Girls soccer is underway this spring at Oak Park and River Forest High School, and at a recent match, the sun was beaming down on Huskie Stadium. On Tuesday, April 30, the Huskies took on Downers Grove North High School. 

As the game got underway, OPRF’s goalkeeper Jackie Bollinger analyzed the game with a fierce eye. She yelled encouragement and communicated with her team what needed to be done in every minute of the match.

Bollinger has been on the OPRF Varsity Soccer team for all four years of her high school career, and the entire program cherishes Bollinger. “There’s just a lot of camaraderie on the team this year,” she said.

First-year Head Coach Lauren Zallis reminisced about the time she has spent with Bollinger. Since there is not a dedicated goalie coach for the team, Zallis warms Bollinger up before games. “Some of my favorite moments [and] conversations have been in those times,” Zallis said.

Zallis joined the coaching staff this year, replacing Christie Johnson, who led the team for six seasons. Zallis said she hopes to bring an inclusive and positive environment to the OPRF girl’s soccer program. Good coaching comes from authenticity and “bringing my true self to the table,” she said. 

Though Zallis has only been part of the OPRF soccer team for less than a year, she has become an integral part of the organization–with Bollinger’s support. Zallis says that Bollinger “was always willing to be very helpful and communicative.” Zallis added, “I could ask her anything.” 

The OPRF soccer program has still somewhat struggled this year being 6-10-1 (the season record at press time), but the environment and sisterhood seen on the field is second to none. Senior player for the Huskies Annie Whitmore said Bollinger has taken everything “that we struggled with last year, and tried to build it to make it better for everybody.” Whitmore added that Bollinger is “a good leader, like she never lets us get down.”

Bollinger has been a role model for not just the players on her own team, but she’s also made an impact on the lower levels, according to Zallis. “The freshman played, and Jackie walked to the field, and the goalkeeper on the field yelled ‘Jackie!’” She was so excited to see her.” 

Bollinger has built this positive environment while playing one of soccer’s more challenging positions. She acknowledges that “there’s a lot of pressure” on goalkeepers, but she added that the program helps players grow.

Senior night, celebrating the dedication of the graduating girls, was Thursday, May 9 in the stadium. Bollinger was one of the seniors honored for all of her hard work throughout her OPRF soccer career. While it was cloudy in Huskie stadium, the future of the OPRF girl’s soccer program looks bright.