Lane Tech Girls Soccer: 5 Ways The 2025 Sectional Title Cemented A New Dynasty
The Lane Tech Girls Soccer program has officially transitioned from a perennial Chicago Public League (CPL) contender to a dominant force in Illinois high school soccer, a transformation cemented by their historic 2025 season. This monumental year saw the team achieve milestones that had eluded them for decades, culminating in a stunning playoff run that captured the imagination of the entire Chicago soccer community. The team’s success is a direct result of relentless dedication, strategic coaching, and a core group of talented senior leaders who refused to accept anything less than history.
As of December 20, 2025, the narrative surrounding the Lane Tech Champions is one of groundbreaking achievement, highlighted by a dramatic playoff upset that secured the program’s first-ever IHSA Sectional Title. This victory not only shattered a long-standing barrier but also positioned Lane Tech as a powerhouse capable of competing with the state’s most elite suburban programs, putting the entire Chicago Public League on the map for high-level girls soccer. The future looks incredibly bright for this historic Chicago institution.
The Architects of History: Coach and Key Player Profiles (2024-2025)
The foundation of Lane Tech's historic 2025 campaign rests on the shoulders of its dedicated coaching staff and a roster of exceptional student-athletes. Their collective commitment fostered a culture of winning that delivered the program its first sectional championship.
Head Coach: Sean Harkness
- Role: Varsity Head Coach.
- Impact: Harkness has been instrumental in elevating the program's status within the highly competitive IHSA landscape. Under his guidance, Lane Tech became the first CPL team to reach three consecutive sectional finals, a testament to the program's consistency and growth.
- Historic Achievement: He coached the team to their first-ever IHSA Sectional Title in 2025, a landmark moment for both the school and the Chicago Public League.
- Coaching Philosophy: Harkness is known for developing a disciplined, high-intensity style of play that allows his players to compete effectively against top-tier suburban rivals.
Key Senior Players (2024-2025 Season)
The 2025 squad featured a vital senior class whose leadership proved crucial in the high-stakes playoff environment. These players were the engine of the team's success:
- Grace Carman (Forward): A senior forward and a key offensive threat, Carman was a vocal leader and a driving force behind the historic sectional final victory. Her presence in the attack was often cited as a major factor in the team's ability to compete with top seeds.
- Olive Tinucci (Defender): A senior defender, Tinucci anchored a formidable defensive line that was essential for navigating the tough CPL and IHSA schedules. Her recruiting profile highlights her as a key defensive asset.
- Cynthia Waller (Senior): Listed on the 2024-2025 roster, Waller was a senior presence providing depth and experience to the championship-contending squad.
- Alyssa LoVerde: A standout player who was part of the historic run, often seen as a symbol of the team's fighting spirit and success.
5 Ways Lane Tech Cemented a Dynasty in the 2025 Season
The 2025 season was defined by five key achievements that collectively signify a new era of dominance for the Lane Tech Girls Soccer program, moving them beyond CPL success into statewide relevance.
1. Capturing the First-Ever Sectional Title
The crowning moment of the 2025 season was the team’s dramatic victory in the IHSA Sectional Final. This win secured the program’s first-ever Sectional Championship, a milestone that had been the goal of every Lane Tech team for decades. This achievement is a definitive marker of the program's elevated status, proving they can succeed in the deepest stages of the state tournament.
2. The Stunning Upset Over New Trier
The Sectional Final victory came against the highly-touted New Trier High School, a perennial state championship contender. Lane Tech defeated the Trevians 2-1 on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in a major upset that ended New Trier's quest to defend its state title. This victory was not just a win, but a statement: Lane Tech is now a team that can defeat the traditional North Shore powerhouses on the biggest stage. The emotional weight of this game, which saw the Lane Tech team make history, was palpable.
3. Making CPL History with Consecutive Sectional Runs
Even before the 2025 title, Lane Tech had already made CPL history. The team became the first Chicago Public League program to reach three consecutive sectional finals. This consistency demonstrates that the 2025 title was not an anomaly but the culmination of a sustained, high-level performance over multiple seasons, establishing a robust and repeatable program model.
4. Dominating the Chicago Public League (CPL)
While their IHSA success is the headline, Lane Tech continued its dominance within the Chicago Public League. The team consistently competes for the CPL City Championship, a title they have secured in recent years, often with memorable moments like a "greatest shot ever" to clinch the victory. Their success in the CPL is the bedrock that prepared them for the tougher IHSA playoff schedule, giving them the confidence and tactical sharpness needed for high-stakes matches.
5. Developing Elite Individual Talent
The program has proven its ability to develop players who earn individual recognition. Players like senior forward Grace Carman and defender Olive Tinucci are examples of the high-caliber talent being produced. The team regularly sees its players named to the All-City Team, a sign that the training and coaching are fostering individual excellence alongside team success. This focus on player development ensures a continuous pipeline of talent for future seasons, solidifying the dynasty.
The Future of Lane Tech Girls Soccer: Sustaining Excellence
With the 2025 Sectional Title secured, the focus shifts to maintaining this new standard of excellence. The program now operates with a target on its back, a position of respect earned through hard work and historic victories. The challenge for Head Coach Sean Harkness and his staff will be to integrate the next generation of players seamlessly into a system that demands top-tier performance.
The incoming classes will be inspired by the achievements of the 2025 squad. The legacy of players who defeated New Trier and captured the first sectional title will serve as a powerful motivator. Lane Tech’s continued success will rely on strong defensive play, a characteristic of the 2025 team, and the development of new offensive stars to replace graduating seniors like Grace Carman and Olive Tinucci.
The team will continue to participate in highly competitive tournaments and non-conference games against suburban IHSA rivals to prepare for the playoffs. This commitment to a challenging schedule is key to their ongoing development. The Lane Tech Girls Soccer program has not only made history but has fundamentally changed the perception of soccer in the Chicago Public League, proving that city schools can and will compete for state titles.
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