Jeff Parke to be inducted into Drexel Athletics Hall of Fame

Downingtown native and former Philadelphia Union defender Jeff Parke will be inducted into the Drexel University Athletic Hall of Fame in March.

Parke played at Drexel from 2000-2003, and was the 60th (and final) pick in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by the MetroStars. He spent most of his career with the MetroStars/New York Red Bulls, but also made stops in Vancouver (in their USL days) and Seattle before spending one season with the Union in 2013.

He started 31 games in his one season in blue and gold, pairing with Amobi Okugo on the back line, but was traded for Ethan White in the offseason. Parke ended his career after making just 13 appearances for D.C. United in 2014.

The former FC Delco youth player earned one cap with the United States national team in a 1-0 victory over Panama on January 25, 2012. Parke came on in the 55th minute of the game for Chris Wondolowski after Geoff Cameron was sent off.

The induction ceremony will be held on March 30. The 1998 men’s soccer team will also be honored. The team, coached by Lew Meehl, went 13-6-2 en route to winning an America East crown.

Jack Childs (Wrestling), Mikki Miller (Women’s Basketball), Robin Orosz (Field Hockey and Women’s Lacrosse), Lori Swanson (Softball) and Dave Clawson (Athletic Director’s Legacy Award) will also be honored.