Barely five months ago, Canberra United's latest signing Demi Koulizakis was on the last government-paid flight home to Australia from the USA.
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Her plan was to see the virus out while working at a Bondi clothes shop before pursuing the next chapter of her soccer career more seriously - until she received a phone call from United coach Vicki Linton.
"I was on the train coming back from my new job that I started that day so now I had to tell them that I'm not going to be there any more," Koulizakis said.
"I didn't have the number saved...I was like 'Who's this, is it my boss? Did I do something wrong?'
"She was like 'Hey Demi, it's Vicki. We'd like to offer you a position'. I honestly was speechless, it was like a silent pause for a few seconds because I couldn't believe it."
The 22-year-old striker, who played two seasons as a youngster with Western Sydney, had trialed with Canberra United to try reviving her W-League career but hadn't expected a return phone call.
She was part of Sydney University's title winning side in this year's NSW National Women's Premier League, but expected her summer to involve working in retail before taking Linton's phone call moments after clocking off from her first shift.
Koulizakis called her mother to share the good news, before contacting her boss.
"I told her I have to move to Canberra in two weeks," Koulizakis said.
"[I said] I've got a contract with a W League team, she was really happy for me. She was actually on a holiday so I think she was probably more happy that she was on a holiday."
One goal from 13 matches as a teenager for Western Sydney preceded four years at Texas Tech where Koulizakis experienced the American college system.
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She was based in Lubbock surrounded by cowboys and Buddy Holly enthusiasts, a far cry from the sheltered beaches of Brighton Le Sands, but thrived in the unfamiliar surrounds.
Then COVID-19 hit, and she managed to escape Texas in the nick of time, flying home via Los Angeles before quarantining for two weeks in a Brisbane hotel.
"I definitely have matured a lot as a player, I've gained so much more experience, it's such a different style of play [in America].
"Over there it's more about athleticism, strength and speed, knocking people over. Over here it's definitely more technical so it's great that I got to experience that side of football as well."
Koulizakis will move to Canberra next weekend before linking up with her new teammates for preseason.
The club has also signed young goalkeeper Sally James, who spent last year on a Canberra United scholarship, and 2020 in the Future Matildas program.
"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to be back with United this year," James said.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
