Maggie Wolniakowski has played soccer since she was 3 years old and she’s been a three-sport athlete at Providence, also competing in cross country and basketball.
She recently made the hard decision not to pursue playing sports in college. She plans to attend Auburn and hopes to become a physical therapist.
So, Wolniakowski is extra fired up to make her final season a special one.
“It’s definitely tough knowing this is my last season but it just keeps me motivated to do my best and give my all at every game and every practice,” Wolniakowski said. “Soccer’s been a big part of my life, so I’m definitely appreciating every moment with my team.
“They’re my biggest supporters and they push me to be a better person.”
When her soccer career is done, Wolniakowski will undoubtedly look back on Friday’s goal as a highlight. Late in the first half, the senior midfielder ripped in a free kick from 35 yards to help visiting Providence earn a 1-1 tie against crosstown rival Lincoln-Way Central in New Lenox.
Gabriella Raczka made three saves for the Celtics (10-2-3).
Flynn Meyer finished with seven saves for the Knights (12-0-1), while Jules Rafacz provided the equalizing goal with 17 minutes left by scoring off an assist from Maddie Krynski.
Rafacz’s sixth goal of the season was the wildest of her career. It came moments after Providence was celebrating a would-be score that was ruled no goal.
Raczka was well out of the net celebrating with her teammates when the Knights quickly pushed the ball downfield.
“I have to give full credit to Flynn Meyer, our goalie,” Rafacz said. “She saw all their players were up and she just kicked it long. It deflected a couple times and got to Maddie and Maddie was able to get it to me and I got the lefty goal. It was exciting. I was so hyped.
“This was a fun game and it’s definitely going to make us better.”
The unique goal was something Providence coach Mike Taylor, who has coached high school soccer in Illinois since 1981, confirmed he had never seen before.
That stunning moment aside, it was a memorable night for Wolniakowski and the Celtics, who play in Class 2A but went toe-to-toe with their unbeaten crosstown foe that’s widely considered among the top teams in 3A.
Wolniakowski lives in New Lenox but is actually in Lockport’s district, so she would never have been a Knight. Still, she recognized the extra stakes that came with this game.
“We were all a little nervous but we used those nerves to hype each other up and we were preparing all week for this,” Wolniakowski said. “We were excited.
“That was definitely one of the best goals I’ve ever scored, because we were so excited for this game and we were playing against a good team.”
It was Wolniakowski’s team-best 12th goal of the season. She also leads the way with 11 assists.
Taylor has depended highly on her the last three seasons as Providence has built a strong program, winning sectional titles each of the last two years.
“Maggie and Alyssa (Thulin), the two of them have brought the program to where it is now,” Taylor said. “Alyssa runs the show, gets assists. Maggie scores the goals. They’re both so important.”