Junior midfielder Olivia Del Toro possesses a deep appreciation for passing moments.
Del Toro, who plays in an attacking position, also knows how to step up when the opportunity beckons for West Aurora. And for her, it’s like being gifted with a good book on a sunny day.
“I think I am really good at reading the space,” Del Toro said. “I just need that little bit to get that moment and I take my shots. I am always super motivated and energized.
“I’m always looking to go when I get the ball. I always want to score.”
That’s exactly what she did in the 16th minute Tuesday afternoon. Del Toro’s goal powered the Blackhawks to a 1-0 Southwest Prairie Conference victory at Plainfield South.
Del Toro now has scored a team-best 13 goals for West Aurora (7-6-1, 4-2-1). She also has contributed six assists this spring, but this is a story that has been several years in the making.
Two years ago as a freshman, Del Toro suffered a season-ending injury in her varsity debut against East Aurora. Last spring, she opted to play club to optimize her recruiting profile.
The James Madison recruit is now the orchestrator and the driving force of the Blackhawks.
West Aurora’s Sarahi Carlos (9) congratulates Olivia Del Toro (10) after her goal against Plainfield South during a Southwest Prairie Conference game in Plainfield on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (Steve Johnston / The Beacon-News)
“As that attacking midfielder, I just love the feeling of always being in control of how the game flows,” Del Toro said. “I want to be the leader of the team.
“When we need to go fast or we need to slow down and relax, I want to connect all the parts and choose how the game is going to be played.”
Senior goalkeeper Abi Dietlin, who made six saves Tuesday for the Blackhawks, called Del Toro the lightning rod who is an impactful two-way player.
“Olivia is such a great addition to our team,” Dietlin said. “I enjoy her playing midfielder because she not only has control on offense but defense as well.
“I always feel confident when the ball is in her feet, knowing she can break through any defense in front of her.”
West Aurora’s Sonia Alanis (22) clears the ball against Plainfield South during a Southwest Prairie Conference game in Plainfield on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (Steve Johnston / The Beacon-News)
Del Toro started playing at age 4. Her father Ricky, an assistant coach for the men’s soccer team at Aurora University, was her mentor.
“My dad played the same position, the attacking midfielder,” she said. “He always says he sees himself when I play just in the way I run.”
Jorge Espana, in his first year as West Aurora’s coach, needed no introduction to the younger Del Toro. He teaches in West Aurora’s foreign languages department with her father.
Espana has known Olivia since she was a child.
“There is nothing surprising about her talent,” Espana said. “It has always been self-evident. She possesses the ball and just controls the rhythm of the game.
“If we need to attack, she does that. If we have to slow down, she has a great instinct for that.”
West Aurora’s Olivia Del Toro (10) works the ball up the field against Plainfield South during a Southwest Prairie Conference game in Plainfield on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (Steve Johnston / The Beacon-News)
Del Toro’s personality is embedded in her style of play and her approach to the game. She has a keen sense on the field, reflected in her competitive nature and desire for success.
“When I was younger, I loved music, did choir and learned how to play some instruments,” she said. “Now, I love my science classes and I want to be a pharmacist
“I’m pretty quiet until you get to know me, and my leadership style is definitely more by example.
Most importantly, according to Espana, Del Toro is blessed with an instinctive drive that transcends coaching.
”Olivia has that quality that is impossible to teach in that she just has that hunger to score,” he said. “She just makes a difference.”
A life spent around the game has created an unbreakable bond for Del Toro.
“The game is my passion and everything I love to do,” she said. “Whenever I’m on the ball, I am just myself and I am free.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
