Mark Lavery, an integral member of the Georgia Revolution’s Southeast Conference East Division Championship season of 2012, has signed a professional contract with the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks.
“We are excited for Mark and know he will do a good job at the next level,” Revolution GM Rafe Mauran stated. “Although we will certainly miss him, we are so proud that he has signed a pro contract. We hope that this is a trend that continues for years to come as players can use the Georgia Revolution as a platform to launch their soccer careers.”
“Mark is a very good player and was an integral part to the success of the Georgia Revolution during the 2012 season,” Revolution Head Coach John Sprague added. “I feel his commitment, versatility and infectious ‘need to win’ attitude will help him break into the mix for the Atlanta Silverbacks. Although he will be sorely missed by teammates, staff, and fans here at RYSA, we wish him the best of luck and will be cheering him on from the stands.”
Lavery grew up in the Atlanta area and played for one year at the University of Kentucky before moving on to Oglethorpe. At Oglethorpe, he garnered a number of awards including Conference Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region, First Team All-American, and College Athlete of the Year.
“The Georgia Revolution was instrumental in helping to prepare me to play professionally,” Lavery concluded. “My time spent playing with the Revs last summer was an excellent one. I was able to compete at a high level and play in some great games. The facilities, coaching staff, and the fans were unbelievable, and I credit the professional environment that was created in my development as a player.”
