By Courtney Diddell, Reporter

With nationally-ranked goalie Jordan Ginther back from her year-long hiatus, the varsity soccer team is hoping to have one of their best seasons ever. Last season was the best in Kaneland history, with a 15-3-5 record and second place finish in the KHS Classic.

Key players Emily Heimerdinger led the team with 50 goals and 27 assists last year, along with Sophia Blank’s 17 goals and 8 assists, but both have graduated. Ginther’s return from her national team, where she is ranked the number one goalie in the nation, is welcome because she will strengthen the defense.

“She’ll keep us in some games. She’s a special kid that only comes once in a lifetime,” Varsity Coach Scott Parillo said.

Senior Katie Taylor, who was last year’s third-leading scorer, thinks that Ginther’s return will make it easier to win.

“When she left, we had to work harder than what we did when we had her,” Taylor said.

Other key players will include senior Abby Bend, junior Brooke Harner, sophomores Delaney Stryczek, Brittany Olson and Amber Winquist-Bailey.

The team’s first tournament is coming up on April 5, when they will play in the West Aurora Tournament against West Aurora, East Aurora and Westminister Christian.

Freshman Madison Jurcenko said that West Aurora will be their toughest game, and Taylor agreed.

“I’m looking forward to playing West Aurora because they are always giving us the most trouble,” Taylor said.

Last year, Kaneland took third in the tournament, and this year, they are striving to take first by working on their defensive drills.

“My goals for the year are to be highly competitive and just have fun,” Parillo said.