Dylan Healy spent his freshman year of high school taking online classes while playing soccer for the Chicago Fire Academy program.
While competing at the highest level of youth soccer was a great accomplishment, Healy felt something was missing. A talk with Naperville North coach Jim Konrad changed the course of his career.
“We had a great meeting in the spring, and there’s some goals that he wants to achieve in terms of his player development, and he felt like some of those things he could achieve here,” Konrad said. “So I’m thrilled that he’s entrusting us with his soccer career, and he’s definitely found a home.”
Indeed, Healy hasn’t missed a beat since enrolling at Naperville North. The sophomore midfielder is happy to be playing with the Huskies, who have 10 starters back after reaching the state semifinals last year.
“Fire was a great experience, and I still love the program there, but I really wanted to play high school soccer, and I think the soccer community here is great and the environment is cool,” Healy said. “It’s been a really cool experience here with the school.
“Everyone knows when you’re playing and who you’re playing against. Every time we go on the field, people are waiting to see the result.”
The results have been nothing but positive so far for the Huskies (3-0), who routed Oswego 6-0 on Tuesday on the opening day of the Best of the West Tournament. Healy bagged his first goal when he buried a rebound shot from 17 yards out at the 33:13 mark of the second half.
“I saw the ball was bouncing,” Healy said. “I just quickly reacted, and I was the first one to get there. It was really exciting, and I think the team realized that too. I’m just waiting for more to come.”
So are his teammates.
“He’s been fantastic these first few games, and he’s just been providing chances for our attackers, playing the balls in as well as getting himself shots,” Naperville North senior forward Noah Radeke said.
“He’s already had that high-level play, obviously, coming from the academy. He just had to come in with confidence and play and do his job and I knew he’d do great.”
Indeed, Healy has given a veteran team an added boost as an attacking midfielder.
“In the beginning, he was maybe a little more shy,” Naperville North senior defender Connor Hanrahan said. “Getting used to a new team and coming into high school can be a big deal, but he’s definitely adapted very well, and every day he’s getting better and better.”
As are the Huskies, who have added a talented player to an already dynamic offense.
“He’s different from most people that play the 10 for us because he’s just creative,” Hanrahan said. “He can find people’s feet or do some creative flicks to get it over the back line to connect with Noah.
“We haven’t had a lot of technical players like that. It makes us even more dangerous than before.”
The Huskies opened the season with shutout wins against Lyons and Morton. Healy shined in both games.
“I knew a good chunk of players here, but I didn’t know everybody,” he said. “As soon as I started training, I’ve fit in perfectly, and we’re all playing well together.”
That pleases Konrad.
“What has impressed me is his tenacity,” Konrad said. “He’s tackled hard, he’s battled guys bigger than him and he’s fought for balls.
“He’s already great. With another couple inches and a few more pounds, I see him being just an absolute superstar by the time he’s done.”
Konrad would like to see more academy kids follow Healy.
“I hope kids see the value in being part of the social and academic piece at a high school,” Konrad said. “When you’re playing for an academy, you’re out of school and doing it online, so there’s value in knowing your teachers and getting an education.
“I hope that we’ve also shown that there’s a pathway to playing college soccer through here. We have kids starting at top-tier Division I programs that do the high school channel.”
Healy, whose parents James and Joanna both played soccer at West Florida, intends to follow that route.
“For high school, I want to win every game and win every tournament that we can,” Healy said, “and later in my career I want to play college soccer and just keep the journey going.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
