Who is Sergio Perkovic and what are his achievements in lacrosse. How did he rise to prominence in the Premier Lacrosse League. What made him stand out during his college career at Notre Dame.
The Rise of Sergio Perkovic: From Notre Dame to the Premier Lacrosse League
Sergio Perkovic has become a household name in the world of lacrosse, transitioning from a standout collegiate career at Notre Dame to a professional star in the Premier Lacrosse League. His journey is a testament to his exceptional skills, dedication, and impact on the sport.
Collegiate Career Highlights
Perkovic’s time at Notre Dame was marked by numerous accolades and record-breaking performances. He earned three First Team USILA All-American honors (2015, 2016, 2017) and was a three-time All-ACC selection. His academic prowess was equally impressive, as he was named to the ACC All-Academic Team three times.
- Finished career ranked sixth in program history for career goals (111)
- Ranked 12th in points (134)
- Holds the record for most goals by a midfielder in Notre Dame’s program history
- Five-time ACC Offensive Player of the Week
Sergio Perkovic’s Impact on Notre Dame Lacrosse
Throughout his four years at Notre Dame, Perkovic consistently demonstrated his value to the team and his ability to perform under pressure. His senior year was particularly notable, as he served as team captain and was named a Tewaaraton Award Nominee.
Senior Year Achievements (2017)
- Started 14 games in midfield position
- Ranked third on the team with 23 goals
- Career-high nine assists
- Recorded four hat tricks
- Became the seventh player in Notre Dame history to reach the 100-goal milestone
One of Perkovic’s most memorable performances came in a game against Marquette, where he scored a career-high six goals, including the game-winner with under 30 seconds left.
The Evolution of Perkovic’s Game: From Freshman to Senior
Perkovic’s growth as a player was evident throughout his college career. Each year brought new challenges and opportunities for him to refine his skills and expand his role on the team.
Freshman Year Breakout (2014)
As a freshman, Perkovic made an immediate impact:
- Ranked fourth on the team in goals (28) and points (33)
- Set a Notre Dame record for most goals by a freshman midfielder
- Tied for team lead with 10 man-up goals
- Named to the All-ACC Academic Team
His performance in the NCAA Championship game against Duke was particularly noteworthy, as he scored five goals in the second half, nearly leading Notre Dame to a comeback victory.
Sophomore and Junior Year Development
In his sophomore year (2015), Perkovic continued to excel:
- Started all 15 games
- Led the team with 34 goals
- Recorded six hat tricks
- Earned a spot on the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship All-Tournament Team for the second straight year
His junior year (2016) saw Perkovic take on additional responsibilities:
- Served on the NCAA Competition Oversight Committee as the lone student representative
- Finished with 26 goals, four assists, 14 ground balls, and three caused turnovers
- Scored the game-tying and game-winning goals in a crucial match against Virginia
Perkovic’s Playing Style and On-Field Contributions
Sergio Perkovic’s success on the field can be attributed to his unique combination of size, speed, and shooting ability. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 225 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of power and agility for a midfielder.
Offensive Prowess
Perkovic’s offensive capabilities were a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s attack:
- Exceptional outside shooting, particularly from long range
- Ability to create his own shot off the dodge
- Threat in man-up situations, evidenced by his 10 man-up goals as a freshman
- Improved playmaking skills, as shown by his career-high nine assists in his senior year
Clutch Performances
Throughout his college career, Perkovic demonstrated a knack for delivering in high-pressure situations:
- Game-winning overtime goal against Virginia in 2016
- Five-goal performance in the 2014 NCAA Championship game
- Six-goal outing, including the game-winner, against Marquette in 2017
From College Star to Professional Athlete: Perkovic’s Transition to the Premier Lacrosse League
After his impressive collegiate career, Sergio Perkovic made the natural progression to professional lacrosse, joining the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). His transition to the pro level has been marked by continued success and growth as a player.
PLL Career Highlights
While specific statistics from Perkovic’s PLL career are not provided in the original text, his inclusion in the league speaks to his skill level and potential as a professional athlete. The PLL, founded in 2018, features the best lacrosse players in the world, and Perkovic’s presence in the league is a testament to his abilities.
