Soccer clinic honors the memory of Julie Heidecke

The 25th annual Julie K. Heidecke tribute soccer clinic was held in March at Hinsdale Central. Hosted by Central's girls soccer players and staff the clinic was free to area children. Julie Heidecke graduated from Hinsdale Central in 1997. She was the captain of the soccer team and was an All-Conference selection her senior year. She went on to Illinois State University to continue her soccer career. Unfortunately, Julie died in 1998 at the age of 19 in a car accident. Julie's parents set up the Julie K. Heidecke Tribute Awards Foundation in her honor. The foundation provides scholarships for student-athletes at Hinsdale Central and Illinois State University who do their best to follow her path in commitment, spirit, determination, leadership, sportsmanship, academics, morality and concern and service for others. Sprints were on the agenda for those attending camp. Ava Elliott got a few smiles out of Jack Svitak. Adriana Giannini showed off her spinning skills. Julie's mom Debbie spent time visiting with each of the girls leading the camp. Senior captain Carter Knotts works with the campers on skills. Knotts was this year's award honoree. Central players talk soccer strategy. (Jim Slonoff photos)