Mercer Island’s Lucas Meek has never been one to give up on anything, especially soccer. These days it’s paying off.

Meek, a redshirt junior just wrapped up another impressive season at the University of Washington, taking the Huskies Men’s Soccer team to their second straight NCAA Quarterfinals championship. “It is a huge honor to me, I still can't believe that I get to play on a national stage and captain a team I looked up to so much growing up. I am extremely grateful to be in the position I am today and a walking representation of not giving up.” 

 As a young athlete coming through the ranks of recreational and select soccer, Meek knew early on what he wanted to do. “I have wanted to play beyond high school since I was 8-years-old.”

 After a stint with Sounders Academy and great success leading up Mercer Island High School’s Varisty soccer team, Meek turned his sights to Division I athletics and landed a spot at UW. “One of my biggest keys to success is simply loving to play soccer and being someone on the field who always positively impacts your teammates."

 Meek is a key member of the UW squad, playing the positions of attacking winger and striker. He brings grit and determination to his game, along with a dose of realism. “A lot of times soccer isn't going to go your way and most of the time you just need to put your head down and work as hard as you can."

 Moving into his senior year at UW, Meek continues to set his sights high. He looks forward to another strong season on the pitch, is focused on his academics and is about to begin a summer internship with Ernst and Young. But there’s another big goal he has in mind. “I hope to play professional soccer in the US and abroad.”

If Meek’s ability to work hard and never give up are any indication, we can expect to see more from him in the years to come.