We celebrated the contributions and accomplishments of our seniors on the Grand Rapids Christian Eagles Boys Varsity Soccer Team.

We asked each of our seniors’ parents to share some thoughts about their son.  Those are included below.. 

Christian Dershem 
Parents:  Aric & Marie Dershem

Christian, 

We love the joyful and kind spirit that you bring to everything you do, including soccer. We have witnessed how your intensity and competitive nature have helped you to excel at soccer and have enjoyed watching you grow into your role as goalkeeper. Your willingness to throw your body into the path of any player or ball that threatens your team’s goal is both terrifying (for your mom) and amazing to watch. We are excited to see where your zest for life, love for people and God, and passion for all things cars takes you as you pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. More than anything, we are so grateful to be your parents, to witness your growth as you become who the great creator and designer of life engineered you to be. We love you more than words could ever convey.

Love Mom, Dad, Anton and Hannah

Chase Harmelink 
Parents:  Kevin & Laura Harmelink

Chase,

From the first moment you stepped onto the pitch at age 5 you knew you wanted to be a goalkeeper. You were determined that between the posts was the place for you and have embraced the challenge ever since. We soon realized being a goalkeeper’s parent is not very relaxing, which makes us appreciate even more the confidence and calm leadership you exhibit during a game. We’ve loved watching every exhilarating moment, from you securing a 1-0 victory by saving two penalty kicks to winning a State Cup championship.  We look forward to watching you play the sport you love beyond high school and while we are extremely proud of your many soccer accomplishments, we are even more proud of the person you’ve become. Thank you for taking us on this journey. 

Love Mom & Dad

Grayson Montpetit
Parents: Marc & Charlene Montpetit

Grayson,

It seems like just yesterday you were playing rec soccer in kindergarten, running back to protect the goal, then dribbling the ball all the way down the field to score. From your early days you have played the game with integrity, leading on the field and rooting players from the sideline. As a winner of numerous trophies on the pitch, your future wins in life are a testament to your faith, selflessness, humility, work ethic and empathy toward others. 

The travel we have done together as well the memories and friendships made throughout your soccer journey are priceless and we thank you for making them all possible. 

1 Timothy 4:8. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

We want you to know how very proud we are of you, in the person you’ve become and especially for your faith in God. May He continue to bless you and guide you throughout your future. 

We love you very much, Mom, Dad, Izzy & Elise

Andrew Overvoorde
Parents Pete & Jennifer Overvoorde

Andrew,

What a joy and blessing it has been for your mom and I, along with your siblings, step siblings and extended family, to witness you mature over the years both on and off the pitch. From that little 3yr-old afro'd bobblehead boy crying at your GR Parks and Rec games, to this now bigger, faster, stronger version with a more iconic afro, you have given us more highlights to cherish and be proud of than you could ever imagine.

Your quiet, calm, level-headed, yet aggressive demeanor have been trademarks of your game. You've been respected and able to fit in quickly, at every level you've played. Not just for your solid play, but because of the quality person you have always been and continue to be. 

Whether it includes soccer or not, we look forward to all that God has in store for you in the next chapter of your life.  We wish you God’s richest blessings as you head off to study Engineering at the school of your choice.

Love,

Dad, Mom, Megan and Jaden

Fredy Mendez Gutierrez
Parents: Fredy & Yuri Mendez

Freddy, 

We are very proud of the young man you have come to be. We see everyday how hard you work to get better on and off the field and for that we are very proud of you. We are grateful to have a son that uplifts everyone around him. We thank God for the love he gave you for soccer. It has been a joy watching you play knowing you give it your all on the field. Your strong faith and work ethic will take you a long way, we look forward to seeing what God has in plan for you! 

Love, 

Yuri, Fredy, Ashley and Annie

Jackson Mindling
Parents:  John & Glenna Mindling

Jackson,

Looking at photos of your youth soccer career we can only smile as we reflect on how much God has blessed us with you and your love of soccer. Along the way you and we have made great friends as we traveled across America.

The youngest of (4) whose older siblings all played club, high school and college soccer. You have been to a lot of soccer games. We often wondered whether you would love soccer or hate soccer when you got older. To see how much joy and excitement you have when you are able to connect that well-paced pass to a dangerous area says it all.

You have learned many life lessons that will serve you well. As every pass doesn’t connect… every shot doesn’t go in …every game is not won. But through hard work and perseverance there is joy when you do have success.

We are proud of the young man you have grown into and look forward to what God has planned for your future.

Love

Mom, Dad, Anna, Emily, Rebecca

Andrew Schepel
Parents Gerrick & Jayne Schepel

Andrew,

Andrew, we are so excited to be standing here with you in your senior year of high school, celebrating the young man you are. Your soccer journey has shown your grit, your perseverance, and your resilience. Each time we stood next to you following injury, we questioned if you might choose to call it quits on the game you love. You have been tested, and you have come through it as a true winner, with an amazing story and a strong faith and dependence on God through physical pain.

Andrew, although your plans for next year are still undetermined, we know that you have a unique appreciation for life and the abilities God has given you. Never take a single day, or opportunity, or soccer game for granted! God’s timing is perfect; He has big plans for you, and nothing is impossible if you keep your focus on Him. 

The verse we chose is Romans 12:12. “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” 

Love, Mom, Dad, Brandon, and Will

Carter Goodyke
Parents Brandon & Kristen Goodyke

Carter,

We have loved watching you play the game of soccer. In 6th grade you had to make a decision to continue playing football or soccer and here we are. You have always been tall and as you kept growing…we were not sure just how long this soccer gig would last, but we are glad it did. Being part of the Eagle soccer program has been a blessing and has taught you much more than the game of soccer itself. We are most proud of how you have been a team captain - it has been great to see teammates doing Bible study and attending church together. This program has left an indelible mark…literally in the form of a scar thanks to you bumping foreheads with ‘Bish’ during a post goal celebration in the semifinal showdown against Gull Lake. The greatest soccer memory to date was watching you play on the 2021 state championship team- what a fun ride that was. Although we are sad that we will no longer get to watch you play the game of soccer after this season, we look forward to watching you play basketball at the collegiate level. Your favorite verse is our prayer for you is Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Love, Mom, Dad & Grace

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Eagles, on behalf of the coaching staff, your teammates, and all the Eagle fans, thank you, Seniors for all the contributions you have made to the Eagle Soccer Program and Grand Rapids Christian High School. You have personified GRIT for our team this year. We are so proud of you and so excited for your future. Congratulations and GO EAGLES!