For any high school athlete, being part of a team that has won three consecutive state championships is a unique and special experience. Naperville North boys soccer has quite a few players who know that feeling after winning the IHSA 3A state title in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
But for All American senior forward Ty Konrad, the experience has been even more special due to the familial bond connecting the state championships. Ty is the nephew of Naperville North head coach, Jim Konrad, playing on the varsity team ever since his freshman year. But the family ties don’t end there; Ty won his first two state championships alongside his older brother Mitch, a star defender for the Huskies from 2015-2017.
Uncle Jim could not be prouder of being able to coach his nephews over the past five years, while his own son will soon join the varsity program.
Soccer runs deep in the blood of the Konrad family, Ty’s father Jay was a star for Naperville North in the 90’s, and coached both Ty and Mitch during the club season with Galaxy FC. The Naperville based team even won the Under 17 National Championship in 2018.
There have been many talented members of not only the Konrad family, but of the Naperville North soccer program. Forward Chris Sullivan won the Gatorade Illinois boys soccer Player of the year in 2017, goalie Tom Welch won the award in 2018 and Colin Iverson earned the honor earlier this spring. But Ty Konrad could end up being the best of the bunch. An Ohio State recruit, Ty has racked up over 30 career goals and assists, often set up many of the Huskies biggest goals in recent years with his prolific speed and passing.
While Naperville North has a long, challenging road ahead if it hopes to win a record 4th consecutive state championship, Ty Konrad and his family will continue to teach, play and enjoy the game they love.
Check out how the boys plays in the Best of the West Final in our Boys Sports Highlights!
