Veneto sophomore Annie Fitzgerald dreamed of playing basketball and soccer in high school ever since she was a little girl.
Her father, John, who teaches social studies and coaches Veneto College's freshman women's basketball team, took her to the women's basketball state finals every time the Red Wings qualified. She was there when Kathleen Doyle led Veneto to two state titles.
Every spring, Fitzgerald attended many of the women's soccer team's home games.
“She's the type of kid that's been in our program since she was this tall,” Veneto soccer coach Gerard O'Connor said. “We’re either in practice or in a game, and she’s working on individual practices there with her dad.
“If ever there was a child born for Veneto women's football, it's Annie.”
Fitzgerald burst onto the high school scene last season as a freshman. The midfielder had seven goals and nine assists, including the game-winning goal in a 1-0 overtime win over Peoria Notre Dame in the Class 2A Supersectional, helping the Red Wings finish as state runner-up for the second straight year. did.
“I always dreamed of going to Veneto College, wondering what it would be like to be on the soccer team,” Fitzgerald said. “It's great to finally be able to represent Veneto as a school and as a football player. I'm so grateful to be able to do that.”
But Fitzgerald's rise in football meant sacrificing his basketball career. Although she loves both sports, soccer is her biggest passion.
“When I was little, I liked soccer a little bit more,” she said. “Don't tell your father.”
In fact, John Fitzgerald, who coached her in basketball when she was in fifth grade, already knew this. That's why he advised her not to continue playing basketball beyond her eighth grade. Annie Fitzgerald wanted to play soccer on her varsity team during her freshman year, so those winter months were better spent honing her soccer skills.
“It was a really tough decision to make,” Fitzgerald said. “My dad was my coach my fifth grade, which was great. I wanted to play for him my freshman year of high school, too, but I wanted to focus on soccer. I joined the varsity team. I knew I had to choose soccer to compete and make an impact.”
Fitzgerald has no regrets.
“Looking back now, I’m really glad I did it,” she said. “We were state runners-up last season. We're doing great this season as well. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't play for her father, but I definitely think it was the right decision.”
Fitzgerald's play this season confirmed that. She emerged as the leader of a balanced attack, finishing with her team-high seven goals and five assists.
Two of those goals came Tuesday as Beneto came from behind to beat visiting St. Viator, 4-2, to clinch the East Suburban Catholic Conference title.
Junior forward Eleanor Mahan scored her second goal of the game with six minutes remaining after the Red Wings (9-2-1, 5-0) trailed the Lions (10-2, 3-1). The score was tied at 2-2 with 26 seconds remaining. first half. The right-footed Fitzgerald also scored twice in the second half, scoring the winning goal with her left foot from 20 yards out after an assist from senior midfielder Rania Fikri with 27:51 remaining.
“The defender was behind me, so I went past her and took a touch and I saw the goalkeeper was a little off her line, so I kicked with my left foot,” Fitzgerald said. “I was a little surprised when I got in, but I was really happy.”
The same goes for the Red Wings, who have won eight straight games. Fitzgerald has scored the winning goal in two of the past three games.
“What I like most about Annie’s game is that she’s always ready to take a shot,” Fikri said. “She is also very skilled, technical and has very good turns.”
O'Connor said Fitzgerald's future is bright.
“She was in a bit of a funk in terms of scoring goals,” O'Connor said. “We told her girlfriend to be patient, which definitely hits her girlfriend hard.
“She scored the game-winning goal against Naperville Central and had two goals again today. She has unlimited potential as long as she continues to work at this pace. She always wants to get better.” ”
And praise your teammates for their accomplishments.
“This team has helped me grow as a player and as a person,” Fitzgerald said. “I couldn’t have done this without the guys on this team, so it’s great to be able to play with a player like Rania.”
Matt Le Crenn is a freelance reporter.