From NCE to the Ivy League: William Lulka’s Journey to Dartmouth College Soccer
The NCE Soccer College Pathway Program has guided hundreds of athletes from ambition to achievement — and for William Lulka, it was the turning point that helped transform his dream of playing college soccer into a reality at Dartmouth College.
For nearly a decade, William Lulka has been part of the NCE Soccer family — a journey that began back in 2016 when he was introduced to John Curtis through his club director, Mark Wilson of the New York Soccer Stars. Wilson, who shared time with John at Manchester United, recognized William’s potential and knew that NCE’s environment would help take his game to the next level.
Building Character Beyond Talent
Through the College Pathway Program, William says he learned that success in soccer — and in life — takes more than just talent.
“John showed me that work ethic and discipline were equally important and characteristics that college and professional coaches looked for on top of skill.”
That holistic approach helped William mature as both a player and a person — preparing him for the demands of elite soccer environments both in the U.S. and abroad.
The England Tour and the Lessons That Last
In 2017, William joined the England Tour, competing in Oakham against elite clubs including Manchester United Academy and other top English sides.
“This trip was super impactful for my development because it showed me how serious kids take soccer in Europe and it allowed me to take lessons learned in Europe and implement them back into my club in New York City.”
A Global Platform for Growth
Two years later, in 2019, William’s progress led to his selection for the id2 U.S. Olympic Development Program, where he traveled to Belgium and France to face teams like PSG and Genk. He credits NCE’s environment — and NCE Soccer CEO & Founder, John Curtis’s mentorship — as pivotal in preparing him for that next step.
Reaching the Next Level: Dartmouth College
Now playing for Dartmouth College, William is continuing to chase excellence both on and off the field.
“Playing soccer for Dartmouth means everything to me. The tradition and fan base surrounding this program inspires me every day and motivates me to play with the goal of an Ivy League Championship in mind.”
Advice for the Next Generation
For young athletes hoping to follow in his footsteps, William offers thoughtful advice grounded in experience:
“Work hard, maintain a high grade-point average, and don’t be afraid to reach out to coaches. During my recruiting process, one of the biggest lessons I learned is that coaches respect players who are open, inquisitive, and show a genuine care about playing for their program.”
William’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when talent meets dedication — and how the NCE Soccer Pathway helps players turn ambition into achievement.
William’s journey from NCE’s College Pathway Program to the Ivy League is proof that talent grows strongest when paired with discipline, opportunity, and the right guidance.
Through NCE, players like William gain more than just exposure — they gain the foundation to succeed at every level.
NCE Soccer is incredibly proud of William’s achievements and looks forward to following his continued success at Dartmouth and beyond.
