Over the past four years, senior Josh Pedersen, who is a captain of the Naperville North varsity soccer team, has dominated every corner of the field. Shining in defense and attack, he has been a utility player that the team can always count on. His soccer journey started at the local park district level but through his hard work and strong worth ethic he has become a reliable teammate and a powerhouse player for North.
Senior and fellow captain Sam Hess, who has been on varsity alongside Pedersen since freshman year, noted how their friendship is unmatched and how it has strengthened over the time they spend together everyday both as friends and as teammates.
“Since then [freshman year] we’ve been best buds in and out of the field,” Hess said.
Opponents are quick to target Pedersen because of his talent, but he refuses to be rattled. Whether he faces man-to-man coverage, double teams, or even triple teams, he continues to persevere. In his tenure, he has matured into a player who knows how to control the field. Others, including other teams’ coaches, have taken notice. Varsity soccer head coach for Naperville North, Jim Konrad, explained how Pedersen’s presence on the field demands attention, some of it being from the head coach of West Chicago, Jose Villa.
“[Villa] says ‘Jim, that kid is special,’” Konrad said.
According to Konrad, Pedersen is seen as one of the best players in the state, noted for his agility and speed, strong kick, and knowledge of the game. Konrad openly expressed that he believes Pedersen can beat the school’s record of 30 goals in a single season. He is right on track with 3 goals and 5 assists for 7 games played.
Pedersen and his coaches, peers, relatives, and fans can’t wait to see the road ahead of him in his soccer career. With that said, Pedersen is quick to recognize that this wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of his family, team, and especially his number one fan, his dad.
“Behind every goal I score is the support of my team and family, that’s what drives me…without that I wouldn’t be where I’m headed now,” Pedersen said.
Pedersen is planning to pursue his academic and athletic career at Bowling Green State University.
