The success of Valparaiso University men’s soccer alumni continued on Tuesday, as former Crusader Stefan Antonijevic signed a two-year deal with Lillestrom SK in Norway’s top professional league.

Antonijevic spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the United Soccer League. He was selected by Sporting Kansas City in the third round of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. He signed with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League in 2013 and played in 39 games there over two seasons.

This will mark Antonijevic’s first opportunity to play in Europe.

"Stefan was a great player for us, and really one of the guys who helped us raise our profile as a Division I soccer program on the national scene,” Avery said. “He's had a good professional career in the U.S. - drafted into MLS, stints in the NASL with Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay - but I know he's long held out hope for a chance to play in Europe. This is a great step for him and I will be excited to watch how the next two years progress for him."  

Antonijevic played for the Crusaders from 2009-2011 after beginning his collegiate career with one season at Marquette. He was named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and all-league first team in 2011 in addition to garnering all-league second team honors in 2009.

Antonijevic’s contract with Lillestrom SK continues a string of good news for the Valpo soccer program after goalkeeper Nico Campbell signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies – Antonijevic’s former team – last week.

"We have quite a few guys playing professionally that have come through the program recently, and it is always nice for me to be able to watch them continue playing,” Avery said. “It's also reaffirming to our staff because these players who have successfully made the jump to professional soccer continually give us feedback and let us know that our training and our tactics and our development of players is on par with what they see at the next level.”

Not only does former players going on to professional careers attest to the program’s successful past, but it bodes well for Valpo’s present and future.

"Probably the two biggest benefits are with our current players and with our future players,” Avery said. “Our current guys see that it is possible to play at Valparaiso, get a well-respected degree and move to higher levels if that is what they choose to pursue. There are factors that go into whether they make it or not, and their talent and their effort ultimately has a lot to do with it, but it is possible. Our recruiting also gets a lift because the young players we are speaking to see the proof that you can get a great education at Valparaiso: In the classroom, on the field and most importantly in the form of valuable life lessons."