University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew Smith
Marie Levasseur signs professional deal in Finland
Mar 21, 2019 | Women's Soccer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis women's soccer alumna Marie Levasseur signed a professional contract with Finland's Oulu Nice of the Naisten Liiga, the organization announced.
Levasseur, who joined the team late last week, was preparing for a preseason tryout with the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars before she received the offer.
"It was a bit last minute. A few weeks ago I did some tryouts for a couple NWSL teams. I was invited to Chicago, so I was getting ready for that," Levasseur said. "The day I was supposed to leave, my agent called me and said (Oulu) in Finland was ready to sign."
Despite the brief window, Levasseur said the guarantee of playing profession games and gaining more international experience was a main factor in her decision.
"I had to make a decision that same day and weigh the pros and cons. When I received the offer, they were very professional about it," she added. "It was last minute, but in the long-term, this offer gives me the opportunity to play games and get professional experience."
The Stoneham, Quebec native capped her Blue and Gray career with 24 goals and 25 assists. The 25 career helpers rank fifth all-time in program history.
Although she was not familiar with Oulu, Levasseur was able to lean on Head Coach Brooks Monaghan for a connection to the squad.
"I didn't know too much about them. Coach Monaghan has a friend who coaches in Finland, and according to him it was a great offer," she said. "The team is in a good league. It's a quick turnaround, but a lot of the logistics are in place. The season starts this week, so I'm looking forward to getting started."
Levasseur is the second 2018 women's soccer senior to ink a profession contract after Olivia Gauthier signed with Sweden's Lidkopings FK in January.
Levasseur, who joined the team late last week, was preparing for a preseason tryout with the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars before she received the offer.
"It was a bit last minute. A few weeks ago I did some tryouts for a couple NWSL teams. I was invited to Chicago, so I was getting ready for that," Levasseur said. "The day I was supposed to leave, my agent called me and said (Oulu) in Finland was ready to sign."
Despite the brief window, Levasseur said the guarantee of playing profession games and gaining more international experience was a main factor in her decision.
"I had to make a decision that same day and weigh the pros and cons. When I received the offer, they were very professional about it," she added. "It was last minute, but in the long-term, this offer gives me the opportunity to play games and get professional experience."
The Stoneham, Quebec native capped her Blue and Gray career with 24 goals and 25 assists. The 25 career helpers rank fifth all-time in program history.
Although she was not familiar with Oulu, Levasseur was able to lean on Head Coach Brooks Monaghan for a connection to the squad.
"I didn't know too much about them. Coach Monaghan has a friend who coaches in Finland, and according to him it was a great offer," she said. "The team is in a good league. It's a quick turnaround, but a lot of the logistics are in place. The season starts this week, so I'm looking forward to getting started."
Levasseur is the second 2018 women's soccer senior to ink a profession contract after Olivia Gauthier signed with Sweden's Lidkopings FK in January.
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