Adapting to the Professional Game
The transition from college to professional lacrosse often requires players to adjust their game. For Perkovic, this likely meant:
- Adapting to the increased speed and physicality of the professional game
- Refining his skills to compete against the world’s best players
- Potentially expanding his role beyond that of a primary scorer
- Learning to balance the demands of professional athletics with other aspects of life
Perkovic’s Legacy and Impact on Lacrosse
Sergio Perkovic’s influence on the sport of lacrosse extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. His journey from high school star to college phenom to professional athlete serves as an inspiration for young players and helps to grow the sport’s popularity.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Perkovic’s success story can motivate young lacrosse players in several ways:
- Demonstrating the value of hard work and dedication
- Showing that academic and athletic success can go hand-in-hand
- Providing a role model for midfielders, especially those with a similar physical profile
- Highlighting the potential for a professional career in lacrosse
Contributions to Lacrosse’s Growth
As a high-profile player in both college and professional lacrosse, Perkovic contributes to the sport’s development:
- Increasing media attention and fan interest in lacrosse
- Potentially attracting new players to the sport
- Helping to establish the PLL as a viable professional league
- Showcasing the excitement and skill involved in high-level lacrosse
The Future of Sergio Perkovic in Lacrosse
While the original text doesn’t provide information about Perkovic’s current status or future plans, his track record suggests a bright future in the sport of lacrosse.
Potential Career Paths
Given his success and experience, Perkovic has several potential avenues for his lacrosse career:
- Continuing to play and excel in the Premier Lacrosse League
- Potentially representing the United States in international competitions
- Exploring coaching opportunities at various levels
- Becoming involved in lacrosse administration or development
- Using his platform to promote the sport and mentor young players
Regardless of the specific path he chooses, Sergio Perkovic’s impact on lacrosse is likely to continue for years to come. His journey from a talented high school player to a Notre Dame legend and professional athlete serves as a blueprint for success in the sport and an inspiration to lacrosse players at all levels.
Perkovic’s Early Years: The Foundation of a Lacrosse Star
Before his collegiate and professional success, Sergio Perkovic laid the groundwork for his lacrosse career during his high school years. His time at Brother Rice High School in Michigan was marked by exceptional performances and numerous accolades.
High School Achievements
- Four-year varsity player at Brother Rice
- Captained the team as a junior and senior
- Helped Brother Rice win four consecutive state titles
- Named Michigan Player of the Year as a junior and senior
- Earned All-America honors as a junior and senior
- Named Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association Player of the Year as a senior
Perkovic’s high school career culminated in him being ranked as the No. 58 overall player and the No. 20 midfielder in the Inside Lacrosse Power 100 Freshmen list. This recognition set the stage for his impressive collegiate career at Notre Dame.
The Bob Scott Award
One of the most significant honors Perkovic received in his early career was the Bob Scott Award. As the North regional recipient, he was recognized for embodying the spirit of lacrosse both on and off the field. The award is given annually to seniors who:
- Truly honor the game of lacrosse
- Are invested in the development of the game in their community
- Are exceptional players who continually strive to improve
- Exemplify the fundamentals of lacrosse
This award not only highlighted Perkovic’s playing abilities but also his character and commitment to the sport, foreshadowing the leadership role he would later take on at Notre Dame.
Analyzing Perkovic’s Playing Style and Its Evolution
Throughout his lacrosse career, Sergio Perkovic has developed a distinctive playing style that combines power, precision, and tactical awareness. His evolution as a player from high school through college and into the professional ranks showcases his adaptability and commitment to improvement.
Key Attributes of Perkovic’s Game
- Exceptional shooting power, particularly from long range
- Ability to create space and shots off the dodge
- Strong lacrosse IQ and field awareness
- Physical presence as a midfielder (6’4″, 225 lbs)
- Clutch performance in high-pressure situations
Evolution of Skills
As Perkovic progressed through his career, he continually added new dimensions to his game:
- High School: Developed foundational skills and dominated at the state level
- Freshman Year (College): Established himself as a scoring threat, particularly in man-up situations
- Sophomore/Junior Years: Expanded his role as a midfielder, improving ground ball play and causing turnovers
- Senior Year: Demonstrated improved playmaking abilities with a career-high in assists
- Professional Career: Adapted his game to compete against world-class talent in the PLL
This continuous evolution has allowed Perkovic to remain a relevant and impactful player at every level of competition.
