Daniel Marynevych’s breakout junior season started in the summer.
But not on the soccer field.
Since he was 3 years old, Marynevych has been attending a Ukrainian Youth Association camp in Baraboo, Wisconsin. He learned how to play soccer and socialize there. He spent his most extensive time at the camp this past summer.
Looking back, he says that experience helped him improve his soccer skills and leadership traits.
“I’ve been going to Baraboo almost every year of my life,” Marynevych said. “It’s been either a regular camp or a soccer camp. That’s where my hunger and passion for soccer started. That gave me the drive to become the player I am today.”
Marynevych, the 2021 News-Sun Boys Soccer Player of the Year, put Grayslake Central and his name on the map this season. He scored 20 goals, including six during the Rams’ run to the Class 2A state semifinals, and also had six assists. Grayslake Central lost its last two games, finishing fourth, but left multiple higher seeds in its wake.
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Marynevych, who was named the Northern Lake County Conference player of the year, said he worked numerous jobs at the camp this past summer. He was a lifeguard, he painted and he fixed things. Being away from home and the typical teenager distractions, he said he also worked on his game for several hours a day.
“I learned to become more patient with people,” Marynevych said. “I was dealing with a lot of different things on a daily basis. I learned a lot about working different jobs and skills. I also got a lot of time to myself. I was up there alone for most of the time. Every day, at least 90 minutes to three hours a day, I would practice my basic footwork.”
His older brother, Marko, said he noticed that patience.
“Daniel was a different person mentally as a player,” he said. “This summer that time away did shape that aspect of his game. He became more focused.”
Grayslake Central coach Keith Andersson said Daniel Marynevych already was a standout player, but his leadership traits added another element to his game. Marynevych scored seven goals in seven games during his abbreviated sophomore season in the spring.
“Daniel’s a competitor and likes to win,” Andersson said. “His excitement is infectious. But it’s like trying to tame a mustang with him. We have to keep an eye on him in games. He can start to get chirping with refs, so we had a few games when we had to yank him off for a few minutes.
“But we had a coming-to-realize moment with Daniel this year. He’s realized to make sure the program is one family. … Daniel’s become a good leader, but the focus for him next year will be to have an active role as a captain.”
Junior midfielder Lucas Veenstra, one of Grayslake Central’s captains, said Marynevych’s emergence as a leader made a difference this season.
“Daniel had an amazing season, a big improvement from last season,” Veenstra said. “He started taking his game to the next level when he started becoming a leader for our team. His work ethic in practices is amazing.”
Marynevych said he’s eager to see how the rest of his career plays out. He wants to lead the Rams to the program’s first state title next season and play Division I college soccer.
“Before the playoffs, I feel like I had a chance to prove myself,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot this year, just how important chemistry is off the field in order to win. I’m very excited for my senior year.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.