Liggett soccer’s Summers, Karolak earn all-state honors

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Two players with different journeys through University Liggett soccer played a vital role in turning the girls soccer program into one of the best in Division 4 this season.

Following a state semifinals trip this season, Liggett seniors Brooke Summers (midfield) and Alexandra Karolak (midfield) received Division 4 all-state honors from the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association.

“I think you can kind of describe them in the same breath,” Liggett coach David Dwaihy said. “They’re just both outstanding players technically. They’re very gifted and very practiced.”

Summers, who earned first team all-state honors this season, has been with the Liggett soccer program since her first day at the school.

Her 13 goals and 20 assists this season were a major part of why Liggett won 20 games and made a run in the state tournament this year, but her leadership as team captain is what has molded the culture at Liggett for future veteran leaders.

Liggett soccer was in the middle of a rebuild when she burst onto the scene, only winning nine games the prior two seasons, but Dwaihy said Summers’ perseverance was something he always admired about her.

“She started with us where our program was very much rebuilding and we had losing seasons. It was a tough hill to climb each year, but she always kept a brave face, she was always positive, she was always generous and patient with her teammates, and it was like she knew that brighter days were ahead and that we’d have a more competitive team each year,” Dwaihy said. “For me, what was really gratifying to see was that she kind of pulled this program along, and her senior year, I think she was just so invested and so bought-in that it took her game to another level, because she played every game like it was her last.”

Summers had battled a concussion later in the season, but she came back as determined as ever to help her team get the job done.

Comradery has always been a focal point of Liggett athletics, and Summers said that’s one thing she’s going to miss about her team.

“To put the Liggett culture into words is very difficult because it is so impactful, but my experience playing Liggett sports specifically has always been about unity,” Summers said. “The players play for a purpose and play for each other, and being in a community of athletes that are as driven as me and so welcoming and encouraging has helped me thrive on the field and in the school community.”

Summers was able to share the excitement of being awarded all-state honors with one of her best friends — Karolak.

Karolak, who previously played travel soccer throughout her high school career, joined Liggett her senior season to play alongside her friends.

Tallying nine goals and 19 assists, Karolak, who earned third team all-state honors, was a perfect addition to the squad, and the timing was perfect for both Karolak and Liggett.

“It was definitely really awesome to be a part of it and bring what I could to the team after they had not been doing as well in previous years,” Karolak said. “Everyone was super excited to win even against an easier competitor. That was really awesome to make it that far, because I think going into the season, nobody thought we were going to do well just from past seasons.”

Karolak is slated to play collegiate soccer at Washington University in St. Louis.

Liggett will have its hands full filling the void of Summers and Karolak, but there’s no question that they’ve left a solid foundation to build off going into 2024.