Behind The Maroon & Mandarin: Stefan Stokic
February 8, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
New Jersey Ironmen News Release
When pursuing life as a professional athlete, a player must be ready for moves between various states, sometimes various continents. While only 22-years-old, New Jersey Ironmen midfielder Stefan Stokic is evident of this.
Born in Kansas City in 1985 to parents who are native Serbians, Stokic was introduced to the game of soccer at an early age. His father, Radmilo, is a Priest that spent his young life playing soccer, and he wanted Stefan to do the same. In fact Radmilo reached a point in his life where he had to choose between Priesthood or life as a professional soccer player. Inevitably, he chose the Priesthood.
When Stefan reached the age of 13, the Stokic family migrated back to Serbia. While he may have been born in Kansas City, Stefan was happy to return to his native homeland.
"While the country may have been at war and there were governmental problems, I still felt like I was home," Stokic reflected. "Everything felt new, but it was home."
Stokic found that adjusting to the European style of play would take some work.
"It took me two years of extra practice to catch up to everybody," he recalled. "I spent a lot of time working hard to get where I needed to be."
Stokic went on to play for Red Star Belgrade while living in Serbia before he moved with his parents to Sweden. After figuring that the only way to keep playing soccer was to become a professional, he signed his first contract when he was 19-years-old. In 24 games with the Swedish club Malmo FF, he netted seven goals. It was at this point that he decided to head back to the United States, and he was first exposed to the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). During the 2004-05 MISL season, he registered five goals and two assists for the Kansas City Comets under the tutelage of fellow Serbian Zoran Savic. After the Comets disbanded following that season, he decided to play collegiate soccer at Park University, which is located ten miles north of Kansas City.
"To be honest, I was disappointed because I expected it to be at a higher level of play," he commented about his college playing experience. "I felt it didn't push me enough."
After a trip back to Serbia, Stokic was recruited to play in Canada for the Hamilton Serbian Soccer Club this past summer.
"Canada was a nice country with a lot of European feel," he stated. "I moved around a lot when I was younger so it was pretty easy to adjust."
While playing for the Hamilton Serbs, Stokic received a phone call from two-time MISL Coach of the Year and current Ironmen Head Coach Omid Namazi. Namazi was the head coach of the Cleveland Force when Stokic was playing for the Comets, and he remembered the young speedster.
"He gave me a call and asked if I was still fast," Stokic said. "I said 'Yes, I didn't lose the speed, Coach.' He then asked me if I would be interested in playing for him in New Jersey, and I told that I would love to."
The relationship that has ensued since has left a lasting mark on Stokic.
"Omid is a great coach, and I'm not just saying that because I play for him right now," he remarked. "For starters he is a great person, and he knows the game and his players very well. I have a lot of respect for him, and I would play for him anytime, anywhere."
After undergoing a two-year layoff from the indoor game, Stokic found it hard to readjust at first.
"It really feels like I am a rookie all over again," he stated. "In the end, I just want to help out my team. I will always go full-speed and try my best at all times."
Stokic is known for his high-powered energy every time that he steps onto the field. He commented on where he draws that enthusiasm.
"I love soccer, and I want to do it my whole life," he said. "I try my best every game, and I always bring all of my heart to my teammates and coaches."
As the continent-hopping Stokic speedily makes his way through the ranks of professional soccer, one thing is for sure. He has found a home in the maroon and mandarin.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from February 8, 2008
- MISL-AISL clash, Part II: Storm travel to Rockford - Chicago Storm
- Behind The Maroon & Mandarin: Stefan Stokic - New Jersey Ironmen
- Win a diamond at the Wave game - Milwaukee Wave
- KiXX host Wave Saturday - Philadelphia KiXX
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