2021 Northwest Herald Boys Soccer Player of the Year: Crystal Lake South’s Tom Coughlin

Tom Coughlin is one of Crystal Lake South boys soccer coach Brian Allen’s favorite subjects to talk about.

Coughlin came up as a freshman and played on the Gators’ 2018 Class 2A state championship team, then was a big part of the state runner-up team a year later.

Coughlin finished his high school career this season and, again, South played in a sectional championship game, falling to Grayslake Central. But Coughlin left a lasting mark at South and in the Fox Valley Conference as one of the most dynamic midfielders the league has ever seen.

“I haven’t coached a more technical or competitive player than Tom,” Allen said. “His technical ability, soccer IQ and ability to think two to three steps ahead, while never forgetting a detail on both sides of the ball with constant movement put him into this rare category for me.”

Coughlin, who scored 13 goals and had 10 assists for the 18-4-2 Gators, is the Northwest Herald Boys Soccer Player of the Year, selected by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Huntley forward Hayes Porsche and Huntley goalkeeper Ethan Kornas also received consideration for the award.

Coughlin was an Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association Class 2A All-Stater. In the summer season, while playing with Eclipse Select SC, Coughlin was named the Elite Clubs National League Player of the Year for 17U players.

South suffered a key injury to forward Sam Bahnfleth, who likely would have led the team in scoring, in the fifth game. Bahnfleth was unable to return and Allen said Coughlin adjusted his game.

“He became a more dynamic threat as a goal scorer rather than just a catalyst and quarterback as the center midfielder,” Allen said. “Whether it was drawing fouls, distributing or driving at backlines, he could do it all. He often faced double or triple teams because teams would scheme to slow him down.”

Coughlin answers some questions from Northwest Herald sports writer Joe Stevenson about the season and his career, his favorite professionals, his teammates and other parts of soccer and life.

What will you remember most about the season?

Coughlin: Definitely the team we had and the bond that we made together.

Who are some of your favorite professional players to watch?

Coughlin: Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne because of how fun they make the game and how simple they can make it look.

What would your soap opera character name be (your middle name and the street you live on)?

Coughlin: James Lake.

What do you hope people say about you when you’re not around?

Coughlin: I hope people say that I’m a good person and fun to be around.

You got to play on a Class 2A state championship team with your older brother Ryan. What was that whole experience like?

Coughlin: It was amazing to be a part of that journey and being able to play in the games as well was super cool. Another fun part about being on that team was playing with my older brother and also all the other seniors because I grew up with them and I never thought I would get a chance to play on a team with them. So to be able to do something that special with everyone on that team was amazing.

What was your best goal celebration ever?

Coughlin: This year in the Wauconda tournament in the final we would do the “Black Panther” thing when we were playing Wauconda. I thought that was pretty cool.

If you could hop into a time machine and go to any athletic event what would it be?

Coughlin: I would definitely go back to the 2011 Champions League Final – Barcelona vs. Manchester United – to watch prime Barcelona play live.

What would be your dream job?

Coughlin: To play professional soccer at the highest level possible.

What scares you?

Coughlin: The dark is so scary I don’t even want to talk about it.

What is something funny that happened on the field this season?

Coughlin: In the final against Wauconda when Sam Bahnfleth was 1-on-1 and completely tripped over himself and fell. We looked at each other and started laughing.

Which one of your teammates makes you laugh?

Coughlin: It’s a three-way tie between Sam Bahnfleth, Dayton Murphy and Mikey Dejworek. They always know how to make things funny in their own way and constantly got me laughing.

Is there any significance to wearing No. 10?

Coughlin: Obviously, Messi used to wear No. 10 with his old club, which always inspired me to want to wear it. Another reason I wear it is my godfather (Mike Freund) used to wear the number when he played sports and he has always had a big impact on me.

If you could spend a day with anyone from history, who would it be?

Coughlin: I would say Kanye West because he always looks like he’s doing something cool and I would love to see what that might be.

Who is your favorite professional sports team?

Coughlin: The Green Bay Packers because my dad (Tim) has always been a Pack fan and it just carries down to me and my brothers. My other favorite team is Man U.