Lisa Ljubicic : Giving Back to the Game and Elevating Girls Soccer in Salem, OR
SALEM, Ore. – While living in South Carolina during the 2020 pandemic, Lisa Ljubicic was looking to move back to her home state of Oregon.
After accepting the head women’s soccer coach position at Willamette University, Lisa knew she also wanted to be involved with the youth game. Interested in the Girls Academy and hearing suggestions from other local collegiate coaches, Lisa decided to cold-call Capital FC’s Technical Director, Joe Wentworth, and it all fell into place. “So much of coaching comes down to being in the right place at the right time,” says Ljubicic.
Growing up just outside of Portland, Lisa started her soccer career with TTS and Lake Oswego United securing 3 State Championship Titles before competing collegiately at the University of Montana. Post graduation, Lisa moved to Miami, Florida where she played semi-professional soccer (before Women’s Professional Soccer was established).
Throughout her playing career, Lisa strived to connect with local clubs through coaching. From coaching with youth clubs in Montana, Florida, Washington, Arizona, California and South Carolina, Lisa also served as an ECNL Director and a Managing Director with the Developmental Academy (DA) in Arizona.
“The reason I got into coaching was because I had a lot of great coaches who were fantastic mentors and resources to me. I feel strongly about giving back because I am grateful for the experience my coaches and teammates provided to me, and I want to give that back to the players in my community.”
As the club’s Girls Academy Director, Lisa is determined to raise the bar for girls soccer in Salem.
“The potential for our Girls Academy and programming is huge. However, it takes time and consistency to get us to a place where we can define, establish, and grow our identity that is unique to our community.”
Pictured is Lisa coaching at a GA Talent Event in June of 2023.
Alongside being the Girls Academy Director and head coach at Willamette University, Lisa also coaches CFC’s 2005/06G and 2008G GA teams. The relationships with people are what keep her going and invested in the game.
“When you think about the game and day to day life and how we’re all involved with each other really just breaks down to relationships with people. Empowering players to make decisions and see what they’re capable of accomplishing is so important. I love winning games, but when you see players change their perspective of themselves as a whole…that’s the real reward.”
Outside of soccer, Lisa enjoys being with family in the comfort of the PNW mountains, trees, and lakes. Although coaching is something that is always on her brain, Lisa finds joy in little things like NPR radio and spending time with friends who understand the craziness of her schedule.
Lisa sees soccer as an opportunity to teach life. All players at some point in the game [and their lives] have to make decisions and call the shots. Making decisions together - right or wrong - is the most challenging part of it all, but also the most rewarding.
“In the end, I care about developing our players both on and off the field. I care about what they can bring back to their communities and families as a whole. Who our players are as people is important. I’m thankful to be back in my home state and community doing what I love.”
Click here to view the Willamette University women’s soccer schedule. Click here to learn more about the Girls Academy League.
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