Nikola Markovic Talks N.C. State’s Historic Win
NC State central defender Nikola Markovic spoke with Inside Pack Sports following the Wolfpack’s thrilling, 3-2, win at Georgetown on December 6, 2025. The win moved NCSU into the College Cup for the first time in 35 years.
Probably one of the most intense games I've ever covered. What was it like playing in this atmosphere?
I mean, honestly, it's an honor. That's what you expect. You're in the elite eight, not because we scored goals early, but we were expecting an easy game. We went in at half, it was a three twos. And, the guys kept their heads strong, because, look, at this stage, you're expecting adversity, and I think we dealt with it amazingly. It just showed the togetherness of our group and our resilience.
The last 45 minutes were quite frantic. They were searching, and they were pressing, and they were on the front foot a lot. How did y'all survive that?
I mean, look, it's what we've been working on all year, staying together, good communication defensively, trying to hold the ball high, winning in good spots. And I think that's what we did, right? Nobody really passed us, and we just stuck together as a team.
When Marc Hubbard was hired, a lot of people thought this was a guy that could get NC State to the College Cup. I don't think many people thought it would take only two years for him to do that. That's probably the surprise. Why is it not a surprise?
I mean, look, coming in the first couple weeks, I knew it was something special. I knew he had something different than other coaches, and I knew he was going to take us far.
You guys get back to Cary, NC. You will get to play in front of a lot more NC State fans, I would imagine. Speak to that. Speak to your fan support. If you could tell these fans anything, what would you like to say to them?
We just want to make you guys proud. We love you so much. Our fans are amazing. Honestly, this year, they've been unreal, followed us everywhere, and we just want to make them proud and win everything together.
