Marquette recruit Lilly Coats capitalizes on connection with Olivia Rawls to lead Geneva. ‘We understand each other.’

Versatility, size and talent. Junior midfielder/defender Lilly Coats wears all of those hats well for Geneva, but there’s another aspect that rounds out her wardrobe as a player.

But first, let’s talk about Coats’ spot on the field. She plays either in a holding position as a defensive midfielder or the next shield in the Vikings’ armor as a central defender.

A good fit?

“Those are two great positions because I’m good at seeing the field and knowing where the options are,” she said. “I understand the movement of the game, both on and off the ball.”

It doesn’t hurt that Coats has a special connection with junior forward Olivia Rawls.

Coats, a Marquette recruit, set up a pair of goals by Rawls just minutes apart Monday night as Geneva eased to a 5-0 nonconference victory over host Bartlett.

In a game shortened by lightning, sophomore midfielder Alyssa Houk also scored two goals for the Vikings (3-1). Rawls assisted the final goal by freshman forward Olivia Hagen.

The 5-foot-10 Coats touched all sides, using her elite length and range to shut down the opposition and her speed and ability on the ball to build the attack out of the back.

The special rapport and sharp chemistry linking Coats and Rawls, meanwhile, has been more than a decade in the making. The two have been playing together since 2012.

“We’ve been great friends for so long that we just really understand each other and our style of play,” Coats said. “I know she likes the ball at her feet.”

Rawls, who is not as tall as Coats, is quick and fluid with the ball. The two play off each other brilliantly, with Rawls’ movement off the ball fused to Coats’ playmaking and creativity.

“I like playing with the ball at my feet,” Rawls said. “I have always been a goal scorer. I am a forward, so that is just a natural part of my game.”

Rawls is also an intense competitor who loves the up-tempo style. She competes on the golf team in the fall.

No matter the sport, she’s driven to excel.

“Some of these girls I have been playing with for three years, some two and some just this year,” Rawls said. “We have had some high level results so far.

“I just love it when the whole team, and not just me, is having a good game.”

Megan Kron, despite the one-sided score and the number of goals permitted, also had a good game. The sophomore goalkeeper made seven saves for Bartlett (0-3-1).

It was hard to stop Coats, however. She showed the vision and balance to influence multiple factors in the game, particularly as connector between the defense and offense.

“My size is a great tool for me, especially with my stride,” she said. “I think it gives me a lot of speed and helps getting headers or having my body in front of the ball.”

Playing two different roles just gives her multiple chances to impact the game.

“It’s a pretty seamless transition going back and forth between the two roles,” Coats said. “I have more of an attacking mindset, especially getting on the back of the goal on crosses, and then playing central back is more of a pressure cover.”

Geneva coach Megan Owens praised the athleticism and toughness of the two close friends.

“I think overall our junior class is very solid,” Owens said. “A lot of them have played together for several years in different sports together.

“Lilly missed a lot of last year with an injury, and it’s great having her back. Those two have really good chemistry, and it’s starting to shine off.”

Coats is ready take the next step for Geneva.

“I have taken more of a leadership role,” she said. “Before I led more by example.

“Now, I take control of things, especially with organization, keeping everybody in line and making sure everybody is working hard and up to 110% of their standards.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.