BUIES CREEK - Former Campbell great Alexa Genas has signed a professional contract with Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (HJK) in the Kansallinen Liiga division; the premier division of women's soccer in Finland.
"Signing my first professional contract was a proud and rewarding time for me and my family," Genas said. "My sights have always been set on playing after college, so seeing my hard work and dedication come to fruition was a dream and I'm excited to work hard to take this opportunity as far as possible."
Genas was one of the most prolific scorers in conference history during her four-year career at Campbell. She became the first player in program history to earn two Big South Attacking Player of the Year honors (2017 & 2019) and only the fifth player in conference history to earn the award multiple times.
The Albuquerque, N.M. native earned All-Big South first team honors all four years of her career. She was also named to the 2019 United Soccer Coaches Association All-Southeast Region first team becoming the second player in program history to do so.
Genas etched her name into both Campbell and Big South record books following the conclusion of her career. Her 46 goals rank second all-time in program history and tied for fourth in the Big South while her 111 total points sit third in Campbell history and fifth all-time in the Big South. She also ranks second in league history with six penalty kick goals and tied for fourth with 13 game winning goals.
"Alexa is a top class player and she has worked extremely to hard to get to this point in her career," head coach Samar Azem said. "I have no doubt she will make a positive impression in Helsinki very quickly. We are very excited for her to continue her playing career in a top club in Finland."
HJK Helsinki is one of the most successful soccer clubs in Finland, having won 22 league titles between 1971 and 2005.
Genas becomes the second player from the 2020 graduating class to sign professionally joining Katie Lockwood who signed a pro contract with Apollon Ladies F.C. in Cyprus this past summer.
"It is always positive when we have players leave our program and go on to achieve their goals," Azem stated. "It is special to have two players continue their playing careers in two top clubs in Europe. Katie and Alexa were both very successful players for us and we are excited to watch their next steps as they join a quality group of former Campbell University women's soccer players in the pro ranks. "
Genas also joins several other Campbell women's soccer alums who have played professional including Ashley Clark (La Havre), Murita Storey (CD Castellon) and former Chilean National Team selection Ryanne Torerro (La Roja).
"I'm forever thankful to Campbell women's soccer because they gave me the opportunity and believed in my ability from the beginning," Genas said.
"I feel lucky to have had coaches who held me to the highest standards, and to be surrounded by talented teammates who created a competitive environment that challenged and made me better everyday. The level of professionalism and attention to detail Campbell takes into training, match, and travel preparation are unbelievable and have made my transition easy giving me a new found appreciation for the endless hours of film sessions we had over the years. The things Campbell taught me are endless, but all have transferred well into the professionalism and high standards of my new club. Thank you Campbell. Roll Humps."
