Choosing a college has been a journey of discovery for Naperville North soccer star Lily Radek.

The junior defender had to look within herself in order to figure out where to go.

“The whole recruiting process was super difficult and a lot mentally,” Radek said. “But it was super cool to learn about myself and what I want to do and really just have to think about where I see myself.

“I learned about the type of coaches that I’m looking for, people who push me just like the coaches that I’ve had in the past, and not just with soccer. I also learned about who I am as a person, about what I want to do with my life. It kind of forced me to really reflect on and figure out a lot of big decisions early on in life, which I think is very helpful.”

Radek recently made one big decision by committing to Purdue, which she announced this week.

“Purdue is a great school with a newer coaching staff looking to rebuild, and I’m just really excited to be a part of that and their hopes to win some championships,” she said. “I’m just really lucky to have that in my back pocket.”

Naperville North girls soccer coach Steve Goletz feels lucky to have Radek leading his defense for two more seasons. Already one of the best outside backs in the state, Radek was highly touted by Goletz even before she suited up for the Huskies.

“Lily has been such a mainstay for us since she has come into our program,” Goletz said. “She’s just a through-and-through Naperville North defender. She’s tough. She’s willing to take on any challenge. She’s about as dependable as you could have.”

Goletz has utilized Radek at left back and right back because she’s proficient with either foot. Most players prefer to play one side or the other, but Radek is comfortable either way.

“Whether we play her on the left side or the right side, it’s always to try to shut down the best attacking kid out wide on the teams we play,” Goletz said. “She’s done that since she was a freshman.

“Her willingness to compete and battle garnered the respect of her peers from the first time she stepped on the field for us. Lily is a student of the game, cares so much about her craft and continues to want to get better.”

Why is Radek such a strong defender?

“I’ve been super lucky with both my club team and my high school teams,” she said. “I’ve been going against the top attackers my whole life, basically, and it’s kind of trained me, just made me the defender that I am.”

One who is physical, fearless and not worried about individual accolades.

“You don’t get glory from people who don’t know what the heck is going on in a soccer game, but I think that people really see how hard you work,” Radek said. “It kind of pushes me to really perfect myself because one mistake can cost you the game, and I think that pressure is what I love about the game.”

Naperville North’s Lily Radek dribbles the ball during a Class 3A state semifinal against Lane Tech in Naperville on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Troy Stolt / Naperville Sun)

Radek thrived under pressure during the 2025 playoffs, when the Huskies (17-6-3) lost to O’Fallon in overtime in the Class 3A state championship game.

“I thought during our playoff run last year, especially as we got deep, her ability to consistently stand out and defend some of the best kids in the state was really impressive,” Goletz said. “It was a huge part of why we were able to make it as far as we were.”

The Huskies lost another Big Ten defender, Minnesota’s Emily Buescher, and their leading scorer, Tennessee’s Claire DeCook, to graduation. But they will return a strong core, including Radek, who is looking to join some elite company.

The Huskies have won a state title every time Goletz has had a Purdue commit on the roster — with midfielder Christa Szalach in 2012 and 2013 and with forward Hannah Martin in 2019.

“No matter the roster that our coaches are given, they kind of are able to bring out the best in every single player,” Radek said. “Their core values are hard work and grit, and I think that can allow you to compete with even the best players in the state or country.

“The will to work and play for your teammates is what got us to the point that we were last year. I think we’ll definitely have another chance, and I’m hoping that maybe the prophecy can come true again.”

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/10/purdue-soccer-lily-radek-naperville-north/