About the Super-State first team players
Super-State selections are based on nominations received from coaches and staff observations.
Boys
Josh Gable, Jr., forward, Kearney
Of note: As the best player on his team, Gable got pushed and shoved every time he got the ball. He still scored 25 goals and had nine assists, and had coaches from North Platte to Omaha talking about his skills and speed.
Defining moment: In a game between ranked teams, Gable kept applying pressure from all over the field to help the Bearcats beat Lincoln East 5-1. He scored a goal and set up at least two others that day.
In his coach’s words: "Josh has played a big role in putting Kearney back on the soccer map, and making us contenders year in and year out," Scott Steinbrook said.
Aaron Galley, Sr., forward, Millard West
Of note: Galley was the guy a lot of coaches worried about. For good reason, too, as the school’s all-time leading scorer had 24 goals and 12 assists.
Defining moment: Galley was known as a consistent player, but it didn't get much better than having three goals and an assist in a regular-season win against Millard South.
In his coach’s words: "When Aaron and Tommy Heavey were clicking,” Ron Beernink said, “we were a very difficult team to stop.”
Jordan Green, Sr., forward, Lincoln Southeast
Of note: Records were meant to be broken, and Green shattered a few of Southeast’s. He has school records for career goals (47), career assists (26) and assists in a season (17). He had 16 goals this season, and will play for Nebraska Wesleyan.
Defining moment: He had some good games this season, but coach Linda Wilson still can't believe a match from last year. Southeast was down big against North Platte, but in a 30-minute stretch in the second half, Green scored four goals and the Knights won.
In his coach’s words: "Jordan's ability to score goals, as well as assist other scorers over a period of several years, has been phenomenal," Wilson said.
B.J. Marino, Sr., forward, Omaha Westside
Of note: Marino helped Westside win a lot of games, and with his big season has the school record for goals in a season (23). He's got a scholarship to play at Rockhurst College.
Defining moment: "Against Millard South, we had a direct free kick 30 yards from the goal," coach Bruce Skinner said. "B.J. took the kick and sent a low rocket past the Millard South wall and the goalkeeper into the far corner of the goal. The Millard South goalkeeper, the players in the wall, both benches and the fans just looked for a moment and went, 'Wow.' The shot made the sports highlights that evening and Westside won 3-2."
Seth Neben, Sr., midfielder, Lincoln Southwest
Of note: Neben is like the star point guard, working the ball into the dirty areas and then sending a beauty of a pass to help somebody else get an easy score. A rare four-year starter, he has school records for career assists (45) and career goals (30). He'll play NCAA Division I soccer at New Mexico.
Defining moment: "In the second half against Kearney, with his team playing a man down, he carried the ball 40 yards past three defenders, drawing two more defenders to the end line, laid the ball off to a teammate running on for the score," coach Dan Carpenter said.
In his coach’s words: "We have built a lot of what we do as a team off of Seth's abilities," Carpenter said.
Nate Polak, Sr., midfielder, Lincoln Pius X
Of note: With 17 goals and 15 assists, Polak scored more than most forwards. Pius X had never got past the state semifinals before Polak arrived, and he had a part in the Thunderbolts making the championship match the past three seasons. He'll play Division I soccer at Drake.
Defining moment: For Pius X, it doesn't get much bigger than playing Lincoln Lutheran, and Polak was good in each of those games. In the regular-season game against the Warriors, he had two goals and an assist, and in the district championship, Polak had two assists.
In his coach’s words: "Nate is best known for his tenacity to win the ball back after losing possession," Harlan Milder said. "He has a blistering finish from anywhere within 35 yards of the goal."
Devon Strecker, Sr., midfielder, Millard South
Of note: Nearly every coach had Strecker's name near the top of their ballot, and one coach went as far to say Strecker was the most valuable player he's ever seen one team have. After a late-season loss, Millard South was out of wild-card contention and faced five elimination games. With great performances by Strecker, Millard South won them all to get its first state title. He had 18 goals and 13 assists.
Defining moment: Strecker was at his best when it mattered most, having a part in each of the Patriots' goals during their state tournament run.
