Alumni Gazette

Academic All-American Joins Pro Soccer

HEADING PRO: Micklos was the third overall pick in the 2006 United Soccer League First Division draft.

Nate Micklos ’06 had just three months to switch gears from Rochester college student to professional soccer player, so he could be forgiven if he has to pinch himself from time to time.

“It’s what every kid dreams about when they first start playing a sport, and to think it’s a reality now is crazy,” says the star Yellowjacket forward. “I cannot think of anything better than being paid to play soccer.”

Micklos, who was named ESPN The Magazine’s College Division Academic All-American of the Year in 2005, embarks on his pro career this summer. The Virginia Beach Mariners of the United Soccer League First Division chose him as the third overall pick in the 2006 draft.

He finished his dual degree in history and political science in December and reported to the Mariners’ preseason camp in March.

“Everybody here [on campus] is absolutely thrilled for him,” says Chris Apple ’92, Rochester men’s soccer coach. “He’s a great kid, and this is a great opportunity.”

Micklos’s work ethic—on and off the field—made him a standout among soccer watchers. As a senior he was named a first-team Academic All-American (he was a second-team choice the year before), and he was selected as a First-Team Scholar All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

He earned All-American honors three seasons in a row and was selected the University Athletic Association’s Player of the Year after his junior and senior seasons. In all, he scored 57 goals and tallied 26 assists over his career.

Virginia Beach managing director Michael McCann says Mariners coach Jay Hoffman “had done his homework on Nate and felt he had the type of character that would let him fit in quickly here. It was a definite decision to go after Nate in the draft.”

Micklos says he’s grateful for the support he’s received from his family, coaches, and teammates. His teammates provided him with his best collegiate memory when they collectively propelled Rochester to a 16–0 regular season and a bid to the Division III national playoffs in 2005. Micklos was especially close to his fellow seniors on the team, a camaraderie that he will miss.

“Everyone really got along well, and that translated to success on the field,” he says.

—Ryan Whirty