Gimme 5: Captian Kayli Beams Up Knights' Defense

Chicago Christian senior Kayli Deckinga is one of the most valuable players on the Knights' girls soccer team. She lines up in the sweeper postion, that is, the last line of defense in front of the goalie.

Deckinga has been a member of the Knight varsity team all four years. She improved her skills each year and taken on more responsibility as a leader, too.

"She really brings a lot of expereience to our team and she knows what I am looking for," Chicago Christian coach Trevor Schans said. "I don't have to tell her where to be or what to do or how to play. Her leadership and her attitude are really important to us."

Deckinga's positive attitude translates to the playing field.

"She never quits," Schans said. "She always gets in hard on tackles and does what she can to win headers. She rallies everyone else and makes sure everyone is in the right place."

The Knights finished up a tournament at Aurora Rosary with a 1-3-1 record. Deckinga is going to be finishing up her soccer career soon.

She plans to attend Valparaiso University next year, but won't be playing varsity soccer for the Crusaders. Instead, she'll take the more casual pace of Valpo's club team.