Texas Tech University Athletics
Koulizakis Signs First Pro Contract in Australia
November 05, 2020 | Women's Soccer
Former Texas Tech forward signs with Canberra United FC in home country of Australia.
CANBERRA, Australia – Canberra United FC of Australia's top-flight W-League announced Friday the signing of homegrown player Demi Koulizakis. Koulizakis, who played at Texas Tech from 2016-2019, becomes the 11th active Red Raider in the pro ranks. It is the Sydney native's first professional contract.
"My time at Texas Tech has prepared me for this next chapter," said Koulizakis. "I can't wait to do you all proud."
"We are thrilled but not surprised that Demi has succeeded in her pursuit of playing professional soccer," said Texas Tech head coach Tom Stone. "We are excited to watch her play on that stage. Demi is a great Red Raider and one of the most determined players to don the Scarlet and Black."
Founded in 2008, Canberra United plays out of Canberra, Australia's largest inland city. The club has been crowned regular season champions, or Premiers, of the W-League three times, most recently after the 2016-17 season. They have played for the W-League Championship three times, winning it in 2011-12 and 2014-15. Koulizakis will be joining the team after a sixth-place finish in the league table last season.
"Although Demi is still quite young, she comes to us as an experienced player," said Canberra coach Vicki Linton. "She had a couple of seasons as a teenager in the W-League before spending some time in the U.S. college system and most recently playing for Sydney University at the NPL level. This should hold her in good stead as she joins Canberra United for the first time and I look forward to working with her and seeing how she combines and adds to the squad."
Koulizakis appeared in 71 games in her Tech career. She enjoyed a breakout senior campaign, during which she started in a career-high 19 games. After netting just one goal her previous three seasons, she exploded for four goals and six assists. She knocked in the game-winner at home against No. 18 Oklahoma State.
The year prior, she appeared in what was then a career-high 20 matches, starting in two. Consistently Stone's first offensive option off the bench, she provided strong depth at the forward position.
"Demi grinded through some tough times with a few early setbacks then flourished in her last two years," said Stone. "Her senior year was her absolute best. Her level soared and she was instrumental in our outstanding season. That senior year put her into a place to pursue her pro soccer goals."
Canberra United will begin its season December 27. The league schedule has yet to be released.
"My time at Texas Tech has prepared me for this next chapter," said Koulizakis. "I can't wait to do you all proud."
"We are thrilled but not surprised that Demi has succeeded in her pursuit of playing professional soccer," said Texas Tech head coach Tom Stone. "We are excited to watch her play on that stage. Demi is a great Red Raider and one of the most determined players to don the Scarlet and Black."
Founded in 2008, Canberra United plays out of Canberra, Australia's largest inland city. The club has been crowned regular season champions, or Premiers, of the W-League three times, most recently after the 2016-17 season. They have played for the W-League Championship three times, winning it in 2011-12 and 2014-15. Koulizakis will be joining the team after a sixth-place finish in the league table last season.
"Although Demi is still quite young, she comes to us as an experienced player," said Canberra coach Vicki Linton. "She had a couple of seasons as a teenager in the W-League before spending some time in the U.S. college system and most recently playing for Sydney University at the NPL level. This should hold her in good stead as she joins Canberra United for the first time and I look forward to working with her and seeing how she combines and adds to the squad."
Koulizakis appeared in 71 games in her Tech career. She enjoyed a breakout senior campaign, during which she started in a career-high 19 games. After netting just one goal her previous three seasons, she exploded for four goals and six assists. She knocked in the game-winner at home against No. 18 Oklahoma State.
Right where she needed to be! ??@kirstendavis22 drives towards net before passing a perfect ball to @Demikouli, who sneaks it in for the score!
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) September 27, 2019
??#WreckEm?? pic.twitter.com/ZFJQVHBV9t
The year prior, she appeared in what was then a career-high 20 matches, starting in two. Consistently Stone's first offensive option off the bench, she provided strong depth at the forward position.
"Demi grinded through some tough times with a few early setbacks then flourished in her last two years," said Stone. "Her senior year was her absolute best. Her level soared and she was instrumental in our outstanding season. That senior year put her into a place to pursue her pro soccer goals."
Canberra United will begin its season December 27. The league schedule has yet to be released.
Players Mentioned
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