TRACKING THE PACK
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 ■ 17
■ From Fútbol To Football
Drew Lovelace traded the soccer pitch for the football field, giving NC State an
unusual two-sport contributor this fall.
The fifth-year player started the men's soccer opener against Coastal Carolina,
logging 55 minutes. But an appeals court stay the following day suspended the
additional soccer eligibility he had received, leaving him unable to continue after
four seasons with the Wolfpack.
Still eligible to compete in another sport, the Holly Springs, N.C., native joined
the football team. After only a handful of practices, he handled kickoff duties in
NC State's 73-0 victory over Richmond Sept. 11 at Carter-Finley Stadium — 22
days after his soccer start.
Lovelace kicked off 11 times, averaging 57.9 yards with 1 touchback. His soccer
résumé included 9 goals and a trip to last season's national championship game.
"Proud of that kid," then-NC State head coach Dave Doeren said. "That's a guy
that played in the national championship in soccer last year. He's a guy that's been
in big games, so you knew he'd have poise and competitive spirit."
PACK PICTURE
PHOTOS COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS
