Who is Sergio Perkovic. What makes him a standout player in lacrosse. How did his college career at Notre Dame shape his professional path. What are his notable achievements and records in the sport.
Sergio Perkovic’s Stellar Career at Notre Dame
Sergio Perkovic’s lacrosse journey is a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. His time at Notre Dame University laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would see him rise to prominence in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Freshman Year Brilliance
Perkovic’s impact was felt immediately during his freshman year at Notre Dame. He scored an impressive 28 goals, setting a new record for freshman midfielders at the university. His ability to perform under pressure was evident as he netted 10 man-up goals, tying for the team lead. This early success foreshadowed the dominant player he would become.
Sophomore Surge
Building on his strong start, Perkovic’s sophomore year saw him further cement his position as a key player for the Fighting Irish. He started all 15 games and finished as the team’s third-leading scorer with 34 goals. His consistency was remarkable, scoring at least two goals in 11 contests throughout the season.
Junior Year Leadership
As a junior, Perkovic continued to excel on the field while also taking on leadership roles off it. He served on the NCAA Competition Oversight Committee as the sole student representative, demonstrating his commitment to the sport beyond his personal achievements. On the field, he maintained his high level of play with 26 goals and 30 points over 15 games.
Senior Year Culmination
Perkovic’s senior year was a fitting capstone to his college career. He scored 23 goals and added a career-high nine assists, showcasing his evolution as a well-rounded player. His ability to perform in crucial moments was highlighted by a spectacular six-goal performance against Marquette, including the game-winner in the final seconds.
Perkovic’s Record-Breaking Achievements
Throughout his time at Notre Dame, Sergio Perkovic amassed an impressive list of accomplishments that solidified his status as one of the program’s all-time greats.
- Finished career ranked sixth in program history for career goals (111)
- Ranked 12th in points (134)
- Set the record for most goals by a midfielder in program history
- Named a First Team USILA All-American three times (2015, 2016, 2017)
- Selected to the All-ACC team three times (2015, 2016, 2017)
- Received ACC All-Academic Team honors three times
These achievements underscore Perkovic’s consistency and excellence throughout his college career, setting him apart as one of the most prolific scorers in Notre Dame’s lacrosse history.
Perkovic’s Impact on Big Games
One of the hallmarks of Sergio Perkovic’s career at Notre Dame was his ability to elevate his game during crucial moments and important matches.
NCAA Tournament Performances
Perkovic’s performances in the NCAA tournament were particularly noteworthy. As a freshman, he scored five goals in the national title game against Duke, nearly leading Notre Dame to a comeback victory. His sophomore year saw him earn a spot on the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship All-Tournament Team for the second consecutive year, highlighting his consistent excellence on the biggest stage.
Clutch Plays and Game-Winners
Throughout his career, Perkovic demonstrated a knack for making crucial plays when his team needed them most. In his junior year, he scored both the game-tying goal in the final seconds of regulation and the game-winning goal in overtime against Virginia, showcasing his clutch ability and leadership.
Perkovic’s Evolution as a Complete Player
While Perkovic’s goal-scoring prowess was evident from the start, his development into a well-rounded player was a key aspect of his college career.
Offensive Versatility
As he progressed through his years at Notre Dame, Perkovic expanded his offensive repertoire. His assist numbers increased, culminating in a career-high nine assists in his senior year. This growth demonstrated his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and read the game at a higher level.
Defensive Contributions
Beyond his scoring, Perkovic also contributed to the team’s defensive efforts. He consistently recorded ground balls and caused turnovers, showing his commitment to all aspects of the game. This two-way play made him an invaluable asset to the Notre Dame team.
Perkovic’s Leadership and Character
Sergio Perkovic’s impact extended beyond his on-field performances, as he demonstrated strong leadership qualities and character throughout his college career.
Team Captaincy
In his senior year, Perkovic was named a team captain, a testament to the respect he had earned from his coaches and teammates. This role allowed him to lead by example and mentor younger players, contributing to the team’s success and culture.
