BERKELEY – Former Golden Bear defender Haley Lukas will begin her professional soccer career in Poland, recently signing with KKPK Medyk Konin. KKPK plays in the Ekstraliga, the top division in Polish women's football, and finished second in the league table last season. Located in central Poland, KKPK kicks off its 2018-19 league campaign in early August.

"We are all so happy for Haley," said Cal head coach Neil McGuire. "She as worked very hard for this opportunity and will be a first-class professional athlete. She is an exceptional person who we are very proud of."

A mainstay on the Bears' backline, Lukas appeared in 72 matches during her Cal career, making 55 starts. Lukas served as a tri-captain for the Golden Bears during the 2017 season, tallying two assists while serving as a  constant force on a Cal defense that ranked among the best in the nation and allowed just 11 goals on the season, matching the program's single-season record. An NSCAA All-Region Selection in 2016, Lukas earned First Team CoSIDA Academic All-District Honors in 2017 and was a three-time Pac-12 All-Academic honoree. Beyond her contributions on the pitch, Lukas served as president of the Golden Bear Advisory Committee (GBAC), was a member of the Pac-12 Student-Athlete Leadership team, and was honored with the Walter A. Haas Jr. Community Service Award in 2017 for her dedication and outreach in the broader Bay Area community. She graduated in three-and-a-half years, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Disability Studies.

Lukas continues a rich tradition of Golden Bears who have gone on to play professionally, both in the United States and across the globe, including nations such as Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and the Netherlands.

Cal women's soccer kicks off the 2018 season on August 17, hosting Utah Valley University at 4 p.m. PT at Edwards' Stadium. The Bears' full schedule for the upcoming season can be found here.
 
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