Throughout his four years playing Cardinal men’s soccer, Marion Stoj ’74 was a highly visible force: a prolific scorer and the linchpin of the team. A scholar-athlete, he majored in biology, served as a Resident Advisor, and was a member of the Skull and Serpent Society
Marion came to Wesleyan from nearby New Britain High School. He quickly made his mark on the soccer pitch, leading the team in goals in his freshman year and winning election to All-New England and All-America rosters. In 1972 he was invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic team. The following year, the Cardinals compiled a record of 9-4-1 and qualified for the ECAC tournament, which they went on to win. After that season Marion received the Raymond J. Walsh Memorial Award for outstanding soccer ability and leadership. Again he won All-New England and All-American recognition. As captain of the Cardinals in 1974, Marion was named to the New England Senior All-Star Squad.
During his senior year Marion was drafted by the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League. Later he played with the Connecticut Wildcats and Connecticut Yankees of the American Soccer League. Marion’s professional career has been in medicine. An ophthalmologist specializing in retinal conditions, he frequently is named to Best Doctor lists.
While he continued to play competitively, first in over-40, then in over-50 leagues, Marion was succeeded at Wesleyan by his daughter Amelia ’02, a four-year letter winner in women’s soccer. He continued to return to campus to play in the annual alumni vs. student game (usually on the winning side).
In 2007 Marion Stoj was elected to the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame.
