Where Are They Now? Mark LaPorte

Mark LaPorte, a four-year starter at goalkeeper, sparked a rise in Wisconsin men's soccer from 1979-82. He considers himself fortunate that he helped play a key role in the program's rapid rise to a nationally-rated, NCAA Tournament team in 1981. That year, the team was also the top-rated defense in the country.

Mark's proudest achievement was being voted UW men's soccer team captain. He was named the team's MVP three times in his time as a Badger and he is a two-time first team All-Mideast selection. He was chosen to play in the Senior Bowl College All-Star game in Tulsa, Oklahoma and earned an NCAA Coaches "Player of the Week" honor during his time at UW.

Additionally, Mark was inducted into the State of Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Fame (and currently serves as Chairman of this group). He continued to play competitive amateur soccer well into his 40s.

After graduation, Mark pursued a business career in the medical supply industry, starting his career as a regional sales representative. Over the years, he assumed roles of increasing responsibility including senior-level sales management, marketing and sales training. Mark lived in Boston and St. Louis for nearly 10 years.

In 2005, Mark decided to become more involved in the Badgers' W Club where he served over 10 years on the Board of Directors, then the Executive Committee and ultimately served a one-year term in 2016 as the President of the W Club. Mark continues to be very active with the W Club in his role as Past-President. 

Mark is an extremely proud father of three adult children and one grandson. He resides in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and is director of sales for North America for a medical equipment manufacturer. Mark enjoys boating, motorcycling, travel, live music festivals, reading historical non-fiction novels and attending as many Badger sports events as possible.
 

 

Q&A with Mark:

Q:  What is so special about being a student-athlete at UW?
A: I think the impact of being a former UW student-athlete has grown over the years. During my time at the UW, I was surrounded with smart, motivated and diverse individuals who truly "elevated" me in so many ways. We learned the fundamentals of what it takes to succeed, including a strong work ethic, a goal-driven approach, the importance of self-improvement and the value of teamwork. My involvement with the W Club has also been a wonderful vehicle to stay involved, to give back, to network and to continue my pride in being a former Badger student-athlete.

Q: What advantages/opportunities belong to those who are Badger alumni?
A: There are so many advantages, but only if someone works to take advantage of that. For younger alums, this can include finding a mentor, career advise/networking and an outlet for support in the transition out of being a student-athlete and into the "real world".  For older alums, this can include an opportunity to re-connect and to "pay it forward" to others. Active participation in the W Club is a great vehicle for this.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories of Madison/playing soccer?  
A: My favorite memories clearly revolve around the camaraderie and friendships forged with teammates. This is especially so while we were on the road. We did not have significant funding, so we spent a lot of time in close quarters in those old white UW vans, sort of barnstorming schools in the upper Midwest. To this day, I remain in close contact with a majority of my teammates from those years. Of course, the memory of our 1981 season and playing in the program's first-ever NCAA tournament game was special. 

Q:  What is your favorite part about your current role?
A: No doubt, the favorite part of my current role is that I am still part of a team. We collaborate, celebrate success, continue to develop and forge strong bonds just like when I was a student-athlete.  I am fortunate that I am in a role where I can play a role in the development of others, which is a source of pride for me.