EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head men's soccer coach Marshall Ray and his staff announced the signing of Tommy Skupien to an Institutional Letter of Intent to begin play with the Purple Aces in the fall of 2015.
 
A Somonauk, Illinois native, Skupien was a four year varsity starter in high school, a three time All-Conference 1^st team selection and a three-time All-Area First Team honoree at Somonauk High School.  He was the team captain and Most Valuable Player for his team as both a junior and senior.  Thomas is currently a member of the Chicago Magic PSG U-17/18 who members of the United States Soccer Development Academy.
  
"Thomas will thrive in the University of Evansville environment," said Ray.  "He is a no nonsense type of player who competes in everything he does.  He was a standout at our Winter ID camp and made our staff stand up and take notice.  He will bring a big personality to our group on and off the field."
 
Skupien had a record-breaking career at Somonauk, holding the school mark for assists in a season (30) and in a career (72).  He also recorded 80 goals in his high school career.
 
The 2013 Ottawa Times Boys Soccer Player of the Year was also a two time All-Sectional honoree.  His high school team was a four time Little 10 Conference Tournament Champion and a three time Little 10 Conference champion.  Skupien played for NIFC (Northern Illinois Football Club) from the ages of 11-16.  He made it to the Illinois Club Cup State Championship on his U19 and U16 teams.
 
Off the field, Skupien is a three time High Honor Roll Student and an Illinois State Scholar.  He is a member of the Student Council and a Freshman Mentor.
 
Skupien (Somonauk, Illinois / Somonauk) is the eighth member of the Purple Aces signing class this spring. He joins Zachary Blaydes (Midway, Ky. / Woodford County), Kyle Brown (Fenton, Mo. / Rockwood Summitt), Hunter Deweese (Haubstadt, Ind. / Gibson Southern), Erick Hasselkus (Newburgh, Ind. / Reitz Memorial), Brian Hughes (Aurora, Ohio / Walsh Jesuit), Mike Matic (Mississauga, Ontario) and Greg Niven (St. Louis, Mo. / Saint Louis University High School).