Trier's new soccer star Josie Noble has an interesting way of dealing with the pressures that come with being an elite athlete and honors student.
“I really like baking,” she said. “It really calms me down.”
Noble, a senior midfielder who has committed to play at Wake Forest, loves anything sweet, but her favorite concoction is brownies made with Ghirardelli chocolate.
She shares some of her creations with her teammates, who often give her lots of treats at games.
“We have a lot of girls bringing all kinds of candy,” Noble said.
The Trevians may benefit from frequent sugar rushes, but their success is fueled by the gentle play of an all-around leader like Noble, a two-time All-State selection. There is.
“She's a great player. She's technical, understands the game, moves well and always makes her teammates better,” Trier's new coach Jim Burnside said. “But I think the most important thing about Josie is the kind of person she is in that she wants this team to be successful for her kids and her teammates. .
“She truly wants everyone to be successful, everyone to do their best, have fun and win. She's a great leader and a great role model for what we want this program to be.” .”
Noble had seven goals and five assists as a sophomore. During her junior year, her numbers increased to nine goals and nine assists, helping the Trevians reach the Class Supersectional.
All the while, Noble was absorbing knowledge from his older teammates. She took what she learned into her fourth season on the varsity team.
“I've been really lucky to learn something from these really great older girls every year,” she said. “They were really good leaders and really good role models. I try to do what they're doing.”
What Noble has accomplished this season goes far beyond statistics. She had 11 goals and seven assists through 19 games, but her impact can't be measured in mere numbers.
“Jose is just great,” said Trier's new senior forward Charlotte Delin. “What can I say? She's always calm, cool, and collected. Nothing is too crazy for her.”
Thanks to Noble's composure, the Trevians (17-2-4) advanced to Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Classic and the Naperville Invitational, widely considered to be two of the best regular-season tournaments in the state. Able to remain consistent even with a typically demanding schedule that includes appearances. .
At the Naperville Invitational, Noble won the Golden Ball Award, given to the tournament's best player, and New Trier won without a loss. Noble scored the winning goal in the semifinals.
“Things may not go as planned, but nothing upsets Josie,” Delin said. “I think that contributes to her being able to do so many things.
“She helps the team and puts herself in a position to score.”
To be sure, New Trier is not a one-man team. The Trevians are loaded with talent. Delin is a freshman at Fairfield, senior forward Jamie Elias is a freshman at Texas Tech and senior defender Basie Shannon is a freshman at Idaho State.
This gives Noble many options when leading the attack.
“My favorite thing is through balls,” Noble said. “We're really lucky to have fast outside mids and forwards. Every game is really fun.”
Playing alongside Noble makes the sport even more fun for Delin.
“I run all over the place, but me and Josie can have simple interactions quickly,” Delin said. “When you have one person who has a calming, positive presence, even when others don’t, it sets the tone for everyone else, especially considering she’s a senior leader.” You decide.”
Noble, who says he wants to be a chef at a large restaurant one day, is equally good in the classroom, with a 4.2 GPA.
“School is definitely a priority,” she said. “Coach always says I'm lucky to coach at New Trier because the kids here are really smart. Everyone here is very academically motivated and great.”
Noble has not yet decided what he will study at Wake Forest.
“I lean toward business,” she said. “I love mathematics.”
Burnside said Noble's intangible assets will add up to be significant. How well can she play at the collegiate level?
“That remains to be seen,” Burnside said. “She is very passionate about her soccer performance and what she can do. She thinks she can be great.
“She's willing to work, she's willing to push herself to get better, she's willing to push herself to learn, and that's what makes her potential limitless.”
Matt Le Crenn is a freelance reporter.