Defense of spring title for Waubonsee makes for memorable 2021

SUGAR GROVE, ILL. - The women's soccer program at Waubonsee Community College will always remember the 2021 calendar year for a pair of celebrations. The Chiefs claimed a Region 4 title in the spring to cap an altered season, and followed it in the fall with a 1-0 victory over second-seeded South Suburban College to secure the 2021 NJCAA Region 4 Division II Women's Soccer Tournament championship. The program's fifth region crown was highlighted by a Region 4 Tournament Most Valuable Player award for goalkeeper Isabella Harkleroad and a Region 4 Coach of the Year honor for Brad Schlemmer.

Top-seeded Waubonsee Community College opened postseason play with a 6-0 shutout of eighth-seeded College of DuPage, and then advanced past the semifinals with a 3-1 victory against fifth-seeded Bryant & Stratton College. In the title match, Kiara McPherson netted the game-winning goal in the 55' and Harkleroad made 14 saves en route to 37 saves for the tournament.

The Chiefs earned an automatic bid as the Midwest District representative to the 2021 NJCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championships and was awarded the #3 seed. South Suburban College was granted an at-large bid into the tournament and was placed as the #8 seed. In pool play, the Chiefs opened with a 3-0 loss to #10 Sussex County Community College and beat #6 Phoenix College 1-0 to create a three-way tie. Phoenix advanced to the semifinals based on goals scored, ending Waubonsee's season with a 17-2-1 record. The Bulldogs earned a 4-2 victory over #12 Cape Fear Community College and fell 4-1 to #1 Heartland Community College, who went on to win the national championship. South Suburban College finished 16-4.

Region 4 Tournament Most Valuable Player
Isabella Harkleroad - Waubonsee Community College

Region 4 Coach of the Year
Brad Schlemmer - Waubonsee Community College