Grayslake Central's Sarah Armstrong motors homes ahead of pursuers at last year's Palatine Meet of Champions
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Summary: The dominance of Tolono Unity in 1A the last two years has overshadowed the parallel dominance that the Grayslake Central Rams have demonstrated at the 2A level now winning back to back state titles in 2021 and 2022. "To come out on top two years in a row is something that is truly remarkable and we are so proud of our girls for putting it all together in November," says coach Jimmy Centella, one of only two coaches in Illinois to win state titles for both genders. "We were blessed with some hard-working and talented newcomers that complemented our veterans very well. Our veterans dealt with some adversity, especially early in the season, but were able to persevere and perform in November."
The aim for a three-peat can remain because Grayslake Central simply returns more than any other 2A team on paper this year. Three athletes, Ava Henne, Sarah Armstrong, and Jordan Sutter, garnered all-state medals last year, the most of any team. The fourth returner, Bella Domier, finished 30th and has already a plethora of all-state medals to her name in cross country and track. This quartet, United both by their competitiveness and involvement with club or varsity soccer, is why the Rams are the preseason favorite to win the title once again, and why coach Centella believes this could be the best team in program history. "Knowing the talent that we have and the hard work the girls have been putting in over the summer, it is safe to say that our goals are to defend our conference, regional, sectional, and state titles. We know that it won't be easy, but we have put ourselves in a position to potentially be our best team yet."
This group has also stepped back from club soccer to focus more on cross country this season. Pay close attention to the role that Domier plays this year, especially after she looks fit to return to the level of cross country racing she is accustomed to. Four all-staters would mean Central will be very hard to beat.
A strong fifth is always needed, and Katie Armstrong stepped up for the Rams in 2022. Who will that be in 2023? The first major candidate is Sofia Witt, a member of the 2021 state title-winning team, and is poised to improve on her 2022 year that did not match her 2021. There is less certainty after that group of 5, however. Brynn Domier, Violet Rowe, and Ellie Chevrier are all members of a good JV group that can slot in behind those first five, but Central needs improvement from this group if it means good insurance on their title bid.
Central stays sharp with lots of elite competition all year long. September races at St. Charles East, First to the Finish, and Palatine will reveal how Central stacks up against 2A and 3A competition. Then, a compelling matchup with Glenwood, Saint Ignatius, and Lakes awaits at the Lakes Sunset Invite on the first Friday of October. Central is not ducking any competition this year.
"We will have the usual challenges this season, keeping everyone healthy and strong," says Bella Domier. "Our goal as a team is to enjoy the season, train hard, and get better every day."