Harper Women’s Soccer Returns Experienced Core for 2026 Season

Palatine, IL: The Harper women's soccer team enters the 2026 season with an experienced group returning to the field and a new coaching staff ready to guide the program forward.

Ten Hawks return from last season, giving Harper a strong foundation as the team looks to continue its development in Region 4. Leading the returning group are 2026 captains Lydia Ilc and Amanda Petric. The two returning leaders will be joined in the captaincy group by freshman Bridget Gibson, a Conant High School graduate.

Gibson is one of several newcomers expected to make an impact for the Hawks. Fellow Conant High School freshman Hana Miltz joins the roster, while Ariyanna Jasser from Hoffman Estates High School, Sara Khan from Schaumburg High School, and Luci Santana from Schaumburg High School add to a promising group of incoming players.

The Hawks will be led by Interim Head Coach Steven Gomez in his first season with the program. Gomez is joined by assistant coaches Craig Genteman, John Majerus, and Ximena Acuna as Harper works to build on its returning experience while integrating a talented group of newcomers.

Harper faces a challenging Region 4 schedule throughout the fall, with matchups against opponents including Joliet, Black Hawk, Kankakee, DuPage, Rock Valley, Kishwaukee, Daley, Oakton, Bryant & Stratton, Morton, Lake County, Triton, and Prairie State. The Hawks will look to use their returning depth and new leadership to compete throughout the season.

With 10 returning players, a leadership group that blends experience with new energy, and several local newcomers ready to contribute, the Hawks enter 2026 focused on growth, consistency, and establishing a strong identity under their new coaching staff.

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Players Mentioned

#14 Lydia Ilc: MID / DEF; Sophomore

#18 Amanda Petric: DEF; Sophomore

#2 Ariyanna Jasser: FOR; Freshman

#3 Sara Khan: FOR / DEF; Sophomore

#MGR Ximena Acuna: Manager; Junior

#10 Luci Santana: MID; Sophomore

#16 Hana Miltz: MID; Freshman

#24 Bridget Gibson: DEF; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#14 Lydia Ilc
: Sophomore
: MID / DEF

#18 Amanda Petric
: Sophomore
: DEF

#2 Ariyanna Jasser
: Freshman
: FOR

#3 Sara Khan
: Sophomore
: FOR / DEF

#MGR Ximena Acuna
: Junior
: Manager

#10 Luci Santana
: Sophomore
: MID

#16 Hana Miltz
: Freshman
: MID

#24 Bridget Gibson
: Freshman
: DEF