Patrick McGavin

Waubonsie Valley's Hannah Laub hits an RBI single to right field against Metea Valley during a DuPage Valley Conference game in Aurora on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Claire Desrosiers decides to hit the other way as Metea Valley defeats Waubonsie Valley. ‘There’s never a dull moment.’

May 4, 2023 at 12:25 p.m.

Sophomore third baseman Claire Desrosiers sees every at-bat for Metea Valley as an opportunity — as the ultimate dance between the hitter and the pitcher. Part of that comes from...

Batavia's Laila Figueras (6) tries to get in front of Geneva's Isabella Walls (15) during the second half of a game in the Tri-Cities Night celebration on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

A grateful Audrey Stredde gives Geneva a goal-scoring spark. And she’s only a freshman. ‘We had to fill those spots.’

May 3, 2023 at 12:48 p.m.

Freshman midfielder Audrey Stredde continues to step into the void for Geneva. A flood of emotions poured through Stredde when junior midfielder Caroline Madden and junior forward Olivia Rawls suffered...

South Elgin's Ella Dihel (12) signals to her teammates against East Aurora during an Upstate Eight Conference game on Friday, April 28, 2023.

A backyard birthday party at age 7 changes everything for South Elgin’s Ella Dihel. ‘I just immediately fell in love.’

May 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

South Elgin's Ella Dihel remembers the moment like it was yesterday. Dihel, now a junior forward for the Storm, went to a birthday party when she was 7 years old....

St. Charles East's Maddie Royer (23) reacts against Batavia during the sixth inning of a DuKane Conference game in St. Charles on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

St. Charles East’s Maddie Royer makes the move, waits for umpire’s call on first career homer. ‘What a special moment.’

April 26, 2023 at 10:34 p.m.

As a featured performer on the dance team, St. Charles East's Maddie Royer exudes a natural grace and ethereal style. In her main sport, the way the junior outfielder hits...

Kaneland's Brigid Gannon (5) battles Rochelle's Betty Flores (15), Abby Tarvestad (2) and Emma Kenney (16) during an Interstate Eight Conference game in Maple Park on Monday, April 24, 2023.

Kaneland’s Brigid Gannon knows who inspires her on the soccer field. ‘I always wanted to see my mom in myself.’

April 26, 2023 at 12:25 p.m.

Kaneland's Brigid Gannon didn't have to look far for inspiration. Gannon, who returned from a torn ACL in just 5 1/2 months during her junior year, has always striven to...

Lincoln-Way Central's Alexis Youngren (11) makes a play against Lincoln-Way East during the sixth inning of a Class 4A sectional championship game on Friday, June 3, 2022.

Even with blood running down her arm, Alexis Youngren is the ‘best athlete at Lincoln-Way Central, for either guys or girls.’

April 18, 2023 at 11:56 a.m.

Not even the sight of blood can stop junior shortstop/catcher Alexis Youngren from her pursuit of being the best on the softball field for Lincoln-Way Central. Laid back off the...

All Stories

Claire Desrosiers decides to hit the other way as Metea Valley defeats Waubonsie Valley. ‘There’s never a dull moment.’

A grateful Audrey Stredde gives Geneva a goal-scoring spark. And she’s only a freshman. ‘We had to fill those spots.’

A backyard birthday party at age 7 changes everything for South Elgin’s Ella Dihel. ‘I just immediately fell in love.’

St. Charles East’s Maddie Royer makes the move, waits for umpire’s call on first career homer. ‘What a special moment.’

Kaneland’s Brigid Gannon knows who inspires her on the soccer field. ‘I always wanted to see my mom in myself.’

Even with blood running down her arm, Alexis Youngren is the ‘best athlete at Lincoln-Way Central, for either guys or girls.’

Taylor Ahmadian, who runs track, doubles up by playing soccer for Waubonsie Valley. ‘I just fell in love with it.’

Why did Shepard’s Paul Kladis give up other sports to play baseball? ‘I saw my potential and what was possible.’

What helps Sean Cody in the batter’s box for Richards? ‘I get pumped up hitting on the days I am pitching.’

Purdue Fort Wayne recruit Kailey Hansen holds on, handles key position for Batavia. ‘The game just brings me happiness.’