University of North Carolina Athletics
Lockermann, Nikolai, Zellefrow Named To TDS Preseason Best XIs
August 18, 2026 | Men's Soccer
University of North Carolina men's soccer standouts Nick Lockermann, Luca Nikolai and Ryan Zellefrow were named to the Top Drawer Soccer Best XIs, the outlet announced this week. Lockermann and Zellefrow were both named to the first team, while Nikolai earned a spot on the second team.
Lockermann produced an illustrious career at Vermont before joining the Tar Heels this spring. He was last year's America East Defender of the Year and led Vermont to the National Championship in 2024. The Nuremberg, Germany native was also the America East Rookie of the Year in 2023.
A Berwyn, Pa. native, Zellefrow also joined the Carolina squad this spring from Vermont. He was a first-team America East selection last year and played on the national title team in 2024. The flashy midfielder finished last season with three goals and four assists.
Nikolai returned to Chapel Hill after being selected by NYCFC in the MLS SuperDraft. He was a second-team All-ACC selection and a third-team All-South Region pick. The Dusseldorf, Germany native finished last year with three goals and seven assists.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Lockermann produced an illustrious career at Vermont before joining the Tar Heels this spring. He was last year's America East Defender of the Year and led Vermont to the National Championship in 2024. The Nuremberg, Germany native was also the America East Rookie of the Year in 2023.
A Berwyn, Pa. native, Zellefrow also joined the Carolina squad this spring from Vermont. He was a first-team America East selection last year and played on the national title team in 2024. The flashy midfielder finished last season with three goals and four assists.
Nikolai returned to Chapel Hill after being selected by NYCFC in the MLS SuperDraft. He was a second-team All-ACC selection and a third-team All-South Region pick. The Dusseldorf, Germany native finished last year with three goals and seven assists.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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