Wisconsin Soccer Central

Madison Memorial goalkeeper

Age: 18.

Honors: Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association all-state selection, 2005; All-Big Eight Conference — first team, 2005; second team, 2004.

Stats: 2006 (through May 24) — 10-2-3, 0.55 goals-against average, three shutouts. 2005 — 20-2, 0.62 gaa, nine shutouts. 2004 — 19-2-3, 0.65 gaa, eight shutouts. 2003 — 3-1, 0.44 gaa, two shutouts. Career — 52-7-6, 0.60 gaa, 22 shutouts.

College plans: Attend UW-Milwaukee, to major in education and play soccer.

I. What has been your best moment in soccer?

My sophomore year (2004), when the whistle blew and my team rushed the field after we shut Verona out 3-0 in the sectional final and earned a spot at state.

II. And your worst?

Losing to Brookfield Central in the state quarterfinal 1-0 (in 2004) after we hit about two or three posts/crossbars.

III. What was that first varsity start like during your freshman year? What was going through your head?

I think my first start was against Rockton (Ill.) Hononegah at the Rockford Boylan Invite. I didn't play that much my freshman year so any time I did play I made sure I kept my head in the game, and I told myself just to play how I would have played as if it were my club team.

IV. How have you grown in the four years since?

I think my confidence has increased with each season, and also my knowledge of the game has grown so much. I see things on the field in a whole new way than before and it makes it so much easier to understand what needs to be done.

V. If you weren't in goal, where would you want to play and why?

Forward, for sure. I'm a competitive person and being able to pull moves on people and then score would almost be as good as being able to deny someone that opportunity. (Backup goalkeeper) Clare Williams and I are always thrilled whenever we're involved in a field players' drill at practice.

VI. What would a scouting report about Ilana Bar-av say?

Hard-working, good communicator, able to make difficult saves.

VII. What's the best save you've ever seen?

I've seen a lot of good saves, but the most interesting one is probably one my friend showed me on Google video. Colombia and England are playing and there is a shot from about 20 yards out and Rene Higuita does this kick behind his back to save the ball. (Watch the save, which came in a 0-0 friendly Sept. 6, 1995 in London. The linesman had his flag up for offsides, but Higuita claims he did not know that.)

VIII. Who is the toughest person you've played against?

I'd probably have to say Nancy Rohrman (a former U.S. national team player) and all of her Chichitas teammates. For the past couple of years my club team has played them a few times every winter for our indoor league and they all are such great players.

IX. What will you be doing in 10 years?

In 10 years I plan on teaching a handful of students (I'm not sure what subject just yet), and in my afternoons, weekends, and free summers I hope to still be playing as well as coaching soccer.

X. Who has been most influential in your soccer career?

Every single one of my teammates (club and high school), and all of my coaches (club and high school). They have all influenced me to be a better player, and have reinforced my desire to win.

XI. Your all-time Madison-area starting XI?

Goalkeeper: Ilana Bar-av, Madison Memorial.
Defenders: Jenan Kharbush, Madison Memorial; Dani Zimmerman, Middleton; Tammi Hagensick, Madison Memorial; Jennie Scidmore, Madison Memorial (UW-Milwaukee).
Midfielders: Katy Meuer, Madison Memorial (Wisconsin); Carolyn Cobb, Madison Memorial (Drake); Megan Strohm, Madison Memorial (Wisconsin); Katie Kyle, Madison East.
Forwards: Jodi Klagos, Madison Memorial (UW-Milwaukee); Natalie Bullis, Madison East.
Subs: Emily Gerber, DeForest; Emily Kuhn, Madison West; Kara Peppler, Madison Memorial; Steffi Beinlich, Madison Memorial; Katheryn Kunugi, Madison Memorial.
Coaches: Tim Patton, Ben John, Bobby Nichols.