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A year ago, Gabby Whittinghill led Maine South to a state quarterfinal berth with 16 goals and 22 assists. The unsigned senior forward, who is leaning toward playing at Wisconsin-Parkside in the fall, opens up to Cornerkicks about last year's loss to No. 1 Waubonsie Valley and what she thinks about the Hawks No. 2 seed in this year's Pepsi Showdown.
Why soccer? I started playing soccer in third grade, because that was the only sport we played at recess at Franklin Elementary. A couple boys would bring a ball every day, and that's what we played. I used to play basketball, too, but it got in the way of soccer.
What did you learn from last year's 1-0 loss to Waubonsie Valley in the state quarterfinals? We probably should have beaten them. We can stay with teams that are good, and this year we have to prove it.
Have you ever thought about skipping the high school season to play club? I thought about it, but I would've never done it. Our high school team is good, and the other key players were coming back.
How disappointed are you that Maine South will finally have turf next spring, but you won't get a chance to play on it? It will stink, but I'm happy they are finally getting turf. The stadium field is in pretty bad shape every year. There are times when we have to stay off it for awhile, because it's in such bad shape.
Toughest moment of your life? Having to go through my dad's death. He died of a heart attack on Father's Day back in 2006. It's been tough having to go through all of high school without him. It's weird not seeing him on the sidelines and not being able to call on him for advice. He came to all my games and traveled to all of my games no matter if they were here or in California.
Proudest moment of your life? Winning State Cup four consecutive times with KUFC Premier will always be pretty special.
Are you excited about the Pepsi Showdown and the chance to play at Toyota Park? I am really excited. Last year, we didn't make it as far as we thought we should've. We want to make sure everyone knows who we are this year. It would be crazy and very cool to play for the Pepsi title at Toyota Park.
How many Fire games did you go to last year and are you interested in the Red Stars? I went to two Fire games last year - one for the Pepsi Showdown and one other one. I'm not really interested in the Red Stars.
In 10 years, you'll be doing? I'll be graduated, hopefully have a job and living in San Diego. I like the weather out there, and I just think it's a nice place to live.
Who are your heroes? My dad, because he always put people first and was a great guy. And then Mia Hamm, because she is a great female athlete and role model.
Best advice you have received? Michelle Glaser, a senior from Bartlett High School, told me to stay strong and no matter what happens it will be OK.
My ultimate dream is to...: Play professional soccer.
Cubs or White Sox? Cubs. My whole family - especially my uncle - are big Cubs fans. I don't get into it as much as my uncle, but it is upsetting when they lose.
Even my friends don't know ...: That my family owns a restaurant called Carms, which is at the corner of Polk and Carpenter in Chicago. It's fast food, but classier than McDonald's.
If I could have anyone in the world in my Fav Five, they would be: Mia Hamm, Ashton Kutcher, my mom, my aunt Teresa, my grandma and Jenna Shemky.
- Joe Trost
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