High School Soccer Starts Off Strong
There is excitement in the air as another season of Peoria Christian Soccer is set to kick off! Longtime coach, Cory Hynek, returns for his 19th season at the helm. Hynek has built one of the top soccer programs in the state. That is a standard that has been carried year after year. The Charges have won five consecutive regional Championships that included a 4th place state finish in 2023.
The Chargers did graduate arguably the greatest class in program history. Quinton Hynek (3-time All-State, National Christian School Player of the Year) is continuing his soccer career at Clark University. Four-year starter, Josh Walton (All Time shutout leader in PCS history), graduated along with four-year varsity player, JN Kniep.
When asked about last year’s class Hynek shared, “That senior class was special because they all set a tone for the team to find success. Quinton's leadership and high soccer IQ brought the team to be one of the top 1A schools in the state and he is the only multiyear All State player in soccer history. Josh's confidence helped the team to achieve the goals they had set and that helped grow everyone's confidence in themselves and the team and JN was able to contribute all 4 years at the varsity level, and his work ethic alone helped the team's overall work rate because of the levels and the way he played.
Despite the senior class departure, the cupboard is not bare for the Chargers. The program has another ultra-talented senior class; Colson Below, Trae Brickner, Jacob Walton, Myles Zimmerman and Josiah Kniep. Below is strong competitor and a high-level player that has received All-Sectional recognition multiple times. State Track Champion and multi-sport athlete Trae Brickner and his extreme athleticism has the versatility to play multiple positions at a high level. Jacob Walton set the single season goals scored record in 24 is looking to break the all-time mark in 25. Myles Zimmerman is the vocal leader of the team who raises the competitiveness at practice and will be taking on an advanced role this season. Josiah Kniep is a skilled player who will continue to help shape the midfield and has the skill to score and tackle on the defensive end.
The Chargers are poised to make another deep postseason run under the leadership of Hynek. Despite the lofty goals and expectations on the field, Coach Hynek keeps an eternal perspective. He has set this season’s theme as “Together. Taking encouragement from the writings of the New Testament book, Hebrews; And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Together… the Chargers look to have a special season!