Feature: Kerns takes talents to the soccer field

Former Rochelle student-athlete totals one goal, one assist in Kishwaukee's inaugural women's soccer season

Russell Hodges
Posted 11/1/18

Kishwaukee College’s inaugural women’s soccer season kicked off on a high note thanks to the efforts of several local standouts including former Rochelle Township High School student-athlete Ashley Kerns.

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Feature: Kerns takes talents to the soccer field

Former Rochelle student-athlete totals one goal, one assist in Kishwaukee's inaugural women's soccer season

Posted

MALTA — Kishwaukee College’s inaugural women’s soccer season kicked off on a high note thanks to the efforts of several local standouts including former Rochelle Township High School student-athlete Ashley Kerns.

Kerns took the field for Kiskwaukee’s first-ever contest against Rock Valley College on Aug. 22, scoring her lone goal on the season to help the Lady Kougars win 3-0 for the program’s first victory in the history of the school. Kerns also added an assist when Kishwaukee topped Illinois Valley Community College 6-1 on Oct. 8. The Lady Kougars finished 3-10-1 overall.

“It was exciting scoring in college because I didn’t know what to expect during our first game,” Kerns said. “We came out and won the first game and that started our season on a good foot. I think the season went very well overall and I like that our team grew together and became very close. There wasn’t one time that we gave up no matter if we were winning or losing.”

Kerns played the midfielder position during her senior season with the Lady Hubs, and the former Rochelle student-athlete was relied upon for leadership and production throughout her time with the girls soccer program. Kerns played alongside her sister Abby, and both sister will be entering their second year with the Kishwaukee women’s basketball program this winter.

“I think I improved most of my fundamental skills,” Kerns said. “Soccer will prepare me for basketball because I’ll already be in the loop. My body is already used to going to practice and having games every day. Soccer has conditioned me very well for basketball season. It has helped me with my footwork and having faster feet.”

The 2018 women’s soccer season was the first and only for Kerns, who said she will graduate this coming May. She said she’ll miss the competitive nature of soccer, especially playing in games.

“I will miss the feeling of belonging to a team and growing as a team,” Kerns said.