The Willows Varsity soccer team wrapped up a historic season, finishing at 3rd in state. Led by head coach Kayla Driver and assistant coach Johnny Presberg, the team boasts an impressive 23 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie record this season. They also won the Body Armor tournament, claiming first place out of more than 50 teams from the greater Chicagoland area.
Driver attributes much of their success to having a well-balanced team, with strong players in every class.
Two freshmen were named in the ISL first team–Berandette Presberg (‘27) and Mary Sueffert (‘27). Two other players, Veronica Presberg (‘24) and Julia Lechner (‘25), were also named in the ISL first team.
Other honors include: Pia Chapello (‘24) making ISL second team, Veronica Presberg (‘24) ISL player of the year, Julia Lechner (‘25) and Veronica Presberg (‘24) chosen as IHSA all sectional, and Coach Driver being voted ISL coach of the year.
THE ROAD TO STATE
The team’s journey to state had its challenges, even with a superb lineup. Willows was placed in a new regional this year, meaning that they were up against teams they had never faced before.
While there were some disadvantages of playing against new opponents, Coach Driver reflects that this helped the girls play without any expectations; there was no baggage that influenced how they walked onto the field.
The team started off strong with two 8-0 victories: against Disney II (regional semifinals) and Chicago Academy (regional finals). As regional champions, they then went on to win their IHSA sectional semi-finals against Marine Leadership Academy and IHSA sectional finals against IC Catholic Prep.
The IHSA Super-sectional game was against Richmond Burton, a team that had beaten them two years in a row. It was a difficult game and the score was tied, but Julia Lechner (‘24) scored on a header corner kick in a dramatic finish at the end of the game, leading the team into the state series with a 2-1 victory.
Once in the state series, Willows unfortunately lost their semifinal game but came back strong in their final game of the season. They played against U-High, another team they had not beaten in at least three years.
“We knew each other’s teams, so we were able to set up well against them,” Coach Driver recalls. “They had a lot more possession, so it really came down to a strong defense.” She highlights Julia Lechner (‘25) as having her best game as a center defender and credits Pia Chapello (‘24) with several incredible saves. They won the game 1-0 with a goal by Veronica Presberg (‘24), taking 3rd place in the state championship.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
The team’s historic season is well-deserved, not only because of their technical ability but also because of their standout character.
Since starting as a coach three years ago, Coach Driver has been most impressed by the camaraderie of the girls she has worked with. She has seen true friendship amongst her players; the girls show true kindness to one another and build each other up. Even the way that they treat their opponents has been virtuous. In fact, Willows boasts the lowest yellow card/red card ratio of the conference.
“The girls are complimented a lot on their sportsmanship,” says Driver. “Willows is hands down the best coaching experience I’ve ever had.”
She is proud of this record-breaking season and is excited to return to Willows next year in her fourth year as varsity head coach, alongside assistant coach Johnny Presberg.
“We have a really good group of players who got a taste of the state series,” she says, “And we will do everything to get back there.”
