2017: Played in eight games ... earned his only goal of the season against highly-ranked Maryland (10/13) ... played 82 minutes for the Badgers in the 2017 campaign, earning two shots on frame
2016: Played in six games … notched an assist against Penn State (9/23) … recorded five shots and one shot on net
2015: Played in three games ... recorded one shot.
2014: Did not see game action.
High School: Rated a four-star prospect by TopDrawerSoccer.com ... played for club teams FC Wisconsin (2013-14), FC Milwaukee (2008-12) and United Serbians (2001-08) ... the leading goal scorer in FC Milwaukee U12-18, FC Milwaukee was State Cup Runner Up in 2009, '10 and '11 ... attended Franklin High School, where he was a varsity starter as a freshman and sophomore ... led Franklin in scoring (nine goals) and assists (12) as a sophomore; led the squad in assists (18) as a freshman.
Personal: Son of Vesna and Zoran Atlija ... has three siblings, including one brother, Tode, and two sisters, Nevena and Maja ... major is undeclared.
Trask on Atlija: "Nikola is an attacking player who has excellent technique and the ability to score and create goals. He has an excellent pedigree having trained with Red Star in Belgrade, Serbia, during his development, as well as a member of FC Nationals Wisconsin. Nikola will bring added quality to the Badgers team this coming fall and for the coming years. I believe Big Ten soccer will allow Nikola to realize his true potential and I'm very excited to work with him in the future."
Tiemeyer on Atlija: "Nikola provides creativity and style in the attack. As he matures at UW, he will be counted on to provide our team with those attacking trademarks. I am thrilled Nikola will be joining two other FC Wisconsin products at UW and look forward to their continued development together."
Why Wisconsin? "One of the main reasons I decided to attend Wisconsin is because of its outstanding academic program. Every Wisconsin alumni that I know is living a successful life and has a career that they enjoy. The second-most important reason I chose Wisconsin is because of the consistent success they have in their soccer program. Going to this school has always been a dream of mine ever since I was a little boy. I visited the campus one day when I was at a soccer tournament and told myself that I was going to play college ball here."
