Libertyville forward Molly Koch’s career seemed to be revving up last year.
Koch scored the winning goal during Libertyville’s victory against Lincoln-Way East in the Class 3A third-place game and finished the season with 12 goals and 10 assists.
“I had a great junior season,” she said.
But Koch faced a different reality when she returned to her travel program, FC 1974, in a new age group.
“I wasn’t getting the playing time I was used to getting,” she said. “I struggled, and it hurt my confidence a bit.”
Koch turned that frustration into motivation and has helped the Wildcats (10-3-1, 6-0) return to the top of the North Suburban Conference in her senior season. A fourth-year varsity player, Koch has 11 goals and five assists and is a major factor in Libertyville’s late surge heading into a conference showdown against Stevenson (11-3-2, 4-1-1) on Tuesday.
“She’s definitely a vocal leader who also shows players what we do here with her work ethic,” Libertyville coach Daniel DePaz said. “We challenged her at the start of the season to take a step into that bigger role, being a leader and having expectations. It took awhile for her to get comfortable.”
Koch’s travel team was full of talented players, including Lake Zurich’s Lauren Bailey. Koch said she briefly doubted her ability but grew from the experience.
“Coming off the bench was so difficult,” she said. “There was a lot more pressure than starting a game because you had a secured spot (when starting). I had to take a step back, remotivate myself and talk myself up, knowing what I’m capable of.
“It made me look forward to high school. My coaches believed in me and trusted me and what I could do. High school was a fresh start.”
Libertyville senior goalkeeper Kate Hopma, a Drake recruit, said Koch is a difference-maker for the Wildcats again.
“The last two years, Molly has really grown into an amazing player,” Hopma said. “Her speed, her shot and just her soccer IQ have been a huge part of our offense this season.”
Junior defender Shannon Phillips, an IUPUI commit, agreed Koch’s speed is a weapon.
“There have been many times where our midfielders have been able to find through balls to her because of her movement off the ball and great runs inside near the goal,” Phillips said. “Her speed has also been very important. It’s allowed her to get past many defenders and make good runs down the line or in the middle of the field.”
The Wildcats, who are seeded fourth in the 3A Hersey Sectional and will play 14th-seeded Prospect in the Stevenson Regional semifinals on May 14, have not lost in eight games since their 1-0 defeat against Glenbrook South on April 13.
DePaz said the turning point was Libertyville’s 3-0 victory against conference rival Warren on April 16, the first game after the loss to Glenbrook South. DePaz praised Koch, who scored a goal against Warren.
“I don’t see many players making runs like she makes,” DePaz said. “She’s so dynamic, making looping or corner runs and with the creativity in how she is constantly anticipating getting into that space.”
Koch said her soccer career is trending in the right direction again.
“I’m growing each game,” she said. “It’s great to have a good season. We’re all feeding off each other and have a lot of momentum. We’re all really excited for the playoffs.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
