Wake Forest University announced this week that midfielder Oliver Kurnik will join the Demon Deacons men’s soccer program for the 2026 season, adding a player whose blend of technical skill and academic distinction aligns with the school’s high standards.
A native of Fallbrook, California, Kurnik honed his game through the San Diego Surf ECNL and City SC MLS NEXT pipelines before spending a season with Orange County SC’s first team on an academy contract, where he made his competitive debut in a 3‑0 victory over Laguna United in the U.S. Open Cup.
Coach’s Vision for Kurnik
Coach Bobby Muuss, who has guided the program to numerous national successes, praised the newcomer’s vision, movement and ability to operate as a forward, noting that Kurnik’s physical strength and readiness for collegiate competition set him apart.
Beyond the pitch, Kurnik arrives as an academic salutatorian of Oasis High School, a testament to his dedication in the classroom, while his family background — featuring a father who played Division I basketball at Pepperdine and a sister competing at Colorado College — underscores a legacy of athletic achievement.
The coaching staff views his addition as a cornerstone of Wake Forest’s top‑10 recruiting class for 2026, a group expected to reinforce the program’s depth and future prospects.