Libertyville's Hollingsworth has a remarkable season

Libertyville's Marshall Hollingsworth has hit the turf before, but this time, it was serious.

It happened this fall in the championship game of the Showdown at Toyota Park, and it looked like his season might skid to an abrupt end.

But Hollingsworth found it within him to keep going and, as before, found a way to deliver for the team that needed him.

His determination and drive to succeed makes Hollingsworth the captain of the Daily Herald's Lake County All-Area boys soccer team for a second straight year, and a potential all-stater for another year as well.

“He has a motor in him and plays so hard,” Libertyville coach Andy Bitta said. “He wants to win and see his team win. He just has a motor that never shuts off.”

There's been a wealth of outstanding players at Libertyville over the years. Bitta compares Hollingsworth to Wildcats greats Dusty Showers ('89) and Neil Mahoney ('96).

Hollingsworth recalls that apparent injury, which happened in overtime against Lyons about a month ago. He was cleated on the lower portion of his leg, and this time didn't get up quickly. The trainer requested an ambulance.

“I was on the ground for quite a while,” he said. “If you've watched me play, I usually don't stay down and usually hop right back up. On the field, I think, I freaked out a bit being on the ground.”

Coaches carried Hollingsworth up the ramp in front of the locker room, where he was put on a table.

“I realized I needed to get back in the game,” Hollingsworth said. “I knew I could walk and felt like I could run. So I got taped up and ran back out on to the field.”

By the time he made his way back, teammate Adam Witucki had scored the game-winning goal and the Wildcats beat Lyons.

Hollingsworth joined the celebration and held the trophy with captains Sam Kaplan, Joey Ruppert and Witucki.

“He's so determined and never quits,” said Kaplan of Hollingsworth. “He has such enthusiasm and lifts everybody with his experience. He just makes everybody play better. His work ethic is just insane.”

This season, Hollingsworth contributed 10 goals and 10 assists for a team that went 16-4-1. The Wildcats lost in the Class 3A Palatine sectional semifinal to Fremd 2-1.

“He provided a lot of team leadership,” Bitta said. “He organized the team. Whenever we would do a drill, he'd be the one that worked the hardest. He'd be the one that would lead by example. It picked up the rest of the team. He would play end line to end line and go for every ball.”

The way he handled his play meant the world to his Wildcats teammates.

“There's something about the soccer ball and I would take it all over,” Hollingsworth said. “I can remember playing soccer with my dad (Mark). I've been told I was kicking the ball before I could walk.”

Hollingsworth had drawn interest from schools such as Marquette and Bradley. But he chose a school that fits what he's looking for in his future.

His next step will be motoring to Wheaton College next fall; he verbally committed a month ago.

“I love soccer and I want to continue playing it,” he said. “I am a Christian and the school appeals to me. It's a place I knew where I want to be.”