Jan. 31, 2006

ROMEOVILLE - Palatine High School soccer standout Justin Vander Heyden, the Mid-Suburban West Player of the Year and an all-state selection this season, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Lewis University.

The 5-foot-10, 145-pound Vander Heyden, a four-year letter winner as a defender, also was all-sectional and Daily Herald and Chicago Sun-Times all-area in 2005. He was named all-conference, all-sectional and Daily Herald all-area as a junior and was a three-year team captain and two-time Palatine Most Valuable Player.

Vander Heyden was a part of Palatine teams that captured the 2002 regional championship and four Hogan Tournament titles. He was named to the Hogan all-tournament team three times.

Vander Heyden also has enjoyed success in club soccer with the Chicago Sockers and Elk Grove Arsenal. His recent accomplishments include helping the Arsenal U-18 squad reach the State Cup semifinals in 2004 and 2005.

Vander Heyden is the son of Robert and Karen Vander Heyden.