In an intense match that played out like a scene from an exciting sports narrative, Dylan Halm, the All-American player of Revere High School soccer, produced a performance on the field against longtime rival Copley High School. The night unfolded not just with the victory, but with the work of Halm’s feet as he produced a memorable game scoring three out of five goals that left Copley in astonishment and the stands in a frenzy of cheers for Revere soccer’s win.
What began as a solitary journey for Dylan Halm evolved into teamwork, friendship, and personal growth. Coach Nicholas DePompei and Assistant Coach Sandor Jakab recall Halm’s joining the soccer program and his background in a business-like soccer environment.
“I think that took a little while for the mechanics of that to become smooth. I think now one of the things that he does very, very well is open up the game for others,” Jakab said
Halm joining the team marked a shift from the solo mindset ingrained in him by his competitive past teams. DePompei reflects that the transition from treating the sport as a job to joining the high school team took time and understanding.
“His desire to finish his opportunities, his athleticism that really complements his knowledge of the game, and his ability to do things, It is what makes him stand out significantly,” Jakab said.
Halm’s physical ability out on the field is just as strong as his mental ability. Switching whole environments on the field is a big change, to be able to play equally in both is a strong quality of Halm.
DePompei emphasizes Halm’s challenge in reshaping his perspective. The evolution was not just determined by the field, it added to every aspect of Halm’s interaction with the team.
In six months, Halm’s evolution from a solitary worker to a team player proved to be a long story. DePompei and Jakab talked about the early days of Halm’s arrival when the sport was intensive work for Halm.
“He came from an extremely competitive environment of very competitive soccer, but very work-related, like this is your job to do,” DePompei said.
This transition from an individual mindset to a team-oriented one required time and understanding to achieve. His previous experience made the sport more like a job when compared to a high school team. The job-oriented work of soccer keeps player relationships smaller, where there are individual friendships between players, not a team family.
“He was always a good individual soccer player. But now it’s like, ok, “you’re like family now,” DePompei said.
Halm’s evolution off of the field, navigating teamwork and friendship, became a huge aspect of his growth with the whole team. The friendship built during these off-field moments proves to be just as crucial as the team’s on-field performances. Halm’s growth is not just measured in goals scored but in the friendships he made and the team chemistry that became the foundation of their success.
“He’s the guy that is looking for the goal, looking for the moment all the time,” Jakab said.
His constant work ethic on the field made his involvement high, working constantly to make a huge difference in each match that could potentially lead to a win.
“Playing with the team has been awesome. We’re always together. In school, study hall, and at lunch, we’re always talking, we’re always together, which builds team chemistry and also builds friendships,” Halm said.
Halm expressed his enjoyment of learning and playing with the team, whether it is on or off the field. Their huge involvement in each other’s soccer careers creates long-lasting friendships. Learning how to understand his teammates in the process proved impactful for Halm. DePomopei spoke about how Halm is now a part of the team.
“You don’t often get that when you’re out in the academy setting or you’re traveling all over the country, you’re lucky enough to have some family there. So again, the opportunity to play in front of crowds and be part of something pretty special for him” Jakab said.
Halm’s previous experience in the MLS Next (Major League Soccer Next) program held him to high standards. His transition to the high school team created a higher level of play for Revere. His skills from his previous experience translated into making him a high-quality soccer player on a high-quality team.
“I think now one of the things that he does very well is open up the game for others,” Jakab said.
Halm helps out the whole team, unifying everyone together and making the chemistry stronger. His bond between the players keeps things open, even for a new player on the team. His evolution created this opening for new opportunities for everyone.
“[His] evolving that way was a lot off the field, evolving and understanding [he is] a part of this group now,” DePompei said.
They all united together as one family within their soccer team, placing Halm in that environment. Halm had to understand the group and adapt throughout the season. This was base for the evolution of his character and involvement in the soccer program.
“The team spirit in the environment is really on point. I feel like during practice we’re locked in and are always trying our hardest. The coaches push the players to be the best possible,” Halm said.
The players’ work together as a team during practices is a key component of their season, along with their chemistry building. Without these important moments together on the field, their success could suffer. Halm’s work and constant involvement helped create that success on the field.
DePompei detailed the significance of these accomplishments, noting Halm’s recognition as an All-American player. This award is given to high school or amateur players considered the best in their sport in the United States. He also earned the Suburban League Player of the Year and All-Greater Akron Districts Player of the Year. The statistical achievements followed, with Halm consistently making his mark on the stat line throughout the season.
DePompei says the process of bridging this gap added a changing effect on the team. He trained his mindset to be professional, but this change to a high school team caused differences.
The state of Ohio recognized Halm as Player of the Year in Division II in the state of Ohio, his journey symbolizing not just individual success but a collaborative effort that has elevated the entire team. In six months, Halm’s story is not only about goals scored but also about a team’s transformation with him.
“He kind of upped the level of everybody that we had, and the expectations were raised and the standards that we held ourselves to, which are already very high,” DePompei said.
“Sit back a moment, wow, he can do some things that other players we’ve seen not be able to do physically, and from a soccer standpoint,” DePompei said.
Halm’s physical skills show the importance of his training from his coaches, whether it was the previous MLS next training or the current practices with the team. His high work and skill level in a soccer environment make his role stand out on the field.
“Anytime you get somebody like that who can be as dynamic as he is, it brings you a level up and gives you confidence, maybe a little more than you already had,” DePompei said.
His work in the soccer field makes him stand out. His confidence with the ball helps inspire the other teammates on the field. He helps raise the level of play which then helps his teammates strive as well. The dynamic attitude Halm possesses on the field keeps the workflow consistent, which keeps the team’s drive high for the greater goal of success.
“He is constantly in the stat line. I mean, he’s either the pass or the one putting it in the back of the net. So that’s been a huge accomplishment,” DePompei said.
Halm keeps himself involved in every game he plays. He makes sure to make the right decisions that allow the team to score. If it is him or his teammates, he tries to make it happen. He has achieved a statistic of 2.1 goals per game this season.
“He was named the player of the week, but even just the bigger things he was named suburban league player of the year, and he was named all Greater Akron Districts player of the year,” DePompei said.
His achievements on the team were from the hard work on the field, along with the whole team working together to create a long successful season.
Halm’s transformation from a professionally-oriented soccer player to a team member in just five months is due to the impact of teamwork, friendship, and personal evolution. Shifting from a competitive and business-like soccer background to the inviting friendship of a high school team demanded more than just skills, it required a change in perspective. Beyond the goal statistics and individual awards, Halm’s journey symbolizes a collective effort that has boosted the entire team. His integration into the team, through off-field work and shared experiences, not only remade his play style but has also become a factor in the team’s success. In closing the gap between his professional mindset and his teammates’ varying levels of mental preparation, Halm has not only achieved personal milestones but has set higher expectations for the entire team and future varsity squads at Revere.
