ETHS Soccer Star Gets MVP Belt From Cubs Pitcher

CHICAGO, IL - Evanston Township High School soccer star Maia Cella won the MVP award at the 13th annual PepsiCo Showdown in April and was recognized for it Sunday afternoon during the Chicago Cubs game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field.

The PepsiCo Showdown, held in April, is the largest high school soccer tournament in the United States. It involves several Chicago-area schools and according to organizers is the “high school version of the NCAA Tournament.” It features more than 3,000 players.

Cella was surprised during Sunday’s game when the Cubs escorted her from her seat to the home team’s dugout, where she received her MVP belt from relief pitcher Justin Grimm.

In earning the MVP award in April, Cella had two goals and six assists in four tournament games. She led ETHS to a berth in the Final Four.

Cella has one more season with the Wildkits before she begins her collegiate soccer career at the University of Wisconsin. 

Photo courtesy Bobby Johandes.