Senior Spotlight: Multi-Sport Star Evan Kanellos of New Trier

Kanellos, set to play soccer at University of Chicago, has been part of much success at New Trier.

Evan Kanellos has been starting for New Trier boys soccer for two years now, and currently is locking things down defensively as a speedy, athletic senior point guard for what figures to be a strong Trevians squad. Kanellos is coming off all-tournament honors at the shared Loyola Academy/New Trier Thanksgiving tourney.

CSLV: Assuming you’ve made this transition this quite a few times now, what’s it like to switch from soccer season to basketball season? How do you change gears with the change in sports?

EK: “It’s definitely a quick turnaround. We got knocked out of the soccer playoffs on a Tuesday, the next day we had an open gym that I went to and hung out with my teammates. The following Monday was tryouts so it’s definitely really quick. It takes a bit of time to get back into the feel of basketball so there’s definitely some rust to polish off but iIfeel like I’m getting better and more comfortable each day.”

CSLV: How long have you played both sports?

EK: “As long as I can remember. I started playing park district soccer in kindergarten and basketball in first grade.”

CSLV: Has soccer come easier over time? And how has your love of the two sports grow over time?

EK: “I was honestly more of a basketball guy all the way until my sophomore or junior year I would say. My dad played basketball growing up so he was always helping and pushing me with that. I think I started to love soccer more when I made the varsity team in the spring of 2021 and after my junior season I decided I wanted to play in college so became more committed to that.

But honestly I love both of them and playing both sports through high school has been so much fun and I’d definitely recommend to anyone to play multiple sports for as long as you can.”

CSLV: What have these last few years on varsity soccer been like for you, playing with your brother and given the run of success the NT program has had?

EK: “Probably the most rewarding experience I’ve ever been a part of. Playing with my brother 2 seasons on soccer and 1 on basketball was something not a lot of people can say they experienced. It was definitely fun and I know how much my parents enjoyed watching us both play. The run we went on at New trier soccer over the past 3 years was really special and being a captain on the team this past season was such a privilege and my teammates all made my job so easy. We won the sectional for the first time since 2014 and that’s something I know me and my teammates will definitely be proud of for a long time.”

CSLV: This basketball season, how geared up for it were you and what do you expect/hope to accomplish this season?

EK: “I’m definitely super excited. Last year we had a great year and like set the record for wins in a season. This year we aren’t getting the hype we did last year but I think we’re really strong and I think the goal is definitely to win our sectional and hopefully get down state. The sectional is wide open and I think we’ve got a chance to do something special.”

CSLV: What’s most critical for you to contribute to this team’s success on the hardwood?

EK: “I think I’m a really strong defender and that’s something I’m gonna bring every game. Energy and leadership as well. Taking charges and then offensively being a scoring threat and just saying aggressive and looking for my own shot.”

CSLV: Who’s your favorite soccer player, basketball player and overall athlete?

EK: “Favorite soccer player is Kevin De Bruyne, favorite basketball player is Giannis.”

CSLV: Do you have a preferred or necessary pregame meal or routine?

EK: "Best pre-game meal would be a Jersey Mike’s sub.”

CSLV:What music/song/artist gets you in the right headspace for a game?

EK: “I always listen to some Travis Scott before a game and then I love the song Hand Clap by Fitz and the Tantrums.”

CSLV: What are the benefits and difficulties that come with being a multi-sport athlete?

EK: “Benefits of being a 2-sport athlete would be you pick up a variety of different skills and then a drawback would be you have less time to specialize in a specific sport or skill.”

CSLV: What are you hopeful to study and accomplish at U of Chicago?

EK: “I’m planning on studying econ at UChicago and hopefully at some point over the next 4 years I hope to win a national championship.”