Soccer midfielder, Heather McCreary, wins MAC award

Proud recipient of the Metro Athletic Conference’s (MAC) Second Team All-Conference award, Heather McCreary was excited to be the first honoree for the North Lake soccer team, as were her peers who nominated her for the award.

McCreary visited North Lake and Richland College with her father before she began her freshman year. However, she decided to play for Richland because it had a better team and it was closer to home. In fact, Richland College had won the MAC Conference, regionals, and the U.S. National Championship in New York.

Although it seemed like a great place to play soccer, McCreary was not comfortable at Richland. With the first season past her, McCreary decided to transfer to North Lake after Coach Jim Benedek extended another invitation to come play.

Benedek said that McCreary’s outstanding talent helped her average five goals in one season. “That’s pretty good for a defensive midfielder,” he said.

He also pointed out her leadership skills on and off the field. “When the chips were down, she always carried the torch,” he said.

North Lake College placed fourth in the Metro Athletic Conference, which is not bad for a 99 percent freshman team. Next year, Benedek sees the North Lake women‘s soccer team making the playoffs, which would also be the first time for the college.

For more information about women’s soccer, contact Benedek at 972-273-3539 or stop by his office F-206.