Juliana Park has always been a natural on the soccer field. The three-year starter for St. Charles North seamlessly blends her personality into her playing style, possessing the rare ability to create something special every time she touches the ball.
‘Every player has their own unique personality,’ Park said. ‘I feel like you can really see that when I’m on the ball. I always say my skills are easy. I’m quick and I like to make plays. Especially with my passing.’
Park’s passing ability was on full display in the seventh minute of Tuesday’s Tri-Cities Night matchup against St. Charles East. She sent a perfect service to Stark, who converted the opportunity for the game’s only goal.
It was Park’s third assist of the season, and her fourth goal for St. Charles North (8-4-2, 2-1-1). Junior goalkeeper made seven saves for the visiting Saints (12-2-3, 2-1).
The result snapped St. Charles East’s 12-game unbeaten streak, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the connection between Park and Stark.
‘We’ve been playing for a long time,’ Stark said. ‘I just feel like we really know each other, both on and off the field. She doesn’t even have to tell me anything. I just know where she is going to be.’
Stark, a transfer from Bartlett, moved to St. Charles North to start her junior season. Park played a key role in making Stark’s transition smooth and successful.
‘We played club a long time ago and then picked it right back up when I came to North,’ Stark said. ‘Juliana is quiet, but once you get to know her, she is really awesome.’
At 5-foot-6, Park possesses a combination of size, quickness, and technical ability. Her quiet demeanor on the field belies her authoritative play.
‘She takes people on and really knows how to distribute it,’ Stark said. ‘She also has a really good shot of her own and is dangerous that way.’
Park’s connective ability extends beyond her on-field play. Freshman defender pointed out that Park has a knack for making her teammates feel welcome and appreciated.
‘Juliana is pretty shy, but she is all business on the field,’ Magana said. ‘She is really calm with the ball, and when she has it, she always knows what to do with it.’
Park began playing soccer at the age of 5 in the Tri-Cities youth leagues.
‘I grew up with two older brothers and I was always competing against them,’ Park said. ‘I learned a lot of playing around them and seeing how they were.’
Park’s hard work and dedication have paid off. She recently took a recruiting visit to Marquette, and she has a clear vision for her future in the sport.
‘When I was a freshman, I was just learning the game and deciding how to play with older kids,’ Park said. ‘Now I’ve gotten older, and I am more aggressive and more confident. With that, we play as a unit and not just individuals. I think it all really shows.’