Stephanie Bukovec

Stephanie is a Canadian goalkeeper who has returned home to fulfill her dream of playing professional soccer in Canada. She spent the last six seasons tending the pipes on the other side of the pond, playing in The Netherlands, Iceland, Croatia, Sweden and most recently in the Belgian Women’s Super League.

Stephanie headed to Europe to play pro following an NCAA career that saw her protect the nets at Oakland University and Belmont University. The Torontonian has also represented the Croatia National Team on four occasions, making her debut in their qualification bid for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

She is no stranger to Canada’s soccer circles. Stephanie began her career playing League1 Ontario for the Vaughan Azzurri where she switched to striker with her team down in a semi-final Cup match, scoring a pair of goals before returning to the keeper position to help her team win the match in penalty kicks. Stephanie also played for Kitchener-Waterloo United and with the Toronto Lady Lynx.

Her career highlights include: UEFA Champions League Player of the Tournament Qualifications (24 saves), four-time Cup Champions with ZNK Split, Canada MVP with Vaughan Azzurri along with Goalkeeper of the Year.

Did You Know…Stephanie is a professional football freestyler. She travelled promoting the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour, the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Montreal and was in a commercial promoting the Men’s World Cup in Brazil. Along with working at the BMO Field in Toronto Canada for the MLS pregame show for Toronto FC. She also performed for the 2015 Pan AM Games and the U21 Women’s World Cup…she idolized Kobe Bryant because of his work ethic and his Mamba Mentality…enjoys working out, walking her dog, and drawing…

Favourite Quote: “Embrace the journey and trust the process.”