Senior midfielder looking to pursue Division I dream

Rochelle senior Mavi Avila took on a lead role with the Lady Hub varsity soccer team last season, totaling four goals and four assists as a starting midfielder while helping Rochelle record its most successful season in over a decade. Avila, who aspires to be a Division I soccer player, will be continuing her academics and her athletics at Kishwaukee College next year.

“I knew I really wanted to play soccer and their new head coach has a good reputation for helping players grow,” Avila said. “I’m looking forward to the new atmosphere and I think it will be a challenge for me, but I’m looking forward to growing my abilities on and off the field. Playing at Rochelle has helped me become a better leader. I’ve played soccer since I was 4 years old and helping bring new girls into the program has helped me grow as a player.”

Avila has spent two seasons with the Lady Hub soccer program. Despite not having the chance to play as a sophomore due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Avila earned a starting midfield role as a junior, earning notable performances including a one-goal, one-assist outing during Rochelle’s 6-1 win over Oregon, which was the team’s most lopsided victory of the season. Avila added one goal and one assist for the Lady Hubs during their 5-2 road win over Rockford Auburn.

“I consider myself to be a pretty quiet person, but talking with the new coach at Kishwaukee College has given me a lot of confidence,” Avila said. “I think I’ll be a strong leader for the Kishwaukee College team next season. Being a senior this season, I know a lot of girls will look up to me and I’m looking forward to seeing how we grow as a team this season.”

Avila becomes the latest of a growing number of local players who have opted to continue their soccer careers with Kishwaukee College. Former Lady Hub standouts Lizbeth Milan and Lucy Monroy each signed with the Kougars after earning All-Conference First Team honors in the Interstate 8 last season. Avila and the Lady Hubs are looking to build on a 10-10 season.

“One of our goals is to finish first or second in the conference,” said Avila, who plays her club soccer with the Rockford Raptors. “I feel like our chemistry has grown a lot since last season.”