Even in the rain, junior forward Kaitlin Glenn kept pushing through for St. Charles North.
In the process, Glenn got the North Stars within striking distance of a significant achievement.
“I just love the pressure of that situation,” she said. “I feel like pressure drives me to be better. I’ve had coaches tell me pressure is a privilege, and it gives you the confidence to play better.”
Glenn couldn’t have played any better Saturday night.
She scored a goal in the 83rd minute to complete the North Stars’ rally from a 2-1 deficit and give them a 3-2 lead in the Class 3A state championship game at North Central College in Naperville.
New Trier, however, netted the equalizer late in the first overtime. After Glenn converted her penalty kick, the Trevians then finished off the 4-3 victory with a 5-4 decision in the shootout.
Glenn’s goal on an assist from senior forward Rian Spaulding at the start of the first OT gave St. Charles North (18-3-5) its only lead. Glenn ended the season with six goals and five assists.
Senior forward Laney Stark scored twice, including a thrilling, game-tying goal in the 78th minute.
St. Charles North’s Kaitlin Glenn (25) takes a shot at the net against New Trier in the Class 3A state championship game at North Central College in Naperville on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson/ The Beacon-News)
The goal by Glenn in OT, though, marked the culmination of her creative and dynamic effort.
“We always worked in practice on getting through balls and crosses into the box,” she said.
Overall, Glenn helped the North Stars reach the championship game for the first time since 2012.
“Kaitlin is a gamer,” St. Charles North coach Brian Harks said. “She’s a fierce competitor who hates to lose. When the moment arose during that overtime, she made the most of it.
“From her freshman year, there’s been tremendous growth in her game. She really stepped up.”
By her own admission, Glenn is an extrovert with an artist’s flair and creativity. She played the piano until age 14. Her mother, Megan, played soccer in college. Her father, David, played hockey.
Glenn thought of taking up hockey in tribute to her dad, but soccer captured her heart early. Her skating experience did boost her development regarding balance, poise and athleticism.
St. Charles North’s Kaitlin Glenn (25) moves the ball up the field against New Trier in the Class 3A state championship game at North Central College in Naperville on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson/ The Beacon-News)
“My parents are my greatest inspiration,” Glenn said. “They always taught me to play with confidence, to believe I was the best and anything can happen if you play with that assurance.”
With a boundless and open style, Glenn takes advantage of her speed, quickness and first touch.
“I love to serve the ball, play hard and be with players who want to be creative and just have fun with the game,” she said.
A three-year varsity player, Glenn made the leap from situational player to prominent starter. At nearly 5-foot-8, she combines ideal size with power and a commanding presence on the ball.
Her teammates have taken note.
“Kaitlyn and I have developed a really nice chemistry of playing together,” Spaulding said. “I always have faith when I cross the ball that she’s going to put the ball in the back of the net.
“She’s just an awesome person, very kind, and she always brings great energy.”
St. Charles North’s Chloe Kirsten (10) tries to hold off New Trier’s Addy Randall, left, in the Class 3A state championship game at North Central College in Naperville on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson/ The Beacon-News)
In a sport where chemistry is everything, Glenn was able to solidify and bring the team together.
“Since I’ve been in the program, this is the best this team’s bonding has ever been,” she said. “We all get along, and I just feel it’s the connections with one another like Rian passing me the ball.
“The communication we have made us so successful.”
Despite the heartbreaking final result, Glenn walked away happy about the North Stars’ approach.
“Our coaches told us that soccer is like jazz — you never know what’s going to happen,” she said after taking second but not feeling they were second best. “You just have to go with the flow.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
