Former UMass Lowell Women’s Soccer Standout Goes Pro

LOWELL, Mass. – Following a strong two-year career anchoring the back line for the UMass Lowell women's soccer program, Hilary Jaén inked a pro deal with Czechia side SK Slavia Prague.

"I am so pleased Hilary is getting the opportunity to compete at the professional level," said Head Coach Mira Novak. "I know how passionate she is about the game and her development. At her age, she's experienced more than a lot of players have throughout their whole lives."

The SK Slavia Prague women's team competes in the highest division of soccer in the Czech Republic and has won the league in nine out of the last 13 seasons. Jaén joins the squad after playing in 34 matches for the River Hawks, earning an All-America East Second Team nod in 2024 and finding the back of the net three times.

The defender adds a professional contract to her resume after competing at the NCAA Division I level with the River Hawks and playing on the international stage in the 2023 World Cup with the Panama Women's National Team.

"I'm very excited," Jaén said. "Signing my first professional contract was one of the biggest goals I've achieved in my career. I'm very grateful for this opportunity, and I can't wait to start this new chapter giving my best for the team."

One of Jaén's first professional matches will reunite her with a former teammate, Calliste Brookshire. On August 5, SK Slavia Prague takes on Scottish side Rangers, where Brookshire is playing, in the UEFA Women's Champions League second round qualifier.