Patrick McGavin

St. Charles East's Ben Davino, right, hangs onto the arm of Libertyville's Caelan Riley during a 120-pound match at the Wheaton Warrenville South Mega Duals in Wheaton on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021.

Ben Davino’s decision: Ohio State. And the St. Charles East wrestler is ready. ‘I am going to pick it up pretty quickly.’

April 7, 2023 at 3:52 p.m.

A three-time state champion, St. Charles East junior Ben Davino doesn't lack confidence. Davino is like a booster rocket, with a propulsive, fast-motion style that has transformed each stage of...

Bartlett's Yaretzi Marquez Cortez (6) and Geneva's Alyssa Houk (4) battle for control of the ball during a nonconference game in Bartlett on Monday, April 3, 2023.

Marquette recruit Lilly Coats capitalizes on connection with Olivia Rawls to lead Geneva. ‘We understand each other.’

April 4, 2023 at 10:41 a.m.

Versatility, size and talent. Junior midfielder/defender Lilly Coats wears all of those hats well for Geneva, but there's another aspect that rounds out her wardrobe as a player. But first,...

St Charles East's Grace Williams (4) moves the ball up the field against St. Charles North during the Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional championship game on Friday, May 27, 2022.

St. Charles East’s Grace Williams, who will not play in college after all, continues to score goals. ‘I want to win.’

April 3, 2023 at 8:34 a.m.

As the only child of parents with a background that involves running, St. Charles East's Grace Williams figured out quickly what natural gifts she had inherited. But for Williams, the...

De La Salle's Kenny Perez (1) looks to make sure a St. Rita runner stays on base during a Catholic League crossover in Chicago on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Motivated by his brother, Cincinnati recruit Kenny Perez displays power for De La Salle vs. St. Rita. ‘He supports me.’

March 29, 2023 at 12:01 p.m.

Junior third baseman Kenny Perez knows why he plays the way he does for De La Salle. The Cincinnati recruit, a naturally gifted talent who swings a powerful bat, takes...

Oswego's Anna Johnson (20) protects the ball against Naperville Central's Ella Burke, right, during the Naperville Invitational in Naperville on Friday, April 22, 2022.

Anna Johnson is goal-scoring royalty for Oswego. But just don’t have her bake with her sisters. ‘My mom would not be happy with the yelling.’

March 28, 2023 at 12:27 p.m.

As the oldest of five sisters, Oswego's Anna Johnson has seniority at her house. Her younger sisters even began calling her by the same affectionate nickname — "Queen Anna" —...

St. Charles North's Sophia Hein (8) advances the ball as Oswego East's Anya Gulbrandsen gives chase during a Naperville Invitational game on Saturday, April 23, 2022.

As a leader, Lewis-bound Bella Vargas doesn’t hold back for West Aurora. ‘I try to go at everything with full confidence.’

March 14, 2023 at 1:31 p.m.

Growing up, West Aurora senior Bella Vargas idolized her older sister Priscila. Bella even mirrored Priscilla's position on the field by starting out in soccer as a defender. Something stirred...

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Ben Davino’s decision: Ohio State. And the St. Charles East wrestler is ready. ‘I am going to pick it up pretty quickly.’

Marquette recruit Lilly Coats capitalizes on connection with Olivia Rawls to lead Geneva. ‘We understand each other.’

St. Charles East’s Grace Williams, who will not play in college after all, continues to score goals. ‘I want to win.’

Motivated by his brother, Cincinnati recruit Kenny Perez displays power for De La Salle vs. St. Rita. ‘He supports me.’

Anna Johnson is goal-scoring royalty for Oswego. But just don’t have her bake with her sisters. ‘My mom would not be happy with the yelling.’

With position change, Oswego East’s Anya Gulbrandsen is even more the center of attention. ‘I got a little bit content.’

Lemont’s Brandon Johnson, a potential Division I swimmer, makes difficult decision. ‘Baseball just felt more fresh.’

Maggie Wolniakowski, whose siblings played for Providence, scores 3 goals in second game. ‘They taught me everything.’

Natasha Markoutsis, a state champ for Yorkville, describes college as ‘humbling.’ But she’s breaking barriers for AU.

As a leader, Lewis-bound Bella Vargas doesn’t hold back for West Aurora. ‘I try to go at everything with full confidence.’