Amid the adrenaline rush, senior forward Kacper Dziubek finds peace for Stagg.
It doesn’t count if there’s chaos on the field — the random physicality or collisions that seem to pop up. None of that registers when Dziubek feels the ball at his feet.
“Whatever is going on in my life, either good or bad, everything goes away when I am playing,” he said. “It is very peaceful and natural. Nothing else matters.
“I just go out and play.”
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In his fourth varsity season, Dziubek also plays to an all-state level. His importance was magnified during a six-game absence as Stagg (14-3-1) suffered a string of losses.
Now fully healthy from a foot injury, Dziubek is the offensive centerpiece for the Chargers, having scored 10 goals in only 12 games this season. He has toggled between positions in his career, watching his role expand each year.
“Even when he is man marked or double teamed, he finds a way to get involved, either by distributing or making runs off the ball,” Stagg coach Mike Kealy said. “He has the ability to finish with both feet, is unselfish, and he possesses an advanced soccer IQ.”
Dziubek’s goal-scoring emergence has been a boon for the Chargers, who take a 10-game winning streak heading into Tuesday’s Class 3A Lockport Regional semifinals.
Among his best efforts recently? Producing two goals and an assist Oct. 10 in a 3-1 victory over Bolingbrook. His scoring touch is just a byproduct of experience, skill and development.
“I don’t quite know where the scoring comes from, to be honest,” Dziubek said. “I always played as a defensive center midfielder. I just think my IQ just allows me to play anywhere.”
As a freshman, Dziubek played on varsity during the pandemic season. Wide-eyed and innocent, he demonstrated poise, grace and toughness beyond his years.
Last season, he earned all-conference and all-sectional recognition.
“From year to year, the game got easier,” Dziubek said. “I experienced so much about the game when I was younger, so I always had knowledge and understanding like position on the field, playing off the ball.
“Anything that might happen in a game, I already saw it when I was younger.”
The month spent recovering from his injury intensified Dziubek’s desire and ambition to make his mark on the game, according to senior goalkeeper Jose Flores.
“I think what makes Kacper so special and different is his ability to play any position and still be a top player,” Flores said. “He’s played all over the field, and every time, he has been a top player.
“He creates chances all over the field, but I feel what really makes him elite is the mindset he carries. Even with the setbacks he had, he always manages to give us a top performance.”
Dziubek’s personality is complex and multifaceted. He is a leader but never a taskmaster. Like his playing style, he adapts to the circumstances.
“I’m both outgoing and I also like to keep to myself,” he said. “It just depends on the day. I am never afraid of speaking my mind.”
Flores, who secured his 11th shutout Thursday in a 1-0 victory over Lemont in the regular-season finale, praised Dziubek’s upbeat leadership.
“Whenever we concede or score a goal,” Flores said, “he always encourages us in a very positive way.”
Playing at the next level is Dziubek’s career ambition. Pushing Stagg beyond the sectional round from a year ago is his primary focus.
“I’ve never shied away from the big moment,” he said. “I have always been willing to do whatever was necessary to play well and do whatever possible to win.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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