Oliver Kupe smiled as he signed his letter of intent to attend and play soccer for Northwestern last Wednesday.
Wednesday was national signing day for many high school seniors. It marked the first day they could sign their letters of intent to which college they will be attending in the fall.
‘I felt very excited,? said Kupe. ‘It was a big relief knowing where I am going to college and Northwestern is an amazing place. I am really looking forward to it.?
The Big Ten college was able to create an atmosphere with athletics and academics, both important to Kupe, as he plans to study business.
‘It’s fantastic,? said Varsity soccer coach Adam Bican. ‘A lot of kids make their choice on where they go because of sports, Oliver made the choice because of academics. That’s what sets him apart.?
‘We’re very excited for him to become a Wildcat,? said Northwestern soccer coach Tim Lenahan. ‘He had tremendous athleticism in both soccer and basketball and has a great potential to help us.?
Lenahan record stands at 180-121-31, ranking him among the national leaders in winning percentage among Division I coaches.
Northwestern saw him play and approached him about attending their college.
He spent the last season of high school soccer leading his team to the state finals.
In the first game of the finals, Kupe scored the three goals that took the team to the final game against Kentwood.
Kupe was named all-league, all-district, and all-regional and first team all-state. Also, he is part of the Michigan Dream Team.
He ended the season with 24 goals and 18 assists.
Kupe chose soccer over basketball, for him it was an easy decision
I am a better soccer player, he said.
He has been playing the sport longer than he has been playing basketball. He began playing soccer when he was in kindergarten.
The Kupe family moved to Clarkston when Oliver was in third grade. Since then, he has gained friends, fans, and notoriety for his athletic skills.
‘There was a big support from everyone coming out,? said Bican. ‘It shows how many people he has touched since being here.?
‘I’m excited my friends and family were there to support me,? said Kupe.
Northwestern had a total of five signers on Wednesday. Kupe and John Rogers from Detroit Country Day were the only two from Michigan.