Carmel junior midfielder Libby Magnone is obviously dedicated to soccer.
Magnone testified before an Illinois House committee in March in support of the Right to Play Act, which would give student-athletes limited opportunities to participate in nonschool events in the same sport in the same season. An Illinois High School Association bylaw forbids that.
“Libby is extremely passionate about this topic, and I am incredibly proud of her as she advocates for what she believes in,” Carmel coach Stephanie Kile said. “It’s impressive to see her take it as far as she has and speak on this topic with such maturity.”
But soccer is not Magnone’s only interest. She also competes in logrolling and plays the violin.
“I think it’s really important to be well-rounded and to have (other) things that define me as a person,” she said. “They also give me unique perspectives on a lot of things and provide me with amazing experiences.”
The Right to Play Act is personal for Magnone, who couldn’t play soccer for the Corsairs during her first two seasons after she participated in the Girls Academy League’s Champions Cup in Florida in March each year. The bill would allow her to do both. The state House has passed the measure, which awaits state Senate action.
“I’m honored to represent an issue like this,” Magnone said. “I’m happy to make a change. If you are passionate about something, you have to do it.”
Magnone has also spurred change with the Corsairs (6-9-2, 4-1), who have bounced back from a poor start to contend for the East Suburban Catholic Conference title. She has been a big part of the resurgence, recording eight goals and nine assists.
Kile said Magnone is a huge asset for the program.
“Libby is very talented,” Kile said. “She reads the game exceptionally well, is calm on the ball, makes smart decisions under pressure and is creative in the final third. Her play in the midfield and constant movement has allowed us to increase our possession rate and create dangerous goal-scoring opportunities.”
Carmel junior midfielder Ryleigh Sydell said Magnone gives the team a different dynamic.
“Libby is definitely a big leader on our team and especially on the field,” Sydell said. “Her communication is key. She is always motivating us during the game.
“She also never gives up and always fights for the ball, which makes her stand out.”
Magnone’s commitment to the sport goes beyond anything she does with her teams.
“Libby has a great work ethic and is always looking to improve her game,” Kile said. “She does extra work outside of practice when no one is watching.”
Magnone said missing her first two seasons of high school soccer taught her the importance of appreciating what matters to her. She spent last season as a manager for the Corsairs.
“It makes me realize that being able to play this year and play with people I love can’t be taken for granted,” she said.
Kile said she wasn’t surprised by Magnone’s testimony and called her a natural leader.
“On the field, she is a fierce competitor,” Kile said. “Off the field, it has been wonderful to see how she inspires change for Illinois high school soccer.”
Sydell said Magnone has handled the attention well.
“I think it was super impressive,” Sydell said. “It also shows what kind of person she is. She is very passionate and driven about the topic.”
Logrolling is important to Magnone too. She said she first got involved in it when she was 3 years old and has won four of her family’s 10 world titles in the sport.
“Logrolling is super fun,” she said. “I tried it once and just stuck with it. It’s very different from soccer. It’s very individualized.”
Magnone, who said she has a 4.42 GPA, also plays the violin and noted there are both individual and team aspects to it. She is part of a Carmel ensemble.
“Playing the violin calms me down after a stressful week,” she said. “Playing in an ensemble and playing together is so beautiful when everything comes together.”
With Magnone, the Corsairs are coming together too.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