In his coach’s words: "I've never seen a performance quite as good as his in the state tournament," Jim Cooney said.
Justin Burns, Sr., defender, Lincoln East
Of note: He started three years, and that's really saying something. Burns spent time at both defender and central midfielder this season, and had a big impact on the game anywhere coach Jeff Hoham put him.
Defining moment: The Spartans were on verge of not making state until they upset Lincoln Southwest in the district final. Burns converted a game-tying penalty kick late in the second half of that game.
In his coach’s words: "Justin is a fast, physical and intelligent player," Hoham said. "His field awareness and communication skills make him an all-around solid player."
Derek Prinz, Sr., defender, Millard North
Of note: Prinz was a big reason why Millard North had five shutouts this season, and he also played well during Millard North's perfect season last year.
Defining moment: "I think his importance to our team is best demonstrated by the fact that Derek sat out only 20 minutes the entire season," coach Bill Cunningham said.
In his coach’s words: "He always had to mark the opponent's most effective offensive player,” Cunningham said.
Marcus Schademann, Sr., defender, Lincoln Pius X
Of note: Defenders sometimes have a tough time standing out, but it was easy to see that Schademann had a huge impact on each of the Thunderbolts' matches. The Bolts' ability to transition from defending to scoring so quickly was largely because of Schademann. The Bradley recruit had six goals and five assists as a defender.
Defining moment: "I can honesty say in four years that Marcus has only had a couple 'off' matches," coach Milder said. "His consistency is the hallmark of his play. Marcus frustrated the best attackers in both Class A and B to no end.”
In his coach’s words: "Marcus is among the most consistent, creative and vocal defenders that I've observed play in Nebraska in some time," Milder said. "From his second match in his freshman year, it was apparent that Marcus played at a different level."
Thomas Sudyka, Sr., keeper, Omaha Creighton Prep
Of note: He helped Creighton Prep get to the state championship match. With Sudyka in goal, Prep won both of its shootouts and three other overtime games. He's earned one of the three spots for goalkeepers at Loyola University in Chicago.
Defining moment: The stadium was buzzing about Sudyka's performance in an overtime win against Omaha South in the first round of the state tournament.
In his coach’s words: "His performance in the South game at state was extraordinary," coach Jim Swanson said.
Girls
Stacy Bartels, Jr., forward, Omaha Skutt
Of note: Bartels is believed to be the first Omaha Skutt girls soccer player to earn first-team Super-State honors. With 26 goals and 14 assists this season, she is the SkyHawks' all-time leading scorer.
Defining moment: Bartels scored six goals during the state tournament, helping the SkyHawks reach the championship match.
In her coach’s words: "I knew we had a great player when Stacy did more than hold her own and never backed down against Carly Peetz, when going against her one-on-one as a freshman in 2006," John Carlson said.
Rebecca Crabb, Sr., forward, Omaha Westside
Of note: Great players are usually in position to make great plays, and that's what you can say about Crabb. She had 24 goals and seven assists.
Defining moment: Westside scored five goals in three state tournament games, and Crabb had all of them. She played the championship match despite having the flu, needing two liters of fluid at a hospital before the match.
In her coach’s words: "Epitome of the phrase, 'Go-to player,’” Don Gilpin said. "One of the most versatile players I have ever coached."
Brianna Exstrom, Jr., forward, Lincoln Southwest
Of note: It doesn't take a soccer coach to figure out that Exstrom is usually one of the best players on the field. With an impressive 17 assists to go along with 25 goals, there aren't many school records Exstrom doesn't hold.
Defining moment: "In every game that she's been frustrated by tough defense or held in check the first half, she's shrugged it off and scored one, two, or three goals in the second half," coach Dan Tharp said.
In her coach’s words: "Bri is the player every great team needs," Tharp said. "Double- or triple-teamed, she still has the ability to break through."
Molly Thomas, Sr., forward, Millard North
Of note: Soccer fans will be talking about Thomas for some time. Her ability to get off a shot in traffic was something to behold, as evident by her 35 goals and eight assists this season.
