WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier Golden Hawks women's soccer graduate
Sasha Marikano is set to begin the next chapter of her career after signing her first professional contract with Viktoria Plzen of
FORTUNA=LIGA, the Czech Women's First League.
The 5'10" forward from Kitchener, Ont., joins Viktoria Plzen as the club sits seventh in the eight-team circuit with a 2-1-9 record. With two matches remaining in the regular season, the team's next test comes March 15 against FC Praha.
Marikano leaves Laurier having made her mark as a clutch performer in the OUA. Over 41 career regular season games, she scored 15 goals, consistently providing a dangerous presence in the attacking third.
Limited to just five regular season appearances this past fall due to injury, the psychology major made the most of her time on the pitch. She added one goal in two playoff games, including the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Windsor that sent Laurier through to the OUA quarterfinals.
It marked the second time in her career she delivered a decisive postseason goal against the Lancers, having also netted the eventual winner in another 2-1 triumph over Windsor two seasons earlier.
Overcoming an ACL injury to reach the professional ranks makes the signing even more meaningful for Marikano.
"I am extremely blessed to have been given this opportunity and seeing the hard work amount to something is all an athlete can ever hope for," said Marikano. "I'm super-thankful to the coaches, team, trainers, and the athletic therapy staff because, without them, none of this would've been possible.
"Coming off an ACL injury and being able to still get myself to the level where I can play pro is something I owe all to the hard work and people around me that supported me and pushed me. I will forever be a Golden Hawk."
Laurier head coach Barry MacLean said the opportunity is a natural next step in Marikano's development.
"Over her time at Laurier, Sasha really grew into great work habits and, with her natural talent that she's always had, has put herself in a position now where pro football is on the horizon for her," said MacLean. "This is a great first step. It's also great for Laurier Athletics to see someone come through the ranks and now look to compete at the highest level."
MacLean added that Viktoria Plzen provides an ideal environment for Marikano to transition into the professional game.
"It's a good place for her to get her feet wet and really understand what that next level looks like from a training and playing perspective," he said. "There won't be a huge expectation right away, and if she does very well, she can move on to a higher level of play."
At the pro level, MacLean believes Marikano's skill set will translate immediately.
"She's got natural gifts. She can dribble herself out of pressure, shoot with both feet, score from distance and create chances," he said. "She's a very creative player and someone opponents are always going to be in fear of."
Beyond her on-field impact, MacLean said her personal growth stands out most.
"What I'm most proud of is the growth of her as a person and the way she's approached her soccer more professionally," he said. "That's opened the doors for her to be able to take part in these opportunities."
