An instant impact.
That’s what Damian Sereno gave Grayslake North upon his arrival this season.
Despite playing a new position, the sophomore midfielder has been instrumental in the Knights’ transformation following his transfer from district rival Grayslake Central.
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“When I first got here, I saw the potential we had,” Sereno said. “We just needed to find some way to put it together. There were many good players here.
“My whole life I’ve played defense. But honestly, now I love playing midfield with these guys so much, I don’t want to switch back.”
Sereno won’t be switching back anytime soon, largely because he has brought so much to the table in the midfield.
Sereno’s older brothers, Alexis and David, both played for Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe, who was aware of his skills. So DeCaluwe didn’t hesitate to give Sereno the keys.
“Right away, we said, ‘You’re going to run the show,'” DeCaluwe said. “Damian coming over really, really brought composure to the middle of the field and a strong sense of solidness behind the ball so that our forwards can go attack with a bit of belief and freedom. I can’t remember the last time we took him off the field.”
That didn’t happen Saturday, as Sereno went the distance and scored a goal in the seventh-seeded Knights’ 3-2 win against third-seeded Wauconda in the Class 2A Grayslake North Regional championship game.
The Knights (12-8), who won just three games last season and lost 5-1 to the Northern Lake County Conference rival Bulldogs (13-3-2) on Sept. 19, won their first regional title since 2014 and will play Crystal Lake South in the Grayslake Central Sectional semifinals at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
“I think we were all worried about that loss,” Sereno said. “We all just wanted revenge from that. We put our heart into this game.”
Sereno’s strong right leg also loomed large. His booming 50-yard goal on a free kick a little less than three minutes into the second half tied the game at 2-2 and set the stage for Chris Fabela’s game-winner on a penalty kick with 1:11 remaining.
Sereno’s shot barely scraped past the outstretched arms of Wauconda goalkeeper Tyler Jacobs and deviated from his usual preference for passing on free kicks.
“Before the game, we were talking that their keeper is quick on his feet, has good hops and is very agile, but the only thing he’s missing is size, so I thought I could maybe shoot over him,” Sereno said. “Just the fact of scoring a goal and how good it feels, I’m not used to that. It felt really good to put the team back up.”
The arrow for the program is pointing upward, as well, and Sereno’s presence seems natural, considering his brothers were standout goaltenders for Grayslake North.
Last year, Sereno and his cousins Ivan and Ray helped Grayslake Central win the 2A third-place game.
“Coming here and creating a bond with my new teammates has impacted me and the team in a positive way,” Damian Sereno said. “There’s always been a lot of competitiveness between the three of us brothers, and it has benefited all of us. When I first came here, I was just known as David and Alexis’ little brother.”
He’s creating his own identity now, and it’s fun for the family to watch.
“It’s nice to see him playing with my old coaches and my old teammates,” Alexis Sereno said. “He’s taller than me now, though, and he’s all grown up.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.