Gabby Dittmer’s soccer career at Sandburg is winding down, but you couldn’t tell that from the way she’s playing.
The senior forward is moving on from the sport at the end of the season to go to DePaul to pursue a degree in law.
“It was definitely a hard decision,” Dittmer said. “I really love soccer, but my education is more crucial.”
Dittmer scored two goals and assisted on another to lead the Eagles to a 4-2 home win over Bradley-Bourbonnais on April 5.
The two-time all-conference forward came into the year with 40 goals and is up to 44 after scoring four in her team’s first three games.
“She’s not afraid to shoot,” Eagles coach Tom Kubowicz said. “She’s been dangerous since her freshman year. If she got space 30 or so yards out, she’ll shoot it. She’s scored multiple goals from that distance already this season.”
Dittmer’s second-half goal with 33:33 left in the game was from about 35-yards out.
Her play on the field speaks for itself. But it’s her leadership that has been key to the growth of Sandburg soccer.
“You can see the confidence growing and the leadership growing,” Kubowicz said. “Every year she’s more vocal at practice and in games. She’s just making sure that the intensity stays up and everybody’s focused and ready to go.”
Coming off two losing seasons, Dittmer is eager to lift herself and her teammate to new heights on the field during her last ride.
“Experiencing this team as freshman, it taught me a lot to help this team,” Dittmer said. “So I am excited to help us build and build this team together.”
Senior forward Maeve Durkins scored the first goal of the game early in the first half. Senior forward Grace Pittacora punched in the final goal to cushion the Eagles lead.
Dittmer is one of the 73 members of Sandburg’s National Athletic Honor Society, which was launched by the Sandburg Booster Club in the fall.
“Focusing on my schoolwork has taught me what hard work and determination can do not just in the classroom but the field as well,” Dittmer said.
Eagles athletic director Steve Schanz said it’s a nationally recognized honor society and Sandburg might be the first or at least one of the first local high schools to start its own.
Kubowicz is excited about what he’s seen from the Eagles so far.
“We have high expectations,” he said. “We want to get back to where we were in the past of winning regionals and competing for sectionals.
He also wants them to “keep it in perspective.”
“Just leave everything out there and don’t walk off the field hoping or wishing you could have done a little more,” Kubowicz said.
His senior captain is on the same page.
“No regrets and leave it all out there,” Dittmer said.