Grayslake Central’s Ivan Sereno was thrust into the spotlight early in his career.
As a freshman, Ivan Sereno carved out playing time on a team that made its second consecutive appearance in the Class 2A state semifinals and included his brother, then-senior Raymond Sereno, and his cousin, then-freshman Damian Sereno.
“We had a great season, and it was so special starting my career playing alongside my brother and cousin,” Ivan Sereno said. “I got to start in the state third-place game.”
Ivan Sereno did more than that. He scored two goals — on his only two shots — during the Rams’ 4-0 victory over Solorio in the third-place game.
Grayslake Central’s Ivan Sereno celebrates after scoring a goal against Solorio during the Class 2A third-place game in Hoffman Estates on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (Mark Ukena / News-Sun)
“It motivated me because it was the first time in history that we placed in the top three,” he said. “I knew I had three more years left and to make the best out of it. I wanted to make my own mark at our school.”
Ivan Sereno did that, too, compiling 98 goals and 82 assists over four seasons.
The 2025 News-Sun Boys Soccer Player of the Year, Ivan Sereno finished his high school career by scoring a program-record 33 goals, recording 14 assists and leading the Rams (15-6) to the Northern Lake County Conference title and a sectional title as a senior.
“Ivan always had the tools to become a top-level player,” Grayslake Central coach Keith Andersson said. “But early on he was missing one key element — he rarely used his left foot. We talked to him about it, emphasized how important it would be to unlock his full potential, and you could immediately see how seriously he took that feedback.
“He put in a tremendous amount of work, and over time he developed into a true dual-threat player confident and effective with both his left and right foot.”
Andersson has coached numerous elite players, including former Grayslake Central stars Danik Marynevych and Alan Alonso. Ivan Sereno, who also is the conference player of the year, compares favorably.
“Ivan’s technical ability is truly elite, starting with his exceptional first touch,” Andersson said. “Whether he’s bringing down a 60-yard service from Damian or controlling a keeper’s punt, he has an uncanny ability to check his shoulder, gauge the defender’s position, create space and cushion the ball to the ground with either foot.”
But Andersson noted Ivan Sereno’s success isn’t all about technical skill.
“His soccer IQ is equally impressive,” Andersson said. “Ivan reads the game multiple steps ahead. He often sees the play developing before the pass is even made.
“His ability to take on three or four defenders, beat them and then calmly lay off the simple pass for a tap-in shows just how advanced his decision-making is. He makes incredibly difficult moments look effortless.”
Grayslake Central’s Ivan Sereno (10) tries to move the ball past Streamwood’s Chris Cardenas during the Class 2A Streamwood Supersectional on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (James C. Svehla / News-Sun)
Ivan Sereno also got faster and stronger during the offseason.
“I gained more speed, started working more on my lower body and conditioning,” he said. “I made sure to take care of my ankles, abs and knees to prevent injuries, and that helped me to be faster on the pitch. I had more upper-body strength and didn’t let people push me off the ball.”
Ivan Sereno, who has a 3.7 GPA, said his father, Raymundo, steered him toward soccer when he was 3 years old, and his mother, Yenevit, has stressed the importance of academics and being a role model.
“I’m always talking to him about responsibilities and priorities and not following bad examples and asking him to always give his best,” Yenevit Sereno said.
Ivan Sereno is hopeful that his best will open more doors.
“I really want to reach my dream of playing Division I soccer,” he said.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
