Soccer players share a mutual love for the game, no matter what team they play for. At Evanston Township High School, most Kits split their time between local club teams like Jahbat F.C. and F.C. Lakeshore and the high school season. But this year, twelve players made a different choice, and this was to skip the 2025 ETHS boys soccer season to focus solely on their academy or MLS Next teams. For them, the goal isn’t just high school glory but it’s getting noticed at the collegiate or even professional level, despite the steep odds.
“Well, for some of the kids, it’s the best thing for them if they’re planning on playing soccer in college,” said boys soccer head coach Franx Calixte.
Calixte is one of the founders of Jahbat F.C. and previously coached for the program before settling with the high school’s team. The Chicago Fire Academy team has been a successful pathway to playing professional or collegiate soccer, but the Evanston students who take this path are unable to play for Calixte in the high school season.
“We have students here playing for the Chicago Fire Academy; it’s the way they want to go to achieve that,” said Calixte.
One of these students that Calixte is referring to is freshman Declan Harvey, who is nearing his fourth year playing for the Chicago Fire team. His love for the sport ultimately fueled his desire to play for this competitive team, following his dream to become a professional soccer player. Harvey attends half days at ETHS, leaving at 11:30 to get to his soccer practice on time. Despite not playing for the Kits, he still recognizes how convenient it would be to play soccer for the high school instead of having to take time out from his school days to play.
“I have friends who play for ETHS soccer, and they love it. If I hadn’t built as many bonds with my teammates on my own team, I’d consider playing for the high school,” said Harvey.
Harvey is one of the students at Evanston not playing for the school in his best interest to develop as a player to one day be able to play professional soccer.
Although academy clubs and MLS Next teams provide a chance at better individual success, it isn’t an option for everyone. These teams practice hours away and are expensive. Playing for the high school is neither of those things.
“To be able to just go to my high school and play after school, instead of having to travel far away to practice, it’s just easier for me,” said senior captain John Isaac.
Isaacs is a captain of the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team. Being able to lead a team full of kids he grew up with is a major reason why Isaac values the high school soccer experience. He values the pride and culture of playing for ETHS that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t play for the high school.
“If you wanna play for the high school,” Isaac said. “ I’d say do it, if you’re good enough, the offers will come anyway.”
While academy and MLS Next programs can open doors to college and professional soccer, they aren’t accessible to everyone. For most players, representing their school remains the most rewarding and realistic path. Beyond the convenience and familiarity, ETHS soccer offers a sense of pride, teamwork, and community that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Whether chasing college dreams or high school championships, every player’s journey reflects a shared passion for the game that unites them all.