Academic Excellence
Perkovic’s dedication to academics was evident in his three-time selection to the ACC All-Academic Team. This achievement highlighted his ability to balance the demands of being a top-tier athlete with the rigors of a challenging academic program at Notre Dame.
Recognition of Character
Perkovic’s character and contributions to the sport were recognized through nominations for prestigious awards such as the Senior CLASS Award and the Tewaaraton Award. These nominations reflect not only his athletic abilities but also his sportsmanship, leadership, and community involvement.
Perkovic’s Transition to Professional Lacrosse
Following his illustrious college career, Sergio Perkovic made the transition to professional lacrosse, joining the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL).
Draft and Professional Debut
Perkovic’s talent and college achievements made him a highly sought-after prospect in professional lacrosse. His entry into the PLL marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, where he could test his skills against the best players in the world.
Adapting to the Professional Game
The transition from college to professional lacrosse presented new challenges for Perkovic. The increased speed, physicality, and tactical complexity of the professional game required him to adapt and refine his skills. His experiences at Notre Dame, particularly in high-pressure situations, prepared him well for this next level of competition.
Perkovic’s Legacy and Future in Lacrosse
Sergio Perkovic’s journey from a standout high school player to a Notre Dame legend and professional athlete has left an indelible mark on the sport of lacrosse.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Perkovic’s success story serves as an inspiration to young lacrosse players, particularly midfielders who aspire to make a significant impact on the game. His combination of scoring ability, leadership, and academic success provides a model for aspiring student-athletes to emulate.
Continued Growth and Potential
As Perkovic continues his professional career, the lacrosse community eagerly watches his development. The skills, experience, and mental toughness he honed at Notre Dame position him well for continued success and potentially a leadership role in growing the sport’s popularity.
Sergio Perkovic’s lacrosse journey, from his record-breaking college career to his entry into professional play, exemplifies the dedication and skill required to excel at the highest levels of the sport. His legacy at Notre Dame and his ongoing career in the Premier Lacrosse League contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of lacrosse history and inspire future generations of players.
Sergio Perkovic – Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website
Sergio Perkovic – Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website
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CAREER AWARDS, HONORS & RANKINGS
- Three-Time First Team USILA All-American (2015, 2016, 2017)
- Three-Time All-ACC selection (2015, 2016, 2017)
- Three-time ACC All-Academic Team recipient
- 2017 Inside Lacrosse Second Team All-American
- 2017 Team Captain
- 2017 Senior CLASS Award Finalist
- 2017 Tewaaraton Award Nominee
- 2017 Honorary ACC Postgraduate Scholarship Recipient
- 2017 Inside Lacrosse Preseason All-American (1st Team)
- 2017 Preseason All-ACC Team
- Five-time ACC Offensive Player of the Week
- Finished career ranked sixth in program history for career goals (111) and 12th in points (134)
- Most goals by a midfielder in program history
AS A SENIOR (2017)
- Started 14 games in his fourth and final season in a midfield position
- Ranked third on the team in goals with 23
- Added a career-high nine assists on the season
- Posted a career-high six goals, including the game winner with under 30 seconds left, in the win over Marquette (4/11)
- Recorded four hat tricks in his senior campaign
- Finished the season with six multi-goal performances
- Became the seventh player in Notre Dame history to reach the 100-goal milestone, scoring against Duke (4/8)
AS A JUNIOR (2016)
- Served on the NCAA Competition Oversight Committee as the lone student representative.
- Started all 15 games for the Irish, finishing with 26 goals, four assists, 14 ground balls and three caused turnovers.
- Ranked third on the team in goals (26) and fourth in points (30).
- Notched three or more goals in six games.
- Scored a season-high four goals on three occasions against Georgetown (2/20), Detroit (2/27) and UNC (4/23).
- Also scored three goals against Virginia (3/19) and twice against Duke (4/10 & 4/29).
- Scored the game-tying goal in regulation with 23 seconds remaining before scoring the game winning overtime goal against Virginia (3/19).
