Zeilstra, Kocol among key returners for Trojans.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
Timothy Christian girls soccer coach Jon Hamelinck has plenty to be excited about with his squad this season.
The Trojans return a number of key performers from a 2016 team that won 10 games and went 3-2 in the Metro Suburban Conference East Division (now known as the Red Division).
Leading the way are seniors Allison Zeilstra and Heather Kocol. Zeilstra had seven goals and six assists last year, while Kocol played center back all of last year as a junior.
“We have a lot of returning seniors to our team this year, although we graduated almost all our starting midfield from last year,” said Hamelinck. “We have plenty of girls ready to fill in the gaps. We have stronger numbers this year, which allows us to have two levels, which is great for everyone getting game experience. This is the hardest-working group I’ve had so far and they are doing a great job of pushing each other.”
Hamelinck calls Zeilstra the “Energizer Bunny” of the team “who doesn’t quit,” he said. “She is a great leader and is not satisfied with good enough. She’ll play whistle to whistle regardless of the game or the weather.”
Kocol is a key component to Timothy’s defense. “Heather is small but mighty,” said Hamelinck. “She’s fearless at tackling and has speed to burn. We’ll rely heavily on her to stabilize our back end.”
The Trojans also are bolstered by goalie Shayna Smits, who played the position last year. “Shayna had a starting role last year as a sophomore and learned a lot,” the coach said. “She’s getting more comfortable on the field and with being vocal. She’s already shown great strides at the start of this year and we’ll need her to be huge for us if we want to have success.”
And yet another returner is Maddie Schaafsma, who had six goals and five assists a year ago. “Maddie loves to score goals,” said Hamelinck. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she doubles that output this year.”
Sophomore Abby Cartensen is a key newcomer to the team this season. “There definitely are some new faces in the middle of the field for us,” said Hamelinck. “Some girls will be asked to step into greater roles, but they are well-equipped for the job. Abby is one of those new faces and we’re looking forward to what she can bring to our team. She has a great touch and good vision. With us graduating a lot of starters from the middle of the field, we’ll need Abby to distribute well and be aggressive. She has a lot of raw talent and we’re excited about what she’s going to bring to the team.”
Hamelinck said there is a lot of potential on the offensive side of the ball. “We have a lot of girls who can put the ball in the back of the net,” he said. The coach added the team is working hard on getting those players into a position to take those shots. “It’s a work in progress,” he said.
Hamelinck reiterated one of the team’s key strengths is the work ethic it displays during workouts. “I like their hard-working mentality,” he said. “They know how to keep the mood light, but can turn it on in practices. I’m looking forward to this. I think we have a lot to prove and there are girls who have a lot to learn yet. They are getting better and things are going along really well. It’s a close-knit group and we’re only two weeks in. I’m excited what this season will bring. We are not done.”
