Grayslake Central’s Anderson Chevrier is adept at cleaning up messes.
Chevrier, a senior defender who patrols the back line for the Rams, also started a mobile car-detailing business with his friend Henry Sanborn last summer.
Chevrier made a good impression on his first client.
“He did an amazing job,” Grayslake Central coach Keith Andersson said. “It looked like a showroom car when I got it back. It had not been that clean since I got it.”
A four-year varsity player and captain, Chevrier has been no less effective on the field for the Rams (10-2-1, 5-0), who have allowed just 11 goals and lead the Northern Lake County Conference heading into their game against second-place Wauconda on Tuesday.
“With him in our back line, it’s a strong wall, and it’s very hard to penetrate them,” Andersson said.
Grayslake Central, which has beaten defending Class 3A state champion New Trier and defending 2A state champion Crystal Lake South, will begin its pursuit of its third trip to the 2A state semifinals in four years when the postseason starts next week.
“The chemistry we have together is amazing, on and off the field,” Chevrier said. “I think this is the best team I’ve ever played on at Grayslake Central in my four years. We all have the same goal this year: make it to state.”
The Rams placed fourth in 2021 and third in 2022 but lost in a regional final last season.
“We were heartbroken after our playoff loss last year,” Chevrier said. “Everyone is on the same page. It helps when we work off each other and lift each up as a team, not individually.”
That gives Chevrier confidence.
“I think we can beat any team in the state,” he said.
Chevrier compared winning in soccer to running a business.
“Running your own business is not easy,” he said. “You have ups and downs and have to know how to problem-solve. You also have to put in the work when no one is watching. It might not make sense, but it comes together. That’s the big thing that corresponds with soccer.”
Chevrier said his father, Ryan, introduced him to the sport. Ryan Chevrier played high school soccer in Michigan and was a goalkeeper for Trinity International in Deerfield.
“As long as I can remember, my dad has been taking me to all practices, all club games that are hours away, and he’s never missed a game, whether it’s raining or cold,” Anderson Chevrier said. “My dad is my best friend. Obviously, we bond over soccer a lot.”
Ryan Chevrier said he has tried to emphasize the team aspect of the sport.
“The main piece of advice I gave him from early on was your job is to make your teammates better,” Ryan Chevrier said. “Any gifted player who works hard can be a star and focal point, but this is not an individual sport. When you make your teammates better, your team rises.”
Andersson knows he can rely on Anderson Chevrier to help the team.
“He always does his job,” Andersson said. “He’s very consistent, and you never have to worry about him.
“He has a spark in him. He gets everyone motivated.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
