By Bobby Narang
The Joliet Catholic High School girls soccer team is aiming for a strong finish this spring.
The Angels have been in a rebuilding mode since winning two games in 2024. They started four freshmen in hopes of building toward the future.
In 2025, the Angels took a bigger step by winning six games, highlighted by a pair of two-game streaks early in the season.
Fourteen games into the 2026 season, the Angels (3-11) are still attempting to build some momentum. Joliet Catholic took a massive step by notching a quality 4-3 win over Glenbard North at the BodyArmor Sports Series event at Waukegan Sports Park on April 11.
“We have some very young players and are getting better,” Joliet Catholic coach Oscar Valdez said.
Joliet Catholic senior forward Alexa Luz is rounding out a strong career. Luz, a four-year starter, said the Angels have endured some tough spots in her career, but remained positive.
“It’s been kind of rough so far,” Luz said. “I feel like a lot of people we have on the team are new, so it’s kind of building chemistry and connecting passes. I think something special is going to happen. Even though we have lost a lot of games, our team keeps our spirits high and we have good relationships with each other.”
Luz, who advanced to the Class 2A State track meet in two event last season in her first year competing in the sport, said she has been focusing on “connecting passes” and working with her teammates better.
Through all the stinging losses, Luz said competing in the BodyArmor Sports Series is a lifetime memory. The annual event features several teams from throughout Chicagoland, from all classes and includes events to create a festive atmosphere. The event also incorporates a charity aspect involving donating items for those in need.
“I like seeing all the different teams and levels in high school soccer and how everyone’s spirit is so high,” Luz said.
Joliet Catholic senior defender Ava Giarrante, also a four-year starter, said playing high level high school soccer has taught her many life lessons, mainly how to deal with adversity.
“I learned even in situations when it’s hard, you have to be a leader and do your best,” Giarrante said. “It taught me perseverance and helped me outside soccer, building relationships with others and maintaining a positive attitude.
“Leading the team is difficult but continuing to show up and being a good example for others is important. It has really helped our team and maintaining a positive attitude really shows to the younger players.”
Just like Luz, Giarrante said the BodyArmor Sports Series is on the biggest highlights of the season. “It’s so much fun. We’ve come here every single year. It’s always a positive and good environment and everyone is so happy to be here. I like seeing everyone cheering for each other and being supportive.”
Joliet Catholic sophomore midfielder Jazani Gonzalez is part of the next wave of promising players capable of lifting the Angels back to respectability.
“We lost some strong seniors from last year,” Gonzalez said. “It was a bit rough for me last year because I was nervous starting on varsity since I was the only freshman. I’ve gotten better this year because I’m more confident and have better teammates around me.
“I’m more confident. I’m very excited for the rest of my career. I play for fun and enjoy playing with all my teammates at the school.”