OSHAWA, Ont. – Nicole Zajac, a graduate of the UOIT Ridgebacks women's soccer program, has turned professional as she continues her soccer career with KKPK Medyk Konin in Konin, Poland.
 
Medyk Konin play in Ekstraliga, which is at the top of the pyramid for women's professional soccer in Poland. Founded in 1985, the club has seen success in recent years winning all four of their league titles in the last four years.
 
Zajac reached out to a friend from the club on social media while they were competing in UEFA Women's Champions League, which eventually led to her earning a tryout.
 
"When I played with Team Poland at the 2015 Universiade, I became friends with some of the girls on the team and kept in contact with them," said Zajac. "Playing for the Polish team allowed me to network with girls who played professional soccer across Europe."
 
She played five seasons of OUA soccer at UOIT during her university career. Starting in 2013-14, she quickly became a regular on the pitch with 14 appearances. She went on to finish with 15 goals in 62 regular season appearances.
 
"Playing for UOIT allowed me to become educated about soccer, especially in regard to learning how to defend," said Zajac. "UOIT also helped me maintain my fitness."
 
Despite playing as a midfielder in university, she will be playing as a defender to begin her professional soccer career.
 
Zajac has been surrounded by the sport her entire life. With a father who played professional soccer in Poland and a brother also playing the sport, she quickly found interest in the family pastime as well. At roughly 10-years-old, she started playing soccer at Erin Mills Soccer Club.
 
"For any U SPORTS athletes looking to go pro, always be mentally and physically prepared because you never know when an opportunity may arise," said Zajac. "If you get injured at any point in your career do not let it define your future."
 
Zajac also strongly suggests putting in lots of time for research with regard to finding a professional team. Research how many divisions there are, when preseason begins, how many international players they employ, etc.
 
"I am so proud of Nicole and wish her all the best in all her future endeavors," said UOIT head coach Peyvand Mossavat. "I am confident that she will have a successful professional soccer career and will find her way into the national program in Poland. This opportunity is big for the Ridgebacks program and all U SPORTS players in general. I'm sure this will help other players from our program to pursue a professional playing opportunity after their collegiate career ends."
 
Medyk Konin sits at the top of the league table with 13 wins, no draws and a loss so far this season. Their next match is scheduled for February 23 with a Polish Cup quarter-final meeting against Czarni Sosnowiec.