AS A SOPHOMORE (2015)
- Started all 15 games for the Irish
- Finished as the team’s third-leading scorer
- Netted a team-high 34 goals
- Dished off seven assists
- Recorded 22 ground balls
- Earned a spot on the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship All-Tournament Team for the second straight year
- Tallied six hat tricks
- Scored 10 goals and dished off one assist in Notre Dame’s three games during its NCAA tournament run
- Scored at least two goals in 11 contests
- Earned his second monogram.
AS A FRESHMAN (2014)
- Registered a stellar rookie campaign for the Fighting Irish, ranking fourth on the team in goals (28) and points (33)
- The 28 goals were the most ever for a Notre Dame freshman midfielder
- His 10 man-up goals were tied for the team lead
- Posted nine multiple-goal games
- Named to the All-ACC Academic Team
- Netted two man-up goals, including the game winner, in the 11-10 come-from-behind victory at North Carolina in the ACC opener
- Scored for four goals and added one assist in the 15-5 victory over Robert Morris
- Scored two goals in four straight games beginning with the 15-14 besting of Syracuse in the title game of the ACC Championship
- Notched two goals in the 13-5 win over Harvard in the first round of the NCAA Championship
- Posted two goals versus Albany in Notre Dame’s 14-13 overtime triumph in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship
- Exploded for a season-high five goals in the 11-9 setback to Duke in the national title game, with all five tallies coming in the second half, including three fourth-quarter goals, as Notre Dame nearly completed an impressive comeback
- Selected to the NCAA All-Tournament Team
PREP AND PERSONAL:
- Earned All-America honors as a junior and senior
- No. 58 overall and the No. 20 midfielder in the Inside Lacrosse Power 100 Freshmen
- Four-year varsity player at Brother Rice and captained the team as a junior and senior
- Helped Brother Rice win four state titles
- Michigan player of the year as a junior and senior
- Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association Player of the Year as a senior
- Was the North regional recipient of the Bob Scott Award, which is given annually to seniors who truly honors lacrosse, is invested in the development of the game in his community, is an exceptional player who continually strives to improve his game, and is an exemplary member of his team
- Three-year varsity football player at Brother Rice and captained the team as a senior
- Football squad won state titles during his junior and senior seasons
- First Team All-State in football
- Son of Vasko and Kristina Perkovic
- Enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business as a finance major
58 overall and the No. 20 midfielder in the Inside Lacrosse Power 100 Freshmen Skip To Main Content
Swarm add Sergio Perkovic on a one-year deal
Swarm add Sergio Perkovic on a one-year deal | Georgia Swarm Pro Lacrosse Team
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Perkovic is one of the recent field lacrosse stars looking to make the jump to indoor lacrosse
August 28, 2019
By: Ty Merrow
The Georgia Swarm announced they have signed Sergio Perkovic to a one-year contract as a defenseman/transition player. A midfielder for the Premier Lacrosse League’s (PLL) Redwoods Lacrosse Club and University of Notre Dame alum, Perkovic is a star American-born field lacrosse player looking to crack an NLL roster.
“We are excited that Sergio is interested in playing indoor lacrosse, especially given his All-American field lacrosse career at Notre Dame,” Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. “We are seeing an increased number of professional lacrosse players now playing both indoor and outdoor lacrosse.
Young lacrosse players should take notice that star college and professional players today are playing box lacrosse.”
“I’m just pumped to get an opportunity to try out for an NLL team!” Perkovic said. “I do not have much experience in the box game, but I am hoping to use the skills and athleticism I have developed through the outdoor game to fill a roster position for the Georgia Swarm.”
Out of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Perkovic has exclusively played field lacrosse his entire career. With the Redwoods in the PLL’s inaugural season, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound midfielder has 10 points (9G, 1A).
Perkovic graduated from Notre Dame in 2017 and served as the team captain in his senior season. He was a three-time First Team USILA All-American and was a nominee for the Tewaaraton Award in 2017. Perkovic holds the record for most goals recorded by a midfielder in program history. In 62 games, the 24-year-old posted 136 points (111G, 25A), collected 63 ground balls, and has a career 27.
