For Lockport’s Jacob Hareza, soccer is more than just a fun game. It’s a way for him to embrace his heritage.
Hareza’s parents came to the U.S. from Poland, and whether his family is watching the Polish national team on TV or cheering on Jacob from the stands, their pride is glaringly obvious.
“Soccer is the No. 1 sport over there, and when I started playing the sport when I was 5 years old, I fell in love with it,” Hareza said. “I just kept going from there.
“When I’m out there, I feel the connection with my culture and it makes me play better.”
Hareza, a senior forward, certainly played at a high level last season. He scored 17 goals and dished out 15 assists as Lockport (17-5-1) won the program’s second sectional title before losing 2-1 to Hinsdale Central in the Class 3A Morton Supersectional.
Lockport coach Chris Beal believes Hareza was just getting started in 2024.
“He had a really good year last year, but I think the potential is certainly there for him to have an even bigger season as a senior,” Beal said. “He’s an all-around striker. He can hold the ball up there, he can certainly finish, he’s technically very good and he can bring other people into play.
“It’s not just the goals he scores but how he gets everyone else involved.”
The Porters have several key pieces back from last season but did graduate leading scorer Ismael Gomez, who poured in 34 goals.
Hareza knows those are big shoes to fill.
“’Ish’ was a top player in the state, and when you lose someone that good, it hurts the team,” Hareza said. “But at the end of the day, someone has to step up and hopefully that can be me.
“We have a lot of other players that can do it, too.”
Hareza is setting the bar high for himself. In fact, it got higher midthought as he explained his hopes for the season.
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“I want to score 20-plus goals,” he said. “I feel like I got stronger with weight training and things like that. Over the last couple years, I’ve worked a lot on finishing and I’ve gotten better at putting the ball in the back of the net.
“Plus, we have great midfielders who can get me the ball in great position to score … 25-plus goals this season.”
Senior midfielder Kacper Sikon joined Hareza as the only sophomores to initially make the varsity roster in 2023. They’ve played in many big games together and are ready to put their connection to work one last time.
“He’s a really consistent scorer,” Sikon said of Hareza. “His strength and just his will make him tough to stop. When I see him locked in on the field, he just has great willpower and determination.
“When we’re losing or it’s a tight game, he’s determined to put us ahead.”
Hareza thanks his family for giving him that extra edge to push harder. They’ve instilled the passion for soccer in him.
“They’re always cheering me on and we watch soccer together all the time,” Hareza said. “Poland, we’re obviously not the greatest national team, but we still make it to Euros and the World Cup. We might get knocked out a little early, but we’re always watching.
“It’s wonderful being able to spend time with my family, watching those games and experiencing life with my family.”
Hareza and the Porters are hungry, too. They were less than 20 minutes away from state last season before letting a late 1-0 lead slip away against Hinsdale Central, which scored the winning goal with under two minutes left.
“Playing in the sectional championship game and the supersectional, in front of huge crowds, was the best feeling ever,” Hareza said. “It really makes me want to get back and, 100%, get to state.”