From Placer to Portugal

Posted On February 16, 2021 by PUSC

From Placer to Portugal: How a Two Hour Drive Turned Into a Pro-Contract

by Lily Dubuc

It’s been a tough year for everyone, including women’s soccer around the world. I feel fortunate to live in Portugal, playing professionally with Racing Power F.C.

Six years ago, my week looked like this:

• Wake up at 6:00 a.m.
• Go to school
• Take a nap in my car
• Drive two hours down to soccer training with Placer United
• Drive two hours home
• Shower
• Fall into bed just before midnight
• Repeat 3-5 times a week as needed

It was one of the happiest times of my life.

Placer United is synonymous with family for me. I was lucky enough to train with multiple coaches on both the girls’ and boys’ sides of the club. It was where I grew as a player and person and made friendships that have lasted a lifetime. It’s also where I learned the value of grit, playing for the good of the team, and the tactical side of the beautiful game. It’s where I gained the experience to play every position on the pitch and live up to my coaches’ and teammates’ high standards. Every day I still try to make Placer United proud of me as a person and player.

Playing for Placer led to playing for Dominican University in California. After four seasons, some better than others, I left for the final semester of my undergrad degree at the University of Oxford. I received multiple player of the week accolades, conference awards, and a new left ankle.

After arriving in Oxford, I joined the University team and instantly felt at home. Thanks to Placer United’s soccer foundation, I transitioned from being a winger to a defensive center midfielder. I found myself surrounded by the love of the game in England with brilliant teammates. It felt like a great end to a successful collegiate career.

Fast forward to the real world, where I gave my best at being a proper adult by moving to Boston and getting a full-time job while also joining four amateur teams in the area. Then COVID-19 hit, and I knew that I needed soccer to be the center of my world again.

Lily Dubc – back row third from right

While I waited for the vaccine for COVID-19 to come, I moved back to Oxford, where I was lucky enough to play for Oxford City F.C. and coach at the University of Oxford. A second national lockdown and an expiring visa sent me back home to the Tahoe area.

Once the January transfer window opened up, I was lucky to have Racing Power F.C. watch my highlight video and reach out via my agent at R.A.C. One week later and I was packing my bags to move to Portugal for my first professional contract.

From driving two hours each way for Placer to flying to Portugal, I am fortunate to be able to continue to play the game I love, even in a pandemic. I’d like to thank my parents, sister, uncle, and the Rohlf family for driving with me all those years for training. Playing with the Dominican Athletic team, Blues, and Catz football at the University of Oxford reminds me how much I love this game. I sincerely appreciate Oxford City F.C., R.A.C. agency, Racing Power F.C., and Placer United. Without the support of all the Placer United coaches, staff, and teammates throughout the years, I never would have had this opportunity. I’ll always be proud to have played for Placer United.