“Kevin Noel elevated the performance of his teammates through his competitive nature, high standards of achievement, and passion for the pursuit of excellence.” While the words of one Redhawk teammate, the picture they paint encompasses a collective respect for the way in which Noel approached individual and team success at Naperville Central and beyond. Crowned the NCHS Athlete of the Year as a senior, Kevin Noel built a definitive name for himself in Naperville Central athletics. An accomplished and explosive receiver for the 1999 State Champion football team, Noel earned All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State recognition in his junior and senior seasons. As the eleventh-ranked receiver in the country his senior year, Kevin fielded more than 25 college offers from all Power 5 conferences, eventually deciding to continue his football career at Purdue University. Hall of Fame coach Joe Bunge notes, “Kevin really wanted to succeed. He had natural ability. He could run and catch but it was his competitiveness that allowed him to earn a scholarship to play football. He was also a great blocker down field, which in my mind makes him a real team man.”Noel’s athleticism and fierce competitive drive took center stage in track and field. A 4x State Qualifier with 3 All-State recognitions, Kevin was a state finalist in the 110M High Hurdles & 300M Hurdles, finishing 2nd in the 110M High Hurdles as a senior, despite battling an injury. Noel credits coach Steve Wiesbrook for his success, saying, “He taught me that hard work and perseverance were the key,” lessons that would stay with him long after high school. Wiesbrook was clear about the two key characteristics that made him successful: “Kevin hated to lose, and Kevin was intensely coachable. He was willing to change his race strategy both from a technical perspective and how he approached the race itself. He would attack the front of the race and let the rest of the race happen.” Echoing the words of Kevin’s teammates, Wiesbrook adds, “He pushed the people around him to be better. His patience for recovery as a teenager was awesome. He could stay focused on long term goals even though the short term was hampered by injuries.” For all of the success, some of Kevin’s favorite times were outside of sport: “Just enjoying time with my closest friends away from the track or football field were always important to me. House parties with my teammates, and sleepovers and playing NCAA football to wee hours in the mornings.” Noel was a study in balance: quick to laugh and quick to focus, driven to succeed and motivated to connect, all combinations that would serve him well in the classroom, in the community, and in the athletic arena. A 3x letter winner as a Purdue Boilermaker, Kevin was 1 of 3 freshmen to play in his first year, kicking off a successful collegiate career that led to recognition as Most Improved Offensive Player in his senior year. Celebrated as a “big, physical receiver with great blocking skills and good hands, a reliable possession receiver, good leaper and overall athlete” Kevin impressed position coach Bob DeBesse with his “strength and consistency” and commitment to excellence. Noel earned a degree in Sociology, with a minor in Communications. After graduation, Kevin played a season with NFL Europe for the Chicago Bears organization before entering an accomplished career in sales. Kevin continues to serve the world of sport ambassadorship, coaching young athletes and giving team talks, while living out the lessons born of sport through his professional pursuits and constant commitment to personal and shared excellence.Noel’s advice for current NCHS student-athletes mirrors his teammate’s praise of Kevin’s approach to life: “Work hard. Character is built when no one is looking. Train your butt off in the off-season and you will be successfully and accomplish your goals. Do not wait on anyone to tell you what to do. Figure it out and do it! Do not be too arrogant or proud to help ask someone for help that you admire or as done it at a high level before you. Chances are they asked someone at some point, and that helped them reach and achieve their goals. If you enjoy the grind and preparation, the results will speak for themselves.”Kevin Noel’s genuine embracement of “the grind and preparation” continues to yield results that speak for themselves, spotlighting not only his own story but also a powerful model for future Redhawks generations.