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Huntley boys soccer coach Matt Lewandowski got the opportunity to succeed his high school coach Kris Grabner with the Red Raiders in 2019.
Lewandowski led Huntley to its best season in school history this fall with a 20-3-2 record and its first sectional championship. The Red Raiders also won the Fox Valley Conference title.
For all their success, Lewandowski is the Northwest Herald Boys Soccer Coach of the Year, selected by the sports staff with input from area coaches.
Raiders midfielder Austin Killen, one of their top players, missed most of the season recovering from ACL surgery in the spring, but they forged on to an outstanding season, led by forward Hayes Porsche in the front and defender Zach Heitkemper and goalkeeper Ethan Kornas in the back.
Huntley equaled the win total of Grabner’s 2013 team, previously the winningest team in school history. The Red Raiders’ season ended in the Class 3A Streamwood Supersectional with a 3-1 loss to York.
Lewandowski answered a few questions from Northwest Herald sports writer Joe Stevenson about the season and coaching.
What will you remember most about this season?
Lewandowski: Beyond the obvious – being FVC champions, regional champions, sectional champions and making it to a supersectional for the first time in Huntley’s history on the boys side – I will remember ball checks the most. The mad, hilarious scramble of 24 boys to make sure that their ball is present and properly inflated before practice is so fun to watch. Nobody wants to be the reason we do some extra fitness and (assistant) coach Ed Philpot sure does love to punt a flat soccer ball.
What person had the biggest impact on you becoming a coach?
Lewandowski: Kris Grabner. I was part of his first group of freshmen here at Huntley way back in the day. His passion for playing, coaching and competition in general fueled my love for soccer and ultimately, coaching. It was through him that I realized coaching is a way to always be a part of what I love, even if I can no longer play myself. Kris roped me into coaching summer camp at Huntley during the summer of my junior year of high school. Once I graduated from college, he pulled me right into the program and brought me under his wing. Ever since he’s been the first person I go to for advice. Two close seconds to Kris would be Brad Wellmen (former coach with the Chicago Fire who currently coaches the Cary Defenders) and Eric Johnson (director of soccer at Western Illinois University). Everything I know (and don’t know) about coaching comes from those three guys.
Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Lewandowski: Aside from ALWAYS having to use the bathroom with around 15 minutes left on the warm-up clock, I always have candy, beef jerky, something, in my bag to keep myself from voicing my opinion to the referees. I tend to get pretty intense and hyper-focused during games and this keeps me from talking myself into trouble.
What musical act would you most like to see in concert?
Lewandowski: I’m not really a fan of concerts and big crowds, but I will say that seeing Hugh Jackman on his tour a few years back was pretty incredible. I had no idea that he was as talented as he is. He really is a jack-of-all-trades performer. He can do it all.
What is the last really good book you read?
Lewandowski: I’m a big sci-fi and fantasy guy. I’m currently in the middle of the “Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson.
What will you enjoy most now that the season is over and you have some free time?
Lewandowski: Family time. During season, my life is consumed by soccer and more soccer. It’s nice to go home and hang out with my wife and 10-month-old daughter. We can actually make dinner and eat as a family at a normal time instead of rushing through a microwave dinner or fast food at 8 or 9 at night.
What are three of your favorite sports movies?
Lewandowski: “Moneyball,” “Tin Cup” and “Ted Lasso,” (yeah it’s a TV show, but it’s too good to not mention. Football is life!).
Who is the most famous person you have taken a picture with?
Lewandowski: I have a picture with a few of the U.S. Women’s National Team players from one of their most recent victory tours.
If you could change something about soccer, what would that be?
Lewandowski: I don’t think that I would change anything, really. Its imperfection is already perfect in its own, weird way. Soccer is fickle. Anything can happen at any time.