9) Brookelynn Maxson is fueling the Eagles' offense with her consistent hitting and ability to get on base. PLAYER OF THE WEEK Senior shortstop Grace Brown, a St. Joseph's recruit who missed last season with a knee injury, is hitting .571 with three home runs and eight RBIs in her past three games.
