Prpa Relishes Final Games of Historic Career at MU

Senior midfielder Luka Prpa has been an irreplaceable part of the Marquette men's soccer program for the past four years. A three-time all-conference performer and Academic All-BIG EAST selection, Prpa has excelled both on and off the field.

In addition to ranking in the top-15 all-time in program history in points, points per match and assists, Prpa carries a 3.84 GPA and twice has been named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America team. When he reflects on his time as a student-athlete at MU, he talked about why MU was the right school for him.

"Marquette had everything I was looking for in a school," Prpa said. "Top-notch academics, a beautiful campus and people that want to help you succeed. The coaching staff recruited me hard and they wanted me for the player and person I was, not just another name on the roster."

The Wind Lake, Wisconsin native committed to be a Golden Eagle in the fall of his sophomore year and got himself ready for college soccer by challenging himself against some of the top competition in the world. He played club soccer for the Chicago Magic in addition to the U-14, U-15 and U-17 National teams during his high school years. He also spent three years at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, training and going to school at the prestigious prep institution.

His hard work and training paid off and his adjustment to the college game went as smoothly as it could. He tied a freshman record with 10 goals in 2016, the highest total for an MU freshman since 1993. He was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Year for his breakout season.

EQUALIZER! Luka Prpa ties the game up at 1-1 for @marquettesoccer in this #BEfutbol Quarterfinal showdown. pic.twitter.com/cZFv8rcYAU
— BIG EAST Champs (@BIGEASTchamps) November 4, 2018

"I felt like I came in ready to contribute," Prpa said. "I had worked really hard to put myself in a position to help the team try and win games."

Over the past few years, Prpa has played 62 games for the Golden Eagles, starting in 59 of those games. Saturday night he'll take the pitch one final time at Valley Fields and he's expecting to have plenty of family and friends in attendance. His parents, brother Leki, cousins and grandfather come to almost every home match. His hometown of Wind Lake is just 35 minutes from campus.

"One of my favorite parts of playing college soccer close to home is that I have so much support at the games," Prpa said. "We have a lot of international players on the team, so I'm always asking them if they can give me their extra tickets for home games."

He's made plenty of memories at Valley Fields with his teammates over the years and described last year's BIG EAST tournament win against Xavier in a penalty shootout as one of the most memorable moments of his career.

"The feeling of winning in penalty kicks in front of our fans at home was surreal," he said. "Then the team built off that energy and won against Creighton [in the BIG EAST semis] after 12 penalties was a feeling you can't put into words."

NOT SO FAST! The cross from Zak Wegner and the finish by @Luka_Prpa and we are tied! Prpa connects on his sixth goal and fifth in the last seven games to make it 1-1 a half hour into this #BEfutbol semifinal. #MarquetteSoccer pic.twitter.com/co03iMo4r0
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) November 8, 2018

Although the feeling of victory was sweet, the sinking feeling after losing in the BIG EAST tournament championship to Georgetown is one he hasn't forgotten. Being so close to the NCAA tournament and falling short is what drives Prpa, and he hopes to make one more postseason run in his final go-around as a Golden Eagle.

"We shouldn't try for anything less than that [a postseason bid]," he said. "We were so close last year, which is why its everyone's goal this year."

Regardless of how this season ends, Prpa wants to be remembered by his teammates and coaches as someone who always worked hard and went the extra mile to show his dedication to the team.

"I also want my teammates to know that I have their back and will always be there if they me," he said.

Prpa and the Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday, Nov. 2 against the Seton Hall Pirates for senior night at Valley Fields.

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).

Prpa Relishes Final Games of Historic Career at MU

Players Mentioned

Luka Prpa

Zak Wegner

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