We are pleased to announce that Cypriot defender Gavriel Protopapas will be joining the University of Memphis in Fall 2023. Protopapas, who was a member of ENP Paralimni's first team, made 14 appearances for ENP's men's team the past two seasons. Memphis competes in the AAC, one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division 1.
Protopapas will be joining a Memphis team that had a very strong season. The Memphis Tigers finished the season ranked in the top 40 programs in NCAA Division 1, qualifying for the national tournament where they lost to Saint Louis in extra time. Since 2014 the team is lead by head coach, Richard Mulrooney. Mulrooney enjoyed a stellar playing career in the MLS where he was named an All-Star in 2006. He also represented the USA Men's National Team, fourteen times from 2001 to 2004.
The city of Memphis is known for its long history of distinctive contributions to American culture and beyond. It is known as the Home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock n Roll. Music giants such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and B. B. King all got their starts in Memphis.
Memphis is also home to three Fortune 500 companies. FedEx, Autozone and International Paper Co, are headquartered in Memphis and all of them have long-standing partnerships with the University of Memphis.