Ryan Mrvcic
NCAA Division I – Mercyhurst University
Pennsylvania
From: Wollongong Wolves / NSW
Athletic Scholarship – NCAA Division I (NEC)
The Journey
Ryan Mrvcic is one of Upper 90 College's most exciting current student-athletes – a Sydney-born defender from the Wollongong Wolves who has earned his place at Mercyhurst University in the Northeast Conference (NEC) at the NCAA Division I level. Growing up in Wollongong, south of Sydney, Ryan developed through the Wolves academy and established himself as a composed, left-footed defender with excellent reading of the game. Upper 90 College founder John Stevanja identified him as a player with the technical quality and athleticism to compete at D1 level. At Mercyhurst in Erie, Pennsylvania, Ryan has become a key contributor for the Lakers. In 2024, Mercyhurst claimed the NEC Regular Season Championship – a landmark achievement that Ryan was part of as a starter in five games and contributor across ten. In 2025, he started 11 games, scored a goal, and earned CSC Academic All-District recognition – confirming his status as a standout in both areas. Beyond the college season, Ryan has tested himself in the professional arena, playing for the Erie Commodores in the NPSL and more recently joining West Texas FC in the USL2. His combination of D1 experience, semi-professional play, and academic achievement paints the picture of an Australian export thriving in the US soccer ecosystem.
Challenges Overcome
Transitioning from the NPL NSW environment at Wollongong to competing in the NEC at the D1 level required significant physical and technical development. Building his role incrementally across freshman and sophomore seasons before becoming a reliable starter demonstrated Ryan's patience and professionalism.
Achievements
2024 NEC Regular Season Champion with Mercyhurst University. CSC Academic All-District Team (2025). 11 starts as a junior (2025). 1 goal in 2025 season. NPSL: Erie Commodores. USL2: West Texas FC. Majoring in Accounting and Finance.
"Mercyhurst has given me the chance to compete at D1 level and develop as a professional. The Upper 90 pathway made this possible."
— Ryan Mrvcic
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