The first-ever women’s soccer team at Lakeland Community College is officially taking shape.
This week, Coach Steve Sivik signed the first two recruits in program history.
Liz Serago is an interesting story. The Riverside graduate will be a sophomore next fall, and play midfield. Last season, she was a member of Lakeland’s men’s soccer team, and played in 12 matches.
“She’s extremely excited, and she deserves it,” said Sivik. “Playing on a men’s team (in college) is not easy.”
Serago scored a goal and had an assist in the 12 matches she played for the men’s team.
“The coach for the women’s team made it an easy decision to come back and play on the women’s team,” said Serago. Also signing was high school senior Maria Sill of Geneva. Sill will play forward in college. Sill was a top-flight scorer in high school, as she scored 99 goals in four seasons, and had 43 assists.
“I like the fact that I can continue to play soccer at Lakeland and stay close to home,” said Sill said. “I like being a part of a team and I have played against teams coached by Steve, so I am excited to get to play for him here.”
Sivik said he’s hoping to carry 18 to 20 players for the start of the program’s inaugural season. He said the roster will likely consist of a combination of scholarship players and walk-ons.
“I’m getting used to (recruiting),” said Sivik, a former area high school coach. “It’s a lot different than high school. I don’t have a target date for completing the roster, but I’m looking for quality players. I’m talking with a number of players, but having Liz and Maria is a great start.”
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