Northwest Herald 2021 Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year: Crystal Lake Central co-op’s Piper LeFevre

Crystal Lake Central co-op coach Joe Capalbo felt confident guiding his team through the spring season with midfielder Piper LeFevre leading the way.

LeFevre finished third in the Fox Valley Conference with 49 goals for the Tigers and was third in the FVC with 60 points for the co-op, which went 16-4 overall and 6-0 in the FVC.

“Piper as a midfielder did everything we asked her to do,” Capalbo said. “She took the majority of the draws, played a vital role in our zone defense and also managed to assist and score the majority of our goals. Piper also played in all 20 of our games this season and rarely came off the field.

“She has a unique ability to see the play before it happens, which leads to her assisting teammates and dodging opposing defenders for goals. Her stick skills are really what separates her from other players in the area. She can catch with both hands in tight windows and beat you going right or left, which is uncommon.”

For her efforts, LeFevre is the Northwest Herald Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year as selected by the sports staff with input from area coaches.

Northwest Herald sports writer Reanne Weil had some questions for the three-year varsity player.

What’s it like being a part of a co-op team?

LeFevre: Being a part the co-op team is valuable because it brings together girls from different schools that wouldn’t have been able to play with each other otherwise.

Which teammate of yours, past or current, is the funniest?

LeFevre: The funniest teammate I have ever had on my team is Maddi Lieflander [a current junior at Crystal Lake South High School]. Maddi constantly has our teammates and coaches laughing at her dance moves and her practical jokes. The best thing about Maddi is that she never makes fun of anyone except herself. She brings a positive energy to our team.

What’s the best part about competing in sports?

LeFevre: The gratification that follows hard work.

Is there a significance to wearing No. 19?

LeFevre: Originally, there wasn’t any significance to it, but because an upperclassman took my first choice, I ended up with 19. Now it’s the only number I’ll wear.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

LeFevre: English.

If you could have dinner with anyone famous, who would it be and why?

LeFevre: I would converse with the Northwestern head women’s lacrosse coach Kelly Amonte Hiller. She has elevated the game of women’s lacrosse in Illinois and has paved the way for girls like me to experience this emerging sport.

What’s the best part about playing lacrosse?

LeFevre: Playing for the co-op team. The girls are fun to be around and make practice so enjoyable. My coaches, Joe Capalbo and Daniel Ozmanski, construct a strategy for our team that makes us very successful. They always expect the best from us, which makes us even better. They have truly shaped me into the player I am. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

What does a typical Friday night look like for you?

LeFevre: I usually hangout with my friends or have lacrosse.

How long have you been playing lacrosse?

LeFevre: I started playing lacrosse when I was in fourth grade, so for about nine years.

What’s your favorite movie?

LeFevre: My favorite movie is “Elf” because my family watches it every year during the holidays together.

Which do you prefer: Netflix or Disney Plus?

LeFevre: Netflix. I like the TV show/movie selection better.