Sports role models haven’t been hard to find for Carmel senior defender Roman Lynch.
His older brothers, Sean and Gabe, are college athletes, and his twin brother, Kyle, is a standout for the Carmel football team and intends to play in college too.
“My brothers have been a huge part of my success,” Roman Lynch said. “They have shown me what it means to be a hard worker and a leader. I aspire to play at the next level, just like they do. I’m so blessed to have them in my life.”
Sean Lynch, 23, a 2019 Carmel graduate, plays baseball and has transferred to Keiser in Florida after four years at Eastern Illinois. Gabe Lynch, 20, a 2022 Carmel graduate, is a sophomore running back at Wisconsin-La Crosse. Kyle Lynch is a senior running back/linebacker for the Corsairs.
Roman Lynch, a four-year varsity player for Carmel (3-7-2) who had two goals and three assists through 11 games, said his parents introduced all the boys to soccer, but he’s the only one who stuck with it. He plays year-round and said winning national titles with the Greater Libertyville Soccer Association’s FC 1974 program is the highlight of his career.
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“I’ve always been really passionate about soccer,” he said.
Their mother, Valerie, said raising four athletic, competitive boys is “a lot of work” but noted the enjoyment involved too. She said Roman Lynch had a different personality from a young age.
“Roman is a really happy-go-lucky kid,” Valerie Lynch said. “He’s always cracking jokes and smiling and easygoing, but he’s a very hard worker.
“He takes criticism very well. If he messes up a play, he doesn’t get defensive. He doesn’t take it to heart.”
Of course, Roman Lynch is just like his brothers with his desire to play in college.
“I’m super pumped to play at the next level,” he said. “It’s been a goal of mine for a while. I’m talking to a lot of great programs across multiple divisions. I’m looking to narrow down my decision in the next couple of months. There’s a lot of adrenaline going on about where I’m going to go.”
There’s a lot of uncertainly, too, and Roman Lynch acknowledged that weighs on him.
“I would say the recruiting process has been the biggest trial and tribulation I’ve gone through in my career,” he said. “It has been a struggle. But I’m very confident in my future.
“I’m still trying to find the perfect fit. Both of my (older) brothers went through a long and hard recruiting process, which helped guide and mentor me.”
Valerie Lynch said Roman is doing everything he can.
“He saw his older brothers go through it, so he knew what he had to do,” she said. “He’s trying to get prepared as much as possible by reaching out to coaches and talking to people and going to camps. Of all my kids, I think he’s done the most.”
That wouldn’t surprise Carmel boys soccer coach Rob Etheridge, who praised Roman Lynch’s effort.
“He’s dedicated to his sport and works hard to improve in all aspects of his game,” Etheridge said. “He’s willing to listen and evolve, which serves as a great example to his peers. I have only worked with him for his junior and senior years, but his work ethic has been excellent.”
Roman Lynch’s brothers have offered examples to follow.
“It’s motivated me a lot to become a better person and athlete,” he said.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.