Boys soccer: Naperville North's Sullivan led by going beyond expectations

Ever since he donned a Naperville North soccer uniform for the first time four years ago, Chris Sullivan has made game-changing play after game-changing play.

He has been doing things that are beyond the norm, but then again, Sullivan isn't ordinary. He's been extraordinary.

For the second straight season Sullivan is the captain of the Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area boys soccer team.

The all-state selection will play next year at Bowling Green State, where his older brother, Joe Sullivan, as well another Huskies alum, Max Auden, are finishing their final seasons. Pat Flynn, the captain of the 2012 All-Area team and a Naperville Central grad, is also finishing his final season for the Falcons.

"I always have followed my brother in everything he's done," Sullivan said. "At first during the early recruitment, I wanted to do something different, but then I thought about it some more. A lot of talented kids have gone there and had a great experience, they showed a lot of interest in me and coach (Jim) Konrad and my club coach have strong ties there so it was really kind of a no-brainer."

He will leave the Huskies as one of their all-time greats. Before he goes, though, he will try to help them win their second state trophy and first since 1998.

Heading into state, Sullivan has 18 goals and 12 assists, almost identical to his numbers last year - 19 goals, 12 assists. With 49 goals throughout high school, he could become just the fifth Naperville North player to score more than 50. His 37 assists are the second most in school history.

As impressive as his numbers may be, what really makes them stand out is that he's produced them against an extremely difficult schedule. The Huskies are 64-9-8 during the past four seasons, and in the last three seasons alone the team has only suffered one loss in the DuPage Valley Conference, compiling an 18-1-2 record.

"It's crazy, but Konrad has always talked about how this is our conference to win so go get it," he said. "It's one of those things we definitely don't take for granted, but we also expect to win, and to do so well the last three years is one of our biggest accomplishments."

Clutch from the start

Sullivan isn't embarrassed to admit that he was nervous during the season opener of his freshman year, as well as at other times in 2013.

Teammates knew who he was from his last name, but he also was new to the team, and the school for that matter.

Wanting to make a good impression, Sullivan assisted on the game-tying goal to help the Huskies earn a 2-2 tie against Lyons Twp. And, just like that, he showed that he not only belonged, but also could make an impact.

"Freshman year was a scary experience, but I had a junior, Brandon Hipp, who was a really super-cool guy that went out of his way to make sure I was doing all right," he said. "This year we've got four freshmen so since I know what it's like to be in their shoes I've done what I can to make sure they're feeling all right after practice and just continuing to build that chemistry."

Those freshmen are a part of a class that Konrad considers the best in school history. Sullivan is helping them adapt and fit in while leading them.

"Ever since tryouts I was really scared around the guys, but he let me be and being around him has been great," freshman Cesar Recendez said. "He's an unbelievable leader."

He's also as dangerous a scorer as this area has seen.

"He's obviously a special kid who comes out and makes big plays," Konrad said. "He's done it since he's been here. When there are big moments, he rises to the occasion."

Keeping his poise before finding the right moment to strike truly sets him apart.

"Usually something sticks out in a game in how they're marking me and you have to accept that and find a way that's going to give your team the best chance to win," Sullivan said. "Especially in the postseason. I've realized that this could be the end of the season, of my high school career, so obviously it's a clutch situation so I try to work harder and make that extra big play."

No self-satisfaction

Last summer Sullivan finished eating dinner one evening and felt like playing soccer. His attempts to get others to join him failed, but the desire to play was so strong that he packed up and went out by himself.

He spent a couple of hours on a field, well, at least until it was too dark to practice any more, when one of the girls from school hollered at him, "Are you really out here all by yourself?"

Indeed, he was. It wasn't the first time and it undoubtedly won't be the last. He's constantly working on his game.

"You can always do something to get better," he said. "My touch from freshman year to now is so much better and my confidence too. I was scared and nervous as a freshman, and I still get nervous before games, but I know that I'm going to be OK. I know that the first touch sets you up for success, so I'm constantly working on that and building up my soccer IQ. You can always learn things about the game, and you can't forget to have fun."

As serious and competitive as he is - don't even think about trying to beat him a friendly game of bags - Sullivan is having a blast playing soccer. Obviously, with his success, you'd expect for him to have fun, but it's also in his DNA to compete hard. He's simply a very happy kid who loves playing soccer.

"I have every reason to be happy," he said. "I've got the best parents, a great brother and great coaches and teammates. I'm playing a game that my brother introduced to me when I was 2 feet tall and couldn't walk. It's always been a part of my life, but I don't consider it as a job. I'm competitive and hate to lose, but I love to play and give it my all."

As for his legacy at Naperville North, the final chapter comes this weekend.

"That remains to be determined," Konrad said. "I'll tell you Saturday night."