Varsity soccer captain Jake Santellano was asked to switch positions at halftime during a Sept. 9 game against New Trier, the team ranked No. 2 in the state, according to High School Cube News, going into playoffs.

When Head Coach Paul Vignocchi pulled Santellano aside during halftime, he “challenged” Santellano to play center back, instead of his usual position of center midfield.

“It was stressful, especially playing against New Trier,” said Santellano. “[The other team was] just hammering balls at us. There was a lot of pressure.”

Glenbrook North and New Trier tied at 2-2, with Santellano scoring one of the goals.

“He didn’t complain [about the switch],” said Vignocchi. “He didn’t put his head down. He took on that responsibility. He realized he wasn’t playing that great [of a] game in the midfield and played a great game on defense for us in the second half.”

Santellano has been on the varsity team since his sophomore year. He said he started playing soccer when he was nine, playing for the  Northbrook Spartans with current teammate Will Crockford.

“[Santellano and I] became acquainted through practices together,” said Crockford. “We were on the same team the next year and, since then, have been on the same team. He definitely leads by example on the field.”

The varsity soccer team finished its regular season with a 4-0 win against Lincoln Park, making the team undefeated in home games, and 8-8-5 in the regular season overall.

“[Against] Niles North, we were tied 0-0 and we had a couple shots on goal but couldn’t find the back of the net,” said Crockford. “With about seven minutes left in the first half, [Santellano] came up with a big header off of a corner kick to put us ahead.”

The game ended in a 2-2 tie.

“I felt relieved that we finally put that goal in [the net],” said Santellano. “We were playing really well that game and we did not deserve to [lose]. When I [scored] I was just kind of happy to give the team what we deserved.”

Vignocchi said he has been impressed with Santellano’s performance on the varsity team.

“[Santellano has] been a very consistent player for us,” said Vignocchi. “He’s never really had a bad game. He’s always been the same player out on the field.”

After a 7-1 win against Maine West, Santellano’s high school career ended on Oct. 25 when the soccer team was defeated 3-1 by New Trier in the Regional Final.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Santellano. “Looking back on the past four years that I’ve played GBN soccer, every year was different, every team was unique, and each year was amazing. …Yeah, it’s sad but I appreciate everything I’ve gone through.”

In September, Santellano verbally committed to play soccer next fall at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a Division III program.

“My sophomore year was when I really [kind of] knew that I was gonna play in college, no matter what,” said Santellano. “[Soccer is] just what I do. I can’t see myself doing anything else. It would be weird to stop playing soccer after [my] senior year.”

Vignocchi believes Santellano chose the right school to continue his soccer career.

“I think it’s a great fit for him,” said Vignocchi. “[Wisconsin-Whitewater] is a very competitive Division III program as far as all [its] sports go, especially soccer. He’s [going to] fit in well there and it was a great decision on his part.”