Defining moment: During the state tournament, Thomas scored six of the Mustangs' 11 goals. She had two goals, including the game winner, in the championship match.
In her coach’s words: "I am sure by the double- and triple-defensive coverage, that she was the player the opposition was extremely nervous about,” John Walsh said. "As one coach put it after the state tournament, they were glad they never had to play against her again."
Allison Adam, Jr., midfielder, Millard West
Of note: A pretty good way to win a lot of soccer matches is to keep possession of the ball, and that's what Adam helps Millard West do. She had a school-record 14 assists to go along with six goals, and has helped the Wildcats reach the state semifinals the past three seasons.
Defining moment: "You know you have a special player when their best games occur in your biggest games, and Allie is always at her best in the biggest games," coach Jacque Tevis-Butler said.
In her coach’s words: "Allie is our quarterback,” Tevis-Butler said. “We want the ball at her feet."
Lauren Berner, Sr., midfielder, Omaha Westside
Of note: Berner was a big reason why teammate Rebecca Crabb was able to score goals anywhere on the field. Berner, who had nine goals and nine assists, received a scholarship from Drake.
Defining moment: "Two games into the season, in what was a sluggish start, Lauren became the coach on the field and through her example made everyone around her play at a higher level," coach Don Gilpin said.
In her coach’s words: "Because of her unselfishness and ability to force the other team to defend her and then distribute the ball, she made a lot of her teammates look good," Gilpin said.
Makenzie Gillaspie, Sr., midfielder, Elkhorn
Of note: She was the one Class B player that all the Class A coaches wished they had, because few players in the state can control the middle of the field like her. Gillaspie was an all-state player all four seasons, and had 23 goals and 12 assists this year.
Defining moment: "There have been several matches throughout the years that Makenzie finally took it upon herself after we struggled to score to just make a quick turn and blast an incredible shot," coach Judy Breed said.
In her coach’s words: "She appears out of nowhere, steals the ball, makes a move and starts looking for the perfect pass," Breed said. "She's the ultimate defender, drawing the other team's best player, and clearing the ball out time and time again."
Brittney Neumann, Jr., midfielder, Millard North
Of note: Neumann had a steady 14-goal, 14-assist season, and the Creighton recruit won her second state championship in three seasons.
Defining moment: She had a great state tournament, but, really, there weren't many games where the opposing coach didn’t notice how tenacious that No. 3 was.
In her coach’s words: "Brittney has a nose for the goal, and has continued to get better with her first touch and passing," John Walsh said.
Becca Swanson, Sr., midfield, Millard North
Of note: It's because of players such as Swanson that teammates such as Molly Thomas make scoring goals look so effortless. Swanson had 12 goals and 14 assists this season, and will play for Nebraska-Omaha.
Defining moment: "The assist she gave Molly Thomas on the first goal in the (state) finals was a thing of beauty," coach Walsh said. "The ball was bouncing and not under control, and Becca settled it down, laid it off to Molly and then screened the keeper while Molly slid the ball into the corner."
In her coach’s words: "Becca was the glue that controlled the midfield and held much of the offense together with her presence and assists," Walsh said.
Amanda Woelfel, Jr., defender, Millard North
Of note: Woelfel was the leader on a defense that was pretty darn tough. The Mustangs had 13 shutouts, including two in the state tournament.
Defining moment: Anybody who was at the state semifinals and championship match will tell you Millard North's defense was tested, but Woelfel saved the Mustangs more than a few times.
In her coach’s words: "Her ability to clean up any mistakes, organize the defense on free kicks and her ability to take free kicks for our team makes her invaluable," Walsh said.
Caitlin Stier, Jr., keeper, Omaha Westside
Of note: She helped get her team back to the state championship match for the second straight season, and has school records for season and career shutouts.
Defining moment: After losing an early season shootout to Millard West, Stier took it personally. The Warriors went to three more shootouts. They won them all, with Stier coming up with plenty of big saves along the way.
In her coach’s words: "Technically, Caitlin is the best I've seen," coach Gilpin said.
