Naperville Central’s Nicole Sacek commits to Wyoming

Naperville Central junior midfielder Nicole Sacek approached the college recruiting process with an open mind.

She had no preconceived ideas.

“I believe everything happens for a reason, and so the whole process was just a learning journey for me,” Sacek said. “In terms of location, big or small school, none of that really mattered to me.

“I was more looking for a place where I could grow as a player and as a person, and obviously being part of a competitive and disciplined team definitely had an impact on that. I really wanted a place where I could improve every day, and having a really strong coach and a team that had good chemistry on and off the field was definitely a big factor for me.”

Wyoming is that place for Sacek, who announced his commitment on social media Monday.

“Going there to visit definitely sealed the deal for me, pretty much everything – the environment, the coaches and the players,” she said. “I’m really happy with where I ended up.”

Sacek is the third player from the Redhawks’ junior class to commit to a Division I program, joining Iowa recruit Emerson Burke and Marquette recruit Eleanor Kane. Sacek said all the qualities she found at Wyoming are present at Naperville Central.

“Naperville Central soccer set high standards for me because I grew as a player and made so many great friends here,” she said. “I realized that’s what I wanted in my college career, too.”

Naperville Central coach Troy Adams said Sacek’s success is a product of his hard work.

“She’s one of those where you drive past Knoch (Park) or the stadium, you see her working to become a better player,” Adams said. “She’s obviously been a good player, but I think it’s her dedication to always wanting to be better.”

That dedication has been present since Sacek scored the game-winning goal in his high school debut as a freshman. This performance was just a taste of things to come, and it whetted his appetite for more.

“Nicole is a very competitive person,” Adams said. “In training, she is one of those who can be distinguished, no matter the game, she wants to win.

“That type of drive comes out when you see her in competitive environments, whether it’s here at the high school or on the club team.”

College coaches noticed.

“I think coaches recognize that you have these combinations, that the technical and tactical aspects are important, but it’s more important to have that attitude of wanting to win and that attitude of wanting to improve,” Adams said. “Because once they go to college, they’re competing with everyone because every coach is recruiting behind you.

“The coaches want players who are going to get better, so they push everyone else on the team. I think that’s what sets her apart from some of the other players.”

Sacek said her competitiveness is innate, but she also benefited from following her older sister, Caroline, who played volleyball at Naperville Central and participated in Irish dancing.

“She had a great passion for her sport, so having grown up with someone who really loved her sport, I obviously wouldn’t want to be less than she is,” Sacek said. “I think it definitely touches on other aspects of my life, like academics, where I’m always trying to do my best and push myself, just like I do on the field.

“Even in board games, I always want to win. Even if it’s just a silly practice, I always want to win and always push the people around me to do the same.”

Sacek, who said he has a 4.0 GPA, has helped lead Naperville Central forward the past two seasons. After making a surprising run to a Class 3A supersection during Sacek’s first season, the Redhawks went 20-2-1 and won the conference and regional titles in the spring. They aim even higher.

“This team has bonded outside of school, like we always talk, we always hang out together when we can,” Sacek said. “I think that says a lot on the ground.

“Obviously you can tell when a team is performing well, and that kind of applies on and off the field. Commitment from others is only a small part because all the players on the team are so great.”

Matt Le Cren is a freelance journalist.