For Warrenton High School senior Madilynn Lombardo, choosing the right spot for her college soccer career was a relatively easy decision. 

After considering both St. Louis Community College and Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU), she chose a spot where she knew she would be comfortable and familiar with lots of teammates — HLGU

“Coach (Jason) Nicholes (HLGU coach) was very kind and patient with me during this whole new chapter of my life,” she said. “The goalie I played with my whole high school career, Courtney (Bayer), also plays for him and she would tell me about the school during the season. I know a lot of my select girls are going there as well. 

“I also practiced with them and the girls were very open. It was obviously awkward at first because I was new but once we started playing it was all gone.”

Lombardo’s high school coach, Amy Wargowsky, thinks that HLGU is a good spot for someone she calls one of the best players she has ever coached. 

“The coach and team are lucky to be getting her,” said Wargowsky. “I think Maddie will make an impact on the team wherever they use her. She is fast up top and has a great instinct on defense.”

Wargowsky was actually instrumental in a position switch for her third-year star (this would have been her fourth year on varsity if not for the COVID-related cancelation of last season). 

“I had played strictly defensive my whole life — maybe some time up here and there but not often,” Lombardo said. “(Coach) Wargo saw the potential in me in being her forward. She’s not only a coach but she was also a tutor, a friend to talk to, a ‘mom’ when needed, she knows us players more than we think. 

“My freshman year I scored 19 goals. I was hungry for more goals. I’ve never had that feeling of scoring. Saving a goal and scoring one was the same thing to me up until high school.”

Wargowsky found value in Lombardo’s versatility, but recognizes her value as a scorer. 

“Her primary position is forward but she can play anywhere on the field and has done so except goalie,” said Wargowsky. “Maddie is a captain and definitely one of the leaders of our team. She is willing to play wherever she is needed the most and is always helping her other teammates. Her value to the team cannot be measured. She is a vital part.”

For her part, Lombardo is ready to take the next step in her soccer career. 

“I’m looking forward to playing with girls I’m familiar with and I’ve played with before,” she said. “I’m very excited to see the season we will have next year.”