ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland University Athletics proudly announces the induction of Lou Vulovich into the Oakland Athletics Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor, recognizing a distinguished men's soccer career and a lifelong impact on the Golden Grizzlies community.

Vulovich competed for the Oakland men's soccer program during the 1981 and 1982 seasons, leaving a legacy as one of the most accomplished players in program history. His senior campaign in 1982 stands among the finest seasons ever recorded by a Golden Grizzly.

That year, Vulovich became the first-ever Oakland men's soccer All-American, earning Division II First Team All-America honors - one of just 14 Oakland players ever to be named an All-American -  while also being named a 1982 NCSAA/USC All-Region selection. He was selected to participate in the 1982 Senior Bowl, further cementing his status as one of the top players in the nation.

Vulovich played a pivotal role on an elite Oakland defense that recorded 13 shutouts during the 1982 season, helping guide the Golden Grizzlies to a Division II Final Four appearance. His leadership and consistency anchored a back line that defined the team's success and elevated the program to national prominence.

During his two seasons, Oakland had a combined record of 28-8-5, asserting themselves as a dynastic program with Vulovich as the head of the snake.
Vulovich credits the University and the men's soccer program for shaping both his athletic mindset and his professional life.

"The experience that I had at OU was amazing and helped shape the rest of my life and career," Vulovich said. "I was an athlete from a very young age, but I had never experienced camaraderie and unselfishness like that before. I was finally onboard and learned what it meant to work together toward a common goal."

Those lessons carried well beyond the pitch.

"I applied that for 35 years in my business with great success," he added. "So OU and my experience there means the world to me even after 41 years. I would not change that for anything."
Vulovich's favorite memories as a Golden Grizzly are rooted in the daily moments shared with teammates and coaches, moments he still cherishes.

"Every moment of being a student-athlete is a special memory," Vulovich said. "Just the daily interaction with my coach and teammates was special. I was lucky to meet so many student-athletes across campus and become friends with them as we supported each other during our respective seasons."

He credits former head coach Gary Parsons as a defining influence during his Oakland career.

"Gary came in and immediately changed the mentality of the program," Vulovich said. "He was fair and tough, but he expected to win every game. That caught on. We could look into his eyes and know that he fully expected us to win, and that allows you to always reach a little higher."

Vulovich also reflected on the teammates who made his experience unforgettable.

"Morris Lupenec was probably as talented as anyone who has ever played at OU, and he was so unselfish that it set a standard for everyone else," Vulovich said. "Mike Lupenec made me look better than I was," he added with a smile. "Dave Dyak, Nick O'Shea, Danny Fitzgerald, Kevin Kelly - honestly, I could name the entire team. They were all amazing teammates."

As he joins the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor, Vulovich offers advice for today's student-athletes.

"Enjoy every moment. Get to know as many student-athletes as possible. Attend other sports and support them wholeheartedly," he said. "Work every day to improve yourself, whether you are a freshman or a senior. Don't let one day go by without improving academically or athletically. You will never know how good you can be if you let others define your ability."

Post-Oakland, Vulovich played professional soccer in Germany and Belgium from 1984 to 1988. He also played professionally for Brooklyn Italia in the USA in 1989-90.

Vulovich's induction into the Oakland Athletics Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor celebrates not only historic on-field achievements, but the leadership, selflessness, and lifelong pride he continues to represent as a Golden Grizzly.

He will be officially inducted at the 2026 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2025 in the Oakland Center Ballrooms.