Adelyn Thomas is confident in her soccer abilities, but she went into her freshman season this spring at Lincoln-Way East with modest expectations.
Thomas figured she could be a role player and spend the year learning. But becoming a 20-plus goal scorer? That’s been beyond her wildest dreams.
“I honestly didn’t think I’d have this much of an impact, but at the same time, the girls are super supportive and they were very welcoming,” Thomas said. “So, once I met all the girls, I definitely thought it’d be a great season.”
The postseason has been especially memorable for Thomas.
The freshman midfielder has scored eight goals in three playoff games. She produced her second consecutive hat trick Tuesday night, leading the Griffins to a 4-1 win over Lincoln-Way West in a Class 3A Joliet West Sectional semifinal.
Missouri State recruit Ellie Feigl added a goal for top-seeded Lincoln-Way East (18-3-1). Hannah Tokarski and Maddie Strzechowski each picked up an assist.
The Griffins will play at 5 p.m. Friday in the sectional final against second-seeded Lincoln-Way Central (16-3), a 2-0 winner over third-seeded Andrew (15-6-2). Lincoln-Way East beat the Knights 3-0 on April 10.
Milwaukee recruit Kiersten White scored a goal and junior goalkeeper Cora Franczyk made 13 saves for fourth-seeded Lincoln-Way West (10-8).
Thomas’ three goals came in a span of just under eight minutes. She scored twice in 50 seconds before completing the hat trick in the 17th minute.
Feigl, a senior forward who put the Griffins ahead 4-0 less than two minutes later, has certainly been impressed by the freshman star.
“She’s obviously played an intricate role,” Feigl said of Thomas. “She has a great shot and she’s scored a lot of goals that way. We’re all so happy to have her on the team.
“She’s definitely fun to be around and she obviously contributes a lot. We’re all very proud of her, and she’s going to keep doing what she’s doing.”
Thomas said it’s been tough playing against more experienced players, but she has adjusted well.
“The biggest challenge is playing with new people,” Thomas said. “You have to adapt to that. Plus, I’m playing against people two or three years older than me. You have to play a different style. You can’t just dribble past everyone.
“Everyone’s going to be stronger and faster than you. You have to play very quickly.”
Thomas showed she can do that Tuesday night. Two of her goals were unassisted and featured her carrying the ball a long way down the middle of the field, beating defenders along the way.
Thomas’ playoff heroics have been dazzling, according to Lincoln-Way East coach Mike Murphy.
“She’s on another level right now,” Murphy said of Thomas. “We knew coming in that she was an elite player. At first, I definitely questioned if a freshman could step up to this level, but there’s no doubt she has.
“She’s just a special player. I’m glad she’s on my team.”
Thomas, who also has 15 assists, is now tied with Feigl for the team lead with 21 goals. It’s been quite a dynamic duo.
“I think we both have a goal-scoring mentality and that knack for finding the back of the net,” Feigl said. “It’s wanting to score at whatever cost it takes. We’ve definitely been able to play off each other. I’ve had assists to her. She’s had assists to me.
“We didn’t know each other before this season, but we’ve been able to quickly build a friendship and play well together.”
Thomas has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old. She knew a long time ago that it was her sport.
“I feel like it’s just the contact and the fact that you never stop running,” Thomas said. “I’ve always enjoyed it.”
