Dylan Healy: The Heart of Naperville North Soccer

Naperville North senior midfielder Dylan Healy treasures the memory of last season’s Class 3A state championship win. He remains one of the few current teammates to have experienced such a victory. Healy, committed to Kenyon, is the only returning starter for the Huskies and one of several players with key varsity minutes.

“The experience was awesome,” Healy shared. “The entire school got involved in celebrating our win with various events.” This marked the Huskies’ fourth state title in the past ten years and their fifth overall. As a third-year starter and second-year co-captain, Healy is dedicated to leading a successful succession.

The idea that we won state is amazing, but now I’m passing it down to the younger kids,” he said. “I tell them it’s not easy because we worked hard to get there. You have to work hard day by day because the season is short, but every day feels long, and they need to keep working to achieve that.

Healy started giving his best since joining the Huskies as a sophomore. Before that, he played in an academy during his freshman year. Despite being on a highly talented roster, he consistently contributed, though he maintained a low profile.

This season, Healy steps up as the team’s main leader. “He’s always led by example,” expressed Coach Konrad. “This year, he’s blossoming into a true leader in every way.” Healy’s growth is crucial for a team filled with young players.

Coach Konrad remarked, “We need it this year. Our team is as young as it’s ever been in my career, so matching our past successes will require tremendous effort.” Healy is ready for the task, having scored one goal and assisted nine others last season as a defensive midfielder. He plans to be more offensive-minded this season.

“I’m going to be a goal scorer or at least create the chances,” Healy said. “I expect to work closely with Will Boniface, who’s an excellent goal scorer.” Senior forward Boniface scored four goals off the bench last season, looks forward to working with Healy again.

It’ll be fantastic because we have team chemistry,” Boniface remarked. “I know Dylan will set up plenty of opportunities, and he’ll gather many assists, I hope.

The friendship between Boniface and Healy extends beyond the pitch. “He’s not just a great player but also a great leader and one of my best friends,” Boniface shared. “Playing pickup games on weekends helps the team practice and bond, which benefits us all.”

Healy is considered the driving force for the Huskies. Coach Konrad compared him to 2026 graduate Sam Hess, now playing at Indiana, describing Healy as a low-key version with a similar dedication. Konrad said, “Dylan’s style is different, but he has the same mindset of doing the right thing consistently; he’ll outwork everyone, and if he makes a mistake, he’ll admit it first.”

Continuing a family tradition, Healy will play for Kenyon, a college choice motivated by his parents, both former players at West Florida. Healy carries a 4.19 weighted GPA and aims for a career in investment banking. He found Kenyon’s campus appealing and appreciated connections to the Chicago area.

“I’m proud of Dylan for choosing a school where he can pursue soccer and a strong academic program,” Coach Konrad added. “Also, as a big Harry Potter fan, I think Kenyon reminds him of Hogwarts.”

Before moving forward, Healy hopes to add another successful chapter to a memorable high school journey. “It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s gratifying because I’ve been to state before,” Healy reflected. “This is my third year, and I have extensive knowledge about the team and our league. We have many newcomers, and I hope to guide them to share the same remarkable experience.”