Sam Brief

Sam Brief is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

Carmel's Sarah Jenkins works on her serve during a practice in Mundelein on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.

A performer on the stage, Carmel’s Sarah Jenkins takes on a different role on the court. ‘I’m super excited.’

August 15, 2023 at 5:43 p.m.

Sarah Jenkins has a new role as a senior leader for Carmel this season. Roles are nothing new for Jenkins, though. As far back as a decade ago, she played...

Carmel quarterback Johnny Weber looks to throw a pass during a nonconference game against Lake Forest in Mundelein on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.

Johnny Weber is done racing dirt bikes. Carmel’s QB still takes risks. ‘You learn how to adapt on the fly.’

August 10, 2023 at 4:14 p.m.

Carmel's Johnny Weber wasn't always a quarterback. For years before he committed to play football at Southeast Missouri State, Weber had other priorities. "I would have said, 'No way I'm...

Lake Zurich's Leah Gilbertson shoots a free throw during a North Suburban Conference game at Waukegan on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.

Lake Zurich’s Anna Gilbertson maps her future, but she already knew the way. It’s a sibling thing.

August 7, 2023 at 4:47 p.m.

When Lake Zurich's Anna Gilbertson and her siblings were younger, their father, Gerry, offered them a deal. He said he'd give them 5 cents for each time they dribbled a...

Morgan Hart pitches for Vernon Hills during the 2023 season.

Juggling softball and volleyball, Morgan Hart excels in both for Vernon Hills

August 2, 2023 at 1:46 p.m.

Morgan Hart recalls she didn't feel very confident when she jogged onto Vernon Hills' softball field for tryouts during her freshman year. "I didn't think I'd make varsity," Hart said....

Stevenson's Michaela Duffy will continue her softball career at Saint Mary's of Minnesota.

‘A blessing’ for Stevenson’s coach, Michaela Duffy heads to St. Mary’s to play for coach with national titles

July 20, 2023 at 5:39 p.m.

One Friday during the season, Stevenson coach India Steward strolled into a routine practice and noticed senior Michaela Duffy and her teammates looked different. The players were wearing long basketball...

Lake Zurich's Jonathan Fleaka throws the ball to first base during a game against Grayslake Central in Evanston on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

UIC commit Jonathan Fleaka learns he ‘can’t be perfect.’ But what can’t Lake Zurich’s captain do?

July 11, 2023 at 5:22 p.m.

Lake Zurich was one out away from a season-defining win in early April when a funky ground ball barreled toward shortstop Jonathan Fleaka. The Bears led eventual Class 4A Mundelein...

Stevenson's Colin Schmitke puts down a bunt during a game at Buffalo Grove on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

Stevenson’s Colin Schmitke makes another move, this time to Northwest Indiana for a summer league

June 20, 2023 at 5:16 p.m.

Lifelong infielder Colin Schmitke was all ready to move to the outfield during his junior season at Stevenson. Well, almost ready. He had the wrong glove. "I told him, 'Colin,...

Loyola's Grace Dwyer, right, tries to control the ball against Hinsdale Central's Logan O'Connor, center, during the state championship game at Hinsdale Central on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Loyola’s Grace Dwyer is the latest lacrosse standout in her family. She might not be the last.

July 10, 2023 at 1:36 p.m.

When Loyola's Grace Dwyer looks at her baby sister, Faith, she sees a possible future lacrosse player. "Maybe I'll coach my younger sister one day," Grace Dwyer said. "Coaching is...

Hinsdale Central's Dan Watcke stretches out at the end of the 800-meter run during the Class 3A state meet at Eastern Illinois in Charleston on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

Second place ‘really hurt’ for Hinsdale Central’s Dan Watcke. So the Oregon recruit learns from his mistakes.

June 5, 2023 at 4:45 p.m.

Finishing second in the state is a fancy feather in the cap for most runners. Not for Hinsdale Central's Dan Watcke. After winning the Class 3A state title in the...

Highland Park's Evan Glebov, left, and Blake Gold celebrate after winning the Class 2A state championship in doubles during the state meet in Palatine on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Evan Glebov’s injury ‘really scared’ him. The Highland Park junior and Blake Gold don’t let that stop them.

June 5, 2023 at 1:39 p.m.

The most crucial month of the season loomed, and Highland Park junior Evan Glebov couldn't serve fully. "I was really scared, to be honest," he said. Glebov had strained his...

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