Chatham girls soccer takes 2A state soccer title
CHATHAM, Ill. — After making it to the Super Sectionals the past two seasons, the Chatham Titans girls soccer team had had enough of getting close. And that hunger drove them all the way to the top when a 2-0 overtime victory over Lisle Benet Academy brought the program its second state championship.
鈥淲e knew that if everyone stayed healthy, and we could develop quality team chemistry, we had an opportunity to go deep into the post season,鈥� says Head Coach Jay Lipe. 鈥淚 would say about midway through the season we knew the girls had a shot to make it and also contend for a state title.鈥�
The long runs into the playoffs the past two seasons definitely contributed to the team鈥檚 success in 2023. Many of the players had also been teammates well before high school, starting out in the same rec leagues and then going on to compete with the same club soccer team. The group grew even closer thanks to their commitment to a new strength training program implemented by Coach Caleb Cox that was instrumental in not only building them up physically, but also solidifying the team鈥檚 chemistry.
On the field, the Titans called upon a talented and technically-sound roster of players to amass a 22-4-1 record.
鈥淲e were strong defensively all season long and our defensive pressure often created our offensive chances,鈥� Coach Lipe says. 鈥淲e really improved in our attacking free kicks and began to create and score many important goals in the final third of the season off set plays. Defensively we really became extremely tough the final half of the season and were able to shut down most opponents.鈥�
That formula for success carried the team through an undefeated conference schedule in the always competitive Central State Eight. But there would be no coasting once the playoffs started.
鈥淭he coaching staff really thought the girls came together and raised the level of play in tough conditions. We only ask the players to give their very best effort each and every day, and during the state tournament semi-final and especially in the championship they were successful in leaving everything they had on the field,鈥� he says.
Winning has become a tradition for the Titans soccer program over the decades, but nothing compares to hoisting a state championship trophy. Several of the players shared what that once-in-a-lifetime feeling was like.
鈥淭he bonds created on this team was the best part. With all the hardships the past four years, whether it鈥檚 a global pandemic or even just the infamous beep test, I would still do it all over again if it was with this team.鈥� Mia O鈥橬eill, senior Forward.
鈥淚 have wanted that since I was a freshman, and it was such an honor and such an amazing great feeling. Honestly one of the best feelings ever.鈥� 鈥� Ali Matthews, senior Center Back.
鈥淚t felt unbelievably great, a feeling I still wish to go back to. An amazing experience.鈥� 鈥� Abi Stephens, junior Goalkeeper.
鈥淚 was overwhelmed with joy and I was told to enjoy the moment and I thought I was, but I would do anything to go back again. Hands down one of the best moments of my life.鈥� – sophomore Goalkeeper.
鈥淲inning state was one of the best feelings I have ever had. It felt so good to see every single person with a smile on their face and just knowing that everyone鈥檚 hard work had paid off.鈥� – Gracie McCombs, junior Forward
鈥淚鈥檓 happy I got to win it with all my best friends. I love the friendships I made through club and high school soccer and all of the people I would have never met if I didn鈥檛 play soccer.鈥� – Lyla Franke, sophomore Midfielder.
鈥淚 can鈥檛 even put into words how good this made me feel and how happy I am to be a part of this team.鈥� – Ellie Johnson, sophomore Defender and Midfielder.
鈥淚鈥檓 so proud of all my teammates and how we achieved our goal. We worked so hard throughout the season. It felt great to represent our community as well.鈥� – Karley Hawkins, junior Midfielder and Outside Back.
鈥淚t was awesome to win state. It was even more special for me because this was my first year playing Glenwood soccer.鈥� 鈥� Caroline Cody, freshman Forward/Defender.
鈥淭his is something we鈥檝e been working towards each year, and we finally reached what we鈥檝e been trying to accomplish.鈥� 鈥� Kaleigh Meyer, senior Midfielder.
The 2023 State Champion Titans Soccer Team
Players: Katie Bell, Haley Schuerman, Abi Stephens, Karley Hawkins, Lyla Franke, Aubrie Haas, Savannah Bell, Delaney Kyes, Gracie McCombs, Ella Gummerman, Mia O鈥橬eill, Rylann Law, Emma Mehaffy, Makenna Yeager, Kaleigh Meyer, Erin Mansfield, Carly Wilcoxen, Ellie Johnson, Ali Matthews, Rowann Law, Caroline Cody, Haden Vlcek, Mia Gerger, Zoey Kyes, Leslie Smith.
Coaches: Jay Lipe, Kyle Franke, Benjamin Winn, Jake Volker, Taylor Stefancic, Kaitlin Sullivan
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.