Naperville North senior Andrew Hebron isn’t bothered by any lack of attention.

A three-year starter for the Huskies, Hebron plays defensive midfielder, a role that doesn’t attract the spotlight like a forward who scores goals or a goalkeeper who prevents them.

“I don’t mind it,” he said. “I like being behind everybody and not getting all the glory. It’s fine.”

There may be no finer defensive midfielder in the area than Hebron, who has been a dominant force for DuPage Valley Conference leader and Class 3A state championship contender Naperville North (15-0-4, 4-0) despite not scoring a point this season.

“There’s a famous saying in soccer that says, ‘Show me your 6, and I’ll show you your team,’” Naperville North coach Jim Konrad said. “Andrew has embraced the role of being a true 6.

“He doesn’t get to go forward as much as he likes, but he’s embraced it, and his maturity this year has really shown. He’s been such an incredible leader.”

Naperville North’s Andrew Hebron, right, looks to pass the ball during a nonconference game against Argo in Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / Naperville Sun)

Hebron, a co-captain, has supported teammates like junior midfielder Dylan Healy, who joined the team last season.

“He was one of the first people who almost put an arm around me and helped me get comfortable in the team and then helped me to be the player who I need to be,” Healy said. “Every single time I go out there on the field with him, he’s always been the person that not only brings up the team but brings the energy every single day.

“There’s always a need for someone on the field that can do that and be humble enough to lift up the team rather than just himself. And he’s almost like a brick wall in the back for us.”

Indeed, Hebron is a steadying emotional presence and a dominant physical one. His athleticism and leadership are two sides of the same valuable coin.

“He’s so physically gifted,” Konrad said. “He just floats around the field so fast. He’s a lockdown defender. Whenever we play against a team with a stud, we just usually slap Andrew on him, and Andrew is a really tough kid to beat.”

Hebron also gets the job done academically. He brings that same focus and work ethic to the classroom.

“He’s a bright kid,” Konrad said. “I like that he’s taking challenging courses. He’s really pushing himself academically. No matter what your grades are, I love that the kid is challenging himself.”

That trait runs in the family. Hebron’s sister, Olivia, who was a softball star for the Huskies, is a freshman at West Point. She will be required to serve five years of active duty in the Army upon graduation.

Naperville North’s Andrew Hebron (2) challenges Argo’s Julian Swiatek (11) for the ball during a nonconference game in Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / Naperville Sun)

Hebron credits his parents, Al and Stephanie, for setting a good example. Al Hebron was a three-sport athlete in high school and played football at Holy Cross, while Stephanie Hebron ran track in high school, as does Andrew.

“They definitely taught us to work hard, work for what we want, be grateful for what we have, and they definitely taught us the right morals,” Andrew Hebron said. “Every time I go in for a challenge, I go 100%.

“My role is to set an example for everybody else. If they see me do something, then they will follow me.”

Hebron has a large following, and not only for his play. Under the stoic veneer is a vibrant personality.

“He’s a great young man,” Konrad said. “He’s also a very funny young man, sometimes too funny. He’s got a great sense of humor. He’s always up to something, kind of a little Eddie Haskell-type personality at times, always a glint in his eye.”

This can lead to interesting conversations at home.

“I like arguing,” Hebron said. “I’ve always argued with my sister a lot. My parents are like, ‘You should go into prelaw if you want to argue this much.’”

Naperville North’s Andrew Hebron looks up the field during a nonconference game against Argo in Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / Naperville Sun)

There is no arguing about Hebron’s importance to the Huskies. Fellow seniors Sam Hess, Josh Pedersen and Colin McMahon are better known, but the uncommitted Hebron is just as vital.

“Sam and Josh and Colin get a lot of the press and a lot of attention, but we’d be really hurting without Andrew locking down the middle for us,” Konrad said. “Andrew has embraced North soccer. He just works and runs and plays so hard every game.”

Hebron appreciates the opportunity to do so.

“I’m so lucky to play for coach Konrad and coach (Steve) Goletz,” Hebron said. “It’s really a program of excellence.”

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/07/soccer-naperville-north-andrew-hebron/