Why Providence Catholic Soccer?

QUALITY COACHING

• Most experienced coaching staff in Illinois High School soccer

• Program led by Mike Taylor, winningest coach in IHSA history (599-292-100)

• Coaching staff continues to play and also coach for clubs in off-season

• 2024 Boys Conference Coach of the Year, 2025 Girls IHSSCA Assistant Coach of the Year

COMPETITIVE SUCCESS

• Part of winningest private high school in Illinois with 33 State Championships

• Girls: Undefeated 2025 regular season, back-to-back Conference, Regional and Sectional champions

• Boys: 2024 Conference and Regional Champions

• Member of the Chicago Catholic League - the premier athletic conference in Illinois

ATHLETICS & ACADEMICS

• College preparatory school focused on preparing students for the rigors of college study

• Coaches understand and respect the student-athlete balance

• Academic qualification is fully enforced – coach reviews a weekly report of grades for each player weekly.  If grades are low, players cannot participate in practices or games until their grades improve

FACILITIES & RESOURCES

• Access to two grass fields and a turf field

• Access to Zak Plantz Performance Center & weight room

• Association with GPS Training in Orland Park.  GPS Training provides players with cutting-edge strength & conditioning training in season and off season

PATHWAY TO COLLEGE

• Program respected by college scouts and club programs

• Coaches advocate for players in the recruiting process

• Association with semi-pro club Steel City FC providing opportunities for players to train and play in off-season

• History of producing high-level players such as Brad Guzan, who was coached by John Kovatch, and is the current MLS goalkeeper for Atlanta United, former Premier League goalkeeper for Aston Villa, and has 60 international caps for the USMNT including 2 World Cups

PLAYING TIME

• Clear understanding of expectations and opportunities to contribute: Best players will play no matter their age

• 3 levels of play: Varsity, JV and Freshmen

• Participation in Summer League & Winter Leagues

• Fair and transparent evaluation process

TEAM CULTURE

• Players go on a 2 week European trip every 2 years

• Positive, welcoming environment where players support each other - a sense of family and belonging

• Teams participate in volunteer activities in and out of season

•  Both boys and girls programs participate in two in-season tournaments that require overnight stays in order to build team bonding

REPUTATION

• Coaches who are approachable, honest and motivating

• Good communication with players and families

• Encourage both discipline and enjoyment of the game

PASSION & PURPOSE

• Players feel inspired to wear the jersey and represent school

• Program participates in a number of volunteer activities throughout the year

• A place where the players feel they matter and can make a difference

• We live by our motto: Restore the Glory

SCHOOL SPIRIT & PRIDE

• Proud, supportive school culture around the soccer program

• Strong social media presence focused on highlighting team and players throughout the year

TOURNAMENTS & TRAVEL

• The Boys play in two in-season tournaments:

  • Bettendorf, IA

  • Quincy, IL

• The Girls play in two in-season tournaments:

  • Springfield, IL

  • Quincy, IL

• Boys & Girls teams travel to Europe every two years to play in a tournament in two different countries