From international club play to college standout, second-year midfielder Luka Ivancic brings experience, leadership, and passion to Loyola men’s soccer.
From international club play to college standout, second-year midfielder Luka Ivancic brings experience, leadership, and passion to Loyola men’s soccer.
When Luka Ivancic stepped onto the field for Loyola men’s soccer as a first-year midfielder, he wasn’t just bringing his talent. He was bringing years of international experience.
Between youth academies, Major Leagues Soccer (MLS) NEXT competition and Croatian national team camps, Ivancic has traveled the world for soccer. That preparation has helped him tally 2,473 minutes in his first two seasons at Loyola.
Ivancic – who grew up around North Park, Chicago – began his soccer journey at a young age. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Mario Ivancic, who played amateur soccer in Croatia. By the time he reached high school, Ivancic was already immersed in the world of elite youth soccer, spending five years with Chicago Fire Soccer Academy.
Ivancic said playing with the Fire gave him exposure to some of the best youth talent in the country, but it was the international experience that left a lasting impression.
“Playing first at the club level really set the bar high for me,” Ivancic said. “We competed across the world against really good competition. That prepared me well for college.”
In tournaments like the Generation Adidas Cup, Ivancic faced teams such as Manchester United Youth, testing his skills against players who now compete professionally.
In 2023, he said he had the privilege of representing Croatia on the international stage, being called up to the U16 Croatian Youth National Team and participating in the Capelli Sport USA All-Star Team in Denmark.
Ivancic said playing for the national team was an honor and allows him to carry on his family’s connection to the country.
“Playing for Croatia shows that soccer is more than just playing- it’s playing with heart and humility,” Ivancic said. “Whenever I hear about Croatia, I play for that. It gives me a bigger purpose especially because of my family that’s from there.”
After his time with Chicago Fire Academy, Ivancic continued his youth career with MLS Next Sockers FC, gaining more competitive experience, allowing him to refine his game. Through all these experiences, he said he learned to balance the physical demands of soccer with the mental focus required to compete at a high level.
By the time he arrived at Loyola in 2024, Ivancic said he felt ready for the challenge of Division I soccer. In his first season, he quickly became adjusted on the field, showing confidence in his ability and leadership.
“I got a lot more comfortable with the physicality and quick decision-making,” Ivancic said. “Putting a lot of minutes into each game made me more comfortable. Coming off a really good freshman year, I just grew more as a leader. Every time I played, I tried to show the guys that they could trust me.”
In his first collegiate season, Ivancic garnered Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team honors, starting 14 games and playing in 16. He placed third on the team in minutes and points, tallying 1,225 minutes, two goals and an assist.
Having such a pivotal role since his first year, Ivancic said the demands of college soccer have helped him grow not just as a player, but as a person. He said the responsibility of leading by example and managing his time has been an important part of his development.
Leadership has also come from the guidance of older teammates. Ivancic said fourth-year midfielder Ben Bischof helped him focus and gain confidence both on and off the field.
Off the field, Ivancic has benefitted from the support of family, friends and community as a Chicago native.
“Even teachers and underclassmen from my high school have come out to support me,” Ivancic said. “It is really nice to have so much support off the field from my community.” “It encourages me to give it my all.”
In his second season, Ivancic has continued to grow with the amount of support he receives. With each game, he has become a steady presence in the midfield, combining his experience and leadership to guide the younger players. He said he has learned to handle the challenges of being a consistent starter while keeping perspective on the bigger picture.
“I’m trying to replicate the support and encouragement I got to my teammates and show the younger guys how to set a standard,” Ivancic explained. “It’s about setting a legacy for the program.”
Looking ahead, Ivancic said he hopes to take his game to the professional level, a dream he’s had since childhood.
“I’ve been putting in the correct work to go on that route, and it’s always in God’s hands,” he said. “Watching the 2018 World Cup in Croatia, seeing thousands of people celebrate, that was the moment I realized the impact soccer can have.”
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