Flynn Meyer, after spending four years as the starting varsity goalkeeper at Lincoln-Way Central, is transitioning to college diving at Southern Illinois. Her time on the soccer field concludes with pride, as she reminisces about her team’s performance in their final, most significant game.
Meyer reflects on their effort, stating, “We battled until the end. All the seniors can take pride in our last game. We left it all out there, no complaints.” Her nine saves in the Monday night match helped the Knights keep a clean sheet against Edwardsville for 100 minutes. Despite this, the Tigers won 3-1 in a penalty-kick shootout during the Class 3A Bloomington Supersectional.
The defensive squad, including Ella Forystek, Jolie Kolosh, Aly Sudkamp, and Millikin recruit Taylor Watt, showcased bravery in front of Meyer, while Jules Rafacz executed the team’s successful penalty kick. The season concluded with a second sectional title in five years and a perfect record in the SouthWest Suburban Conference under first-year coach Breanna Bembenek.
“I’m happy with our season,” Meyer affirmed. “The new coaching staff was nerve-racking at first, but we did great. Our off-field friendship translated to on-field chemistry, driving us this far.”
She also acknowledged senior Genny Burroughs for her three saves in the shootout, which helped Edwardsville advance to the state level. Meyer was pivotal in forcing the game into overtime through key saves.
Coach Bembenek praised her saying, “Flynn was a leader. Much of our success was due to her keeping us secure in the net. She only conceded one goal during our conference games.” Meyer’s contributions spanned beyond soccer; she was also active in gymnastics and diving at Lincoln-Way Central.
Contemplating her future in diving, Meyer shared, “The intense moments in soccer have prepared me for big diving performances. Diving, which I only began taking seriously recently, is now my focus.”
As Meyer and other senior players move on, Lincoln-Way Central retains several key underclassmen, including Rafacz and most of their starting back line. Defender Sudkamp remarked, “We need to remember this ending and put in the work for next season.”
Meyer, though departing the team, will continue supporting them and cherishes the friendships formed through sports, emphasizing, “Building those relationships has been the best part.”