Libertyville junior Lainey Chung is already considered one of the top defenders in the state.
A Cornell recruit, Chung is a two-time All-North Suburban Conference selection and plays for one of the top club teams in the Midwest, Eclipse Select.
But before her freshman season, Chung questioned whether she had the talent to be such a player.
“Going into my eighth grade, I switched clubs to Eclipse, but I played on their North team, which is their second team,” she said. “The players around me had been playing with each other for multiple years and been doing private training since they were little. I felt out of place and was losing my love for soccer.”
That changed during Chung’s freshman season, when she made the Wildcats’ varsity team.
“I gained so much confidence in myself once my coaches believed in me in high school,” she said. “Making that jump so quickly in club was very difficult, but I was proud of myself after working through it. Since then, I’ve been able to keep growing as a player with my soccer IQ and technical ability and proving myself.”
Libertyville coach Ian Taylor said Chung has even become one of the team’s leaders this season. She’s a captain for the Wildcats (10-1-2, 2-0-2), who have a chance to win their fourth straight conference title and have earned the top seed in the Class 2A Lake Zurich Sectional. They won a 3A sectional title last season.
“I think she really came into the season with a hunger to lead,” Taylor said. “She just stepped up right way to be a leader for the group.”
With Chung leading the back line, the Wildcats have given up just eight goals this season despite playing against top teams like Glenbrook North, Lyons, Naperville North and New Trier.
“Lainey is incredibly quick,” Taylor said. “She can cover ground super fast. She can hunt down players when they get behind her. She can make an offensive player flinch and take the ball, or tempt a player to make a move so she can capitalize on their mistake.
“Ultimately, she wins the air battle, and she’s pretty smart when it comes to clearance and when to hold it, dribble it or pass it. Her decision-making is solid.”
Senior midfielder Meghan O’Donnell, who scored her eighth goal of the season during Libertyville’s 3-2 win over Waubonsie Valley on Thursday, said Chung is a commanding presence.
“Lainey’s voice leads us on the field and lets you know what’s going on behind and in front of you,” O’Donnell said.
Looking back, Chung said Libertyville’s loss to New Trier in penalty kicks in the Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Classic championship game on April 18 was a good test for her and her teammates. Chung was one of three Wildcats named to the all-tournament team.
“We had good energy, and I was able to play tough against New Trier’s very talented offense and midfield and find those connections in the midfield,” Chung said. “I’m confident in my ability to win 1v1s and be a reliable force in the back.”
Looking ahead, Chung said the Wildcats want to win the Class 2A state title. Having moved down from 3A, they will be among the favorites.
“I’m super excited knowing what this team is capable of after going against the No. 1 team in the state in New Trier,” Chung said. “We played up to their level, maybe even arguably better.
“We can’t take anything for granted going into the playoffs. But if we play like we know we can, the results will take care of themselves.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
