2026 Herald-News All-Area Girls Soccer Team
The annual Herald-News All-Area girls soccer team celebrates the elite talent from schools across the region, recognizing players who have distinguished themselves through performance, leadership and sportsmanship.
Katelyn Haiser of Plainfield North stands out as the Player of the Year, earning an All-State selection after a season that combined commanding presence in midfield with consistent offensive contributions.
Between the Posts
Flynn Meyer from Lincoln-Way Central anchored the defense, posting 16 shutouts and limiting opponents to just 0.45 goals per game, a statistic that underscored the Knights' resilience.
Forward Fire
Gabriela Kuruc of Lemont led the attack with 32 goals, capturing the South Suburban Conference Blue Player of the Year award and helping her team secure a high seed in the playoffs.
Freshman sensation Madison Weil of Lemont added 25 goals and 26 assists, quickly earning a spot on the All-State team and drawing praise for her playmaking ability.
Commitments and Careers
Ava Feigl, a key figure for Lincoln-Way East, was hailed by her coach as the Griffins’ best player and has committed to Belmont University, bringing a blend of skill and leadership to her future program.
Allie Werner of Peotone capped her high school career with 46 goals, finishing with 127 career goals and cementing her place among the program’s all‑time greats.
Alyssa Thulin of Providence contributed 10 goals and eight assists, guiding the Providence team to the sectional finals and showcasing her versatility on the field.
All‑Around Impact
Hayden Spodarek from Lockport recorded two goals and 12 assists while maintaining discipline with only a single yellow card, reflecting a balanced contribution to both attack and defense.
Julianne Rafacz of Lincoln-Way Central emerged as the Knights’ top offensive performer with 17 goals and nine assists, driving the team’s scoring engine.
Future Stars
Callie Hefner of Minooka tallied 31 goals and 13 assists and has committed to Marquette University, signaling a promising next chapter.
Grace Kinsella from Lincoln-Way West scored 16 goals in the final 11 games, finishing her rookie season with 24 goals and 11 assists and hinting at a bright future.