Boys
Josh Gable, Jr., forward, Kearney
Of note: As the best player on his team, Gable got pushed and shoved every time he got the ball. He still scored 25 goals and had nine assists, and had coaches from North Platte to Omaha talking about his skills and speed.
Defining moment: In a game between ranked teams, Gable kept applying pressure from all over the field to help the Bearcats beat Lincoln East 5-1. He scored a goal and set up at least two others that day.
In his coach’s words: "Josh has played a big role in putting Kearney back on the soccer map, and making us contenders year in and year out," Scott Steinbrook said.
Aaron Galley, Sr., forward, Millard West
Of note: Galley was the guy a lot of coaches worried about. For good reason, too, as the school’s all-time leading scorer had 24 goals and 12 assists.
Defining moment: Galley was known as a consistent player, but it didn't get much better than having three goals and an assist in a regular-season win against Millard South.
In his coach’s words: "When Aaron and Tommy Heavey were clicking,” Ron Beernink said, “we were a very difficult team to stop.”
Jordan Green, Sr., forward, Lincoln Southeast
Of note: Records were meant to be broken, and Green shattered a few of Southeast’s. He has school records for career goals (47), career assists (26) and assists in a season (17). He had 16 goals this season, and will play for Nebraska Wesleyan.
Defining moment: He had some good games this season, but coach Linda Wilson still can't believe a match from last year. Southeast was down big against North Platte, but in a 30-minute stretch in the second half, Green scored four goals and the Knights won.
In his coach’s words: "Jordan's ability to score goals, as well as assist other scorers over a period of several years, has been phenomenal," Wilson said.
B.J. Marino, Sr., forward, Omaha Westside
Of note: Marino helped Westside win a lot of games, and with his big season has the school record for goals in a season (23). He's got a scholarship to play at Rockhurst College.
Defining moment: "Against Millard South, we had a direct free kick 30 yards from the goal," coach Bruce Skinner said. "B.J. took the kick and sent a low rocket past the Millard South wall and the goalkeeper into the far corner of the goal. The Millard South goalkeeper, the players in the wall, both benches and the fans just looked for a moment and went, 'Wow.' The shot made the sports highlights that evening and Westside won 3-2."
Seth Neben, Sr., midfielder, Lincoln Southwest
Of note: Neben is like the star point guard, working the ball into the dirty areas and then sending a beauty of a pass to help somebody else get an easy score. A rare four-year starter, he has school records for career assists (45) and career goals (30). He'll play NCAA Division I soccer at New Mexico.
Defining moment: "In the second half against Kearney, with his team playing a man down, he carried the ball 40 yards past three defenders, drawing two more defenders to the end line, laid the ball off to a teammate running on for the score," coach Dan Carpenter said.
In his coach’s words: "We have built a lot of what we do as a team off of Seth's abilities," Carpenter said.
Nate Polak, Sr., midfielder, Lincoln Pius X
Of note: With 17 goals and 15 assists, Polak scored more than most forwards. Pius X had never got past the state semifinals before Polak arrived, and he had a part in the Thunderbolts making the championship match the past three seasons. He'll play Division I soccer at Drake.
Defining moment: For Pius X, it doesn't get much bigger than playing Lincoln Lutheran, and Polak was good in each of those games. In the regular-season game against the Warriors, he had two goals and an assist, and in the district championship, Polak had two assists.
In his coach’s words: "Nate is best known for his tenacity to win the ball back after losing possession," Harlan Milder said. "He has a blistering finish from anywhere within 35 yards of the goal."
Devon Strecker, Sr., midfielder, Millard South
Of note: Nearly every coach had Strecker's name near the top of their ballot, and one coach went as far to say Strecker was the most valuable player he's ever seen one team have. After a late-season loss, Millard South was out of wild-card contention and faced five elimination games. With great performances by Strecker, Millard South won them all to get its first state title. He had 18 goals and 13 assists.
Defining moment: Strecker was at his best when it mattered most, having a part in each of the Patriots' goals during their state tournament run.
In his coach’s words: "I've never seen a performance quite as good as his in the state tournament," Jim Cooney said.
Justin Burns, Sr., defender, Lincoln East
Of note: He started three years, and that's really saying something. Burns spent time at both defender and central midfielder this season, and had a big impact on the game anywhere coach Jeff Hoham put him.
Defining moment: The Spartans were on verge of not making state until they upset Lincoln Southwest in the district final. Burns converted a game-tying penalty kick late in the second half of that game.
In his coach’s words: "Justin is a fast, physical and intelligent player," Hoham said. "His field awareness and communication skills make him an all-around solid player."
Derek Prinz, Sr., defender, Millard North
Of note: Prinz was a big reason why Millard North had five shutouts this season, and he also played well during Millard North's perfect season last year.
Defining moment: "I think his importance to our team is best demonstrated by the fact that Derek sat out only 20 minutes the entire season," coach Bill Cunningham said.
In his coach’s words: "He always had to mark the opponent's most effective offensive player,” Cunningham said.
Marcus Schademann, Sr., defender, Lincoln Pius X
Of note: Defenders sometimes have a tough time standing out, but it was easy to see that Schademann had a huge impact on each of the Thunderbolts' matches. The Bolts' ability to transition from defending to scoring so quickly was largely because of Schademann. The Bradley recruit had six goals and five assists as a defender.
Defining moment: "I can honesty say in four years that Marcus has only had a couple 'off' matches," coach Milder said. "His consistency is the hallmark of his play. Marcus frustrated the best attackers in both Class A and B to no end.”
In his coach’s words: "Marcus is among the most consistent, creative and vocal defenders that I've observed play in Nebraska in some time," Milder said. "From his second match in his freshman year, it was apparent that Marcus played at a different level."
Thomas Sudyka, Sr., keeper, Omaha Creighton Prep
Of note: He helped Creighton Prep get to the state championship match. With Sudyka in goal, Prep won both of its shootouts and three other overtime games. He's earned one of the three spots for goalkeepers at Loyola University in Chicago.
Defining moment: The stadium was buzzing about Sudyka's performance in an overtime win against Omaha South in the first round of the state tournament.
In his coach’s words: "His performance in the South game at state was extraordinary," coach Jim Swanson said.
Girls
Stacy Bartels, Jr., forward, Omaha Skutt
Of note: Bartels is believed to be the first Omaha Skutt girls soccer player to earn first-team Super-State honors. With 26 goals and 14 assists this season, she is the SkyHawks' all-time leading scorer.
Defining moment: Bartels scored six goals during the state tournament, helping the SkyHawks reach the championship match.
In her coach’s words: "I knew we had a great player when Stacy did more than hold her own and never backed down against Carly Peetz, when going against her one-on-one as a freshman in 2006," John Carlson said.
Rebecca Crabb, Sr., forward, Omaha Westside
Of note: Great players are usually in position to make great plays, and that's what you can say about Crabb. She had 24 goals and seven assists.
Defining moment: Westside scored five goals in three state tournament games, and Crabb had all of them. She played the championship match despite having the flu, needing two liters of fluid at a hospital before the match.
In her coach’s words: "Epitome of the phrase, 'Go-to player,’” Don Gilpin said. "One of the most versatile players I have ever coached."
Brianna Exstrom, Jr., forward, Lincoln Southwest
Of note: It doesn't take a soccer coach to figure out that Exstrom is usually one of the best players on the field. With an impressive 17 assists to go along with 25 goals, there aren't many school records Exstrom doesn't hold.
Defining moment: "In every game that she's been frustrated by tough defense or held in check the first half, she's shrugged it off and scored one, two, or three goals in the second half," coach Dan Tharp said.
In her coach’s words: "Bri is the player every great team needs," Tharp said. "Double- or triple-teamed, she still has the ability to break through."
Molly Thomas, Sr., forward, Millard North
Of note: Soccer fans will be talking about Thomas for some time. Her ability to get off a shot in traffic was something to behold, as evident by her 35 goals and eight assists this season.
