Round Lake senior midfielder Christian Hernandez is feeling comfortable again.
Two years ago, Hernandez sought greener pastures following a promising freshman year and transferred to Lake Forest Academy.
“I wanted to see if I could prove myself at Lake Forest Academy,” he said. “I thought it would be a better experience for me.”
Round Lake coach Hugo Tellez noted Hernandez’s family ties to the program. Hernandez’s cousin Jorgie Morales is a standout player for the Panthers.
“It was a tough decision for him, especially as a young man,” Tellez said. “He was leaving his cousin but also his other family. As a program, we treat each other as family.”
Hernandez then struggled at his new school.
“I broke down,” he said. “I didn’t connect with anybody.”
Hernandez seemed like a different person, according to his father, Juan.
“There were moments when he felt so down that he didn’t even want to play soccer anymore,” Juan Hernandez said. “That year changed him. Christian was someone I barely recognized. It was hard to see him go through that.”
Christian Hernandez came to realize he had made a mistake and returned to Round Lake for his junior year. He became a vital player again, finishing with seven goals and five assists as the Panthers (16-6-1) won the Northern Lake County Conference title and their first regional championship since 2010.
“He had a little more pep to him,” Tellez said. “He knew he was not here the previous year so he had to prove himself and show he was truly back. He had a great year.”
Hernandez said he learned from the experience.
“Leaving was very depressing and super sad,” he said. “It wasn’t the right thing to do. I had a brotherhood around me, but I had to try other things.
“I think I learned that objects aren’t always the outcome. In reality, I had everything I needed over here. I should’ve appreciated it. I was so confused.”
Hernandez is one of seven starters returning this season for the Panthers, who will rely on him, Morales, Sebastian Herrera, Alex Corona and Iroel Velazquez to make another run.
Tellez said he hopes Hernandez can fill the void left after the graduation of Oscar Martinez, who had 12 goals and 10 assists last season.
“He’s got a great IQ for soccer and great vision on the field,” Tellez said. “He sees the game, not just the player. He’s a leader on the field and communicates with all the kids. He realizes it’s a privilege to be out there and is very passionate and proud.”
Hernandez said he feels like he is on solid ground and believes he can deliver for the Panthers.
“I feel brave right now because I’ve grown a lot over the past three years, switching schools and coming back,” Hernandez said. “I can bring a lot to the team this year. I feel confident as a soccer player.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
