Don’t mistake Kristen Dodson’s calm reaction to being chosen for the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State squad as being unappreciative.
“I’m very thankful; it’s always an honor to have people say you earned any kind of recognition, but this isn’t the time to celebrate yet,” Dodson said, mindful of Waubonsie Valley’s 6 p.m. Tuesday Class 3A Normal Community Supersectional contest against Edwardsville (23-1).
Dodson has had a goal or an assist in each of the Warriors’ last five matches and leads the team in points (53), goals (23) and match winners (10).
“You never know who’s watching so I always try to do my best and play my hardest,” Dodson said. “Hopefully it’s recognition of both how hard I work and our team as well, because I know without my teammates, nothing happens for any of us.”
After being told Waubonsie Valley’s (21-1-3) next foe has two all-state picks — Lilly Cobb and the only freshman chosen in Abigail Crabtree — Dodson’s response was, “All the more reason to focus only on our next match.”
Waubonsie junior goal keeper Emma Rigby joined Dodson on the All-State squad as did Metea Valley’s Jenna Kentgen.
The 60-member all-state unit represents the best from 14 sections. Earning All-Section 3 acclaim are Morgan Kemerling (Waubonsie Valley), Alena Sidwell (Metea Valley), Maggie Bodine (Geneva), Courtney Diddell (Kaneland) and Annie Waldoch (Geneva). All-Section 10 status went to Jordyn Sundberg (Aurora Central Catholic), Sam O’Brien (West Aurora), Kaylan Mills (Oswego) and Amy Annala (Oswego).
Area players receiving Honorable Mention All-Section distinction include Tyler Proszowski (Metea Valley), Hope Goodman and Samantha Hauser (Geneva), Anne Klein (Hinckley-Big Rock), Megan McEachern and Karina Rosales (Batavia), Delaney Stryczek (Kaneland), Lauren Frasca (Rosary), Mikaela Mockenhaupt (Oswego), Taylor Peck (Oswego East) and Abriya and Mariyah Zeitz (West Aurora).
