Metea Valley senior defender Kylie Janisch went back to the future in a way this season.
Will she be able to get the Mustangs back to the top in the process?
Janisch has played a variety of roles during his three-year varsity career, but the Winona State University recruit is set to start in 2022 when he plays as an outside back on Metea Valley's Class 3A state championship team. Came back.
“This is definitely a switch,” Janisch said. “But I like the way I can attack more at outside back and it gives me a little bit more creativity that I had in the attacking positions.
“I'm comfortable in any position. Anywhere I can contribute to the team, that's where I want to be.”
Metea Valley coach Chris Whaley has been working on Janish since the Mustangs won the state title. She started her junior season at center back and finished the season as an attacking midfielder.
Janisch credits her early coaches with preparing her for multiple roles.
“Ever since middle school, I've been thrown everywhere and had to really work to earn a position on the club team, so I'll go anywhere I need to be on the field,” she said. I did. “It has made me a more versatile player and comfortable playing in different positions that other players are not used to.
“That's where I found my joy in the sport, because I realized I could be anywhere on the field and I would always love this sport.”
The Mustangs (12-2-1) like what Janisch brings to the field.
“She’s a great kid, a hard worker, a skilled player, understands the game and just enjoys it,” Whaley said. “She just likes to go out and play. We have a lot of confidence in her. It's great to have her senior captain on defense. It goes a long way.”
This is especially true when a team starts a rookie at center back. Freshman Jessica Terada played well in that position.
“Kyrie brings a lot to the team with leadership and hard work,” Terada said. “That really motivates everyone. Whenever I have a hard time understanding something, I always feel like I can just go to Kylie and ask her a question. I've learned a lot from her. ”
Terada and Janisch work closely together, and not just defensively. Terada scored two goals, both of which were assisted by Janisch, whose six assists are tied for the team lead with junior midfielder Olivia Hernandez.
During the Mustangs' DuPage Valley Conference game in Aurora on Friday, Terada and Janisch combined for great goals in a 4-1 victory over host Waubonsie Valley. Janisch took a 20-yard free kick from just outside the left side of the box to the far post, and the 5-foot-11 Terada headed home for a 3-0 lead.
Janisch said he did something similar to Terada during Metea Valley's 4-0 victory over Crystal Lake Central in the Body Armor final on April 21.
“But it was from a corner kick,” Janisch said. “It was the first time we finished with a result like that. It's always a good sign to see it happen again. Usually we don't work on it in practice, but when we do we try to make the most of it. Masu.”
Janisch plans to major in elementary education and is making the most of her final season of high school. Coaching young players like Terada is good preparation for her career as a teacher.
“It's a really great experience,” Janisch said. “They are all very coachable and positive, so when I give them feedback, they always take it and use it as much as possible.
“Knowing that we have each other's backs definitely helps our D-line.”
Janisch's career Mustang record is 53 wins, 5 losses, and 5 draws. Metea Valley, the No. 2 seed in the Plainfield North region, will play No. 15 Plainfield South on May 14 in the Naperville Central regional semifinals.
“Every year, we approach it with the same mindset,” Janisch said. “We are ready to do whatever we can to reach the furthest.”
No matter how far the Mustangs go in the playoffs, Janisch will have a formidable record as a leader.
“I feel like I can impact a lot of people with my voice, my work ethic and my ability to communicate with different teammates,” she said. “Some of my teammates may be more shy, some may be more vocal.
“That kind of inclusivity and ability to create motivation and drive across the team is what I want to leave behind as a legacy.”
Matt Le Crenn is a freelance reporter.