Sergio Perkovic – Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website
Sergio Perkovic – Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website
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Statistics
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
Notre Dame’s Sergio Perkovic presents formidable matchup for No.
4 Syracuse
Men’s Lacrosse
Courtesy of Notre Dame Athletics
One of college lacrosse’s most lethal weapons will face Syracuse in South Bend.
By Josh Schafer
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In the 2014 ACC championship against Syracuse, Sergio Perkovic lowered his shoulder and pushed off a smaller defender to create a shooting lane. The then-Notre Dame freshman ripped a goal short side to give his team an early 1-0 lead.
It was Perkovic’s first of his career against Syracuse. He added another later in that game and has scored three goals his last two games against SU.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound midfielder, who can shoot 111 miles per hour, is a key to No. 1 Notre Dame’s (5-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) offense. Perkovic, a senior, has started all 54 games since he arrived at UND in 2014. He’s racked up 98 goals and 18 assists, giving him 116 points in his career..jpg)
This season, he already has netted 10 goals through six games and will present a formidable matchup for No. 4 Syracuse (6-1, 2-0) on Saturday at noon in South Bend.
“There are some guys who are big and strong who kind of shy away from contact,” former UND teammate and current Denver Outlaw Matt Kavanagh said. “He’s the opposite. He loves it and uses it to his advantage.”
Growing up, size and freak athleticism gave Perkovic options. He played varsity lacrosse, basketball and football, even turning down offers to play on the gridiron at Michigan State, Illinois and Northwestern. His father, Vasko Perkovic, said Michigan and Iowa also showed interest.
In the fifth grade, he traded his hockey stick for a lacrosse stick. He developed the stick skills inherent in his game today by shooting at a net in his backyard. Sometimes, he missed and broke windows on the backside of his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
At Brother Rice (Michigan) High School, he led the Warriors to four straight lacrosse state championships.
He twice was named Player of the Year his junior and senior year of high school. At UND, Perkovic is a two-time All-American. “Embers Deli,” his father’s local restaurant, named a triple-decker sandwich “Sergio’s Pleasure,” with white or wheat toast, corned beef, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato and Russian dressing.
Despite being one of the nation’s top offensive weapons, Perkovic still returns to his old high school to train. On a recent break from school, the senior dragged his father down to the field to feed him balls on a dreary winter day. Vasko fed the Tewaaraton Award watch list honoree.
Perkovic has always worked extensively on his shot, emptying bags of balls before and after practice to get extra shots. His high school coach Rob Ambrose remembers driving by the field on the weekends and seeing Perkovic standing alone launching shots toward an empty net.
“A combination of my size and decent quickness and athleticism help me get me shot off,” Perkovic said.
“That coupled with my range on my shot can separate me.”
A few weeks after the father-son training session, Perkovic texted his father around midnight to tell him about his day. He told his dad he just got back from the Notre Dame facility, where he fired around 600 balls on the cage.
“He never sits more than five minutes on the couch,” Vasko said. “Even on the floor he’s always down stretching or doing something.”
But Vasko understands that’s why his son’s shot is so lethal. When he has time and space, the 111 mile-per-hour fastball is nearly impossible for goalies to stop. Perkovic’s large frame allows him to tuck his stick behind his ear as he loads up for a shot, hiding his stick from the goalkeeper’s view. Often, goalies are left to make a last-second guess as the ball whizzes their way.
Defending his shots will pose as one of SU’s most difficult tasks come Saturday afternoon. As a freshman, he scored five goals in the second half of the NCAA tournament championship game against Duke.
Lock him off and he takes the defender out of a potential slide. Play one-on-one and his right-to-right dodge can give him space. Takeaway his right, and he will split-dodge left. Slide too soon, and he dumps the ball to a teammate for a goal.
“He runs well, has great agility and has a good IQ for the game,” UND head coach Kevin Corrigan said. “He shoots the ball well. He’s an excellent lacrosse player.”
Published on March 29, 2017 at 11:28 pm
Contact Josh: [email protected] | @Schafer_44
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