Defining moment: During the state tournament, Thomas scored six of the Mustangs' 11 goals. She had two goals, including the game winner, in the championship match.
In her coach’s words: "I am sure by the double- and triple-defensive coverage, that she was the player the opposition was extremely nervous about,” John Walsh said. "As one coach put it after the state tournament, they were glad they never had to play against her again."
Allison Adam, Jr., midfielder, Millard West
Of note: A pretty good way to win a lot of soccer matches is to keep possession of the ball, and that's what Adam helps Millard West do. She had a school-record 14 assists to go along with six goals, and has helped the Wildcats reach the state semifinals the past three seasons.
Defining moment: "You know you have a special player when their best games occur in your biggest games, and Allie is always at her best in the biggest games," coach Jacque Tevis-Butler said.
In her coach’s words: "Allie is our quarterback,” Tevis-Butler said. “We want the ball at her feet."
Lauren Berner, Sr., midfielder, Omaha Westside
Of note: Berner was a big reason why teammate Rebecca Crabb was able to score goals anywhere on the field. Berner, who had nine goals and nine assists, received a scholarship from Drake.
Defining moment: "Two games into the season, in what was a sluggish start, Lauren became the coach on the field and through her example made everyone around her play at a higher level," coach Don Gilpin said.
In her coach’s words: "Because of her unselfishness and ability to force the other team to defend her and then distribute the ball, she made a lot of her teammates look good," Gilpin said.
Makenzie Gillaspie, Sr., midfielder, Elkhorn
Of note: She was the one Class B player that all the Class A coaches wished they had, because few players in the state can control the middle of the field like her. Gillaspie was an all-state player all four seasons, and had 23 goals and 12 assists this year.
Defining moment: "There have been several matches throughout the years that Makenzie finally took it upon herself after we struggled to score to just make a quick turn and blast an incredible shot," coach Judy Breed said.
In her coach’s words: "She appears out of nowhere, steals the ball, makes a move and starts looking for the perfect pass," Breed said. "She's the ultimate defender, drawing the other team's best player, and clearing the ball out time and time again."
Brittney Neumann, Jr., midfielder, Millard North
Of note: Neumann had a steady 14-goal, 14-assist season, and the Creighton recruit won her second state championship in three seasons.
Defining moment: She had a great state tournament, but, really, there weren't many games where the opposing coach didn’t notice how tenacious that No. 3 was.
In her coach’s words: "Brittney has a nose for the goal, and has continued to get better with her first touch and passing," John Walsh said.
Becca Swanson, Sr., midfield, Millard North
Of note: It's because of players such as Swanson that teammates such as Molly Thomas make scoring goals look so effortless. Swanson had 12 goals and 14 assists this season, and will play for Nebraska-Omaha.
Defining moment: "The assist she gave Molly Thomas on the first goal in the (state) finals was a thing of beauty," coach Walsh said. "The ball was bouncing and not under control, and Becca settled it down, laid it off to Molly and then screened the keeper while Molly slid the ball into the corner."
In her coach’s words: "Becca was the glue that controlled the midfield and held much of the offense together with her presence and assists," Walsh said.
Amanda Woelfel, Jr., defender, Millard North
Of note: Woelfel was the leader on a defense that was pretty darn tough. The Mustangs had 13 shutouts, including two in the state tournament.
Defining moment: Anybody who was at the state semifinals and championship match will tell you Millard North's defense was tested, but Woelfel saved the Mustangs more than a few times.
In her coach’s words: "Her ability to clean up any mistakes, organize the defense on free kicks and her ability to take free kicks for our team makes her invaluable," Walsh said.
Caitlin Stier, Jr., keeper, Omaha Westside
Of note: She helped get her team back to the state championship match for the second straight season, and has school records for season and career shutouts.
Defining moment: After losing an early season shootout to Millard West, Stier took it personally. The Warriors went to three more shootouts. They won them all, with Stier coming up with plenty of big saves along the way.
In her coach’s words: "Technically, Caitlin is the best I've seen," coach Gilpin said.
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