Cam Brown Embraces Leadership Role with Naperville North Soccer Team

Naperville North senior defender Cam Brown entered his first varsity start with an appreciation for more than an enhanced role. Brown was honored to play for coach Jim Konrad’s Huskies.

Brown expressed, “To wear this jersey and to be on this field where all these great players played, to have coach Konrad as my coach, is really an honor.” He added, “We talk about legacy all the time and how we have to honor the jersey, wear it with pride knowing all the greats that wore this jersey and played on this field. It’s what I’ve been looking for, and it’s really helped me grow as a player.”

Brown’s influence extends further as he helps younger teammates grow. The team is attempting to defend its Class 3A state championship with an almost entirely new lineup. Committed to Wisconsin-Platteville, Brown was elected as captain by teammates, of whom only three have prior varsity experience.

Coach Konrad noted, “Obviously, it’s cool that the boys chose him as a captain. You saw that today the way he leads from the back — super vocal, a positive leader. But also we ask the boys to hold each other accountable. Cam does that in the right way.”

Brown demonstrated his leadership during the Huskies’ 1-1 draw against visiting West Chicago. At the back, he led alongside seniors Liam McKenna and twin brothers Luc and Alec Schwanebeck, as well as juniors Ziden Elganzouri and sophomores Carter Joseph and Barrett Yeaman. Brown’s leadership impact resonated with junior goalkeeper Misael Gonzalez, who projected Brown as one of the top players by season’s end.

“He’s a very good teammate, a very good captain,” Gonzalez said. “He helps me a lot in the back getting the defense organized. Even off the field, he’s such a good person. I could speak on and on about him.”

Gonzalez praised Brown’s communication and hard play, saying, “I like the way he communicates with our back line, the way he plays really hard. He wants to kill every single ball he goes through.”

The Huskies faced challenges while edging St. Laurence 3-2 on penalty kicks during the 2025 state championship game. Brown contributed in overtime and converted Naperville North’s crucial penalty kick. Reflecting on the game, he said, “It was unreal — the weather, the atmosphere, just knowing all of our guys were tired. Making those memories for my team was like a dream come true.”

The attempt to replicate past success drives Brown. In his preparation for leadership, Brown consulted past captains Colin McMahon and Sam Hess. “They were great leaders for me, so if I was able to learn from them and put that into my team, it’s not much work on my end. It’s just translating it to this team and all these new players,” Brown stated.

Brown’s dedication complements the Huskies’ motto, “Nothing without work”, contributing to four state titles in the past decade. Coach Konrad shared insights on New Zealand’s legendary rugby team, the All Blacks, and their book “Legacy,” emphasizing the importance of doing the little things right. “Cam is that kid that does all the little things the right way. When you do those things, your teammates notice, and it allows you to lead,” he added.

Brown embraces his leadership role as a captain and center back. He shared, “Being a captain is good for me because I like that leadership role, especially as a center back. It’s an honor.” His gratitude to be part of Naperville North’s tradition is evident as he reflects on his journey.

“It’s a legacy,” Brown concluded. “We have a bunch of great guys come through this program — especially last year, we had a couple of Division I players — and to be able to step up and fill those places is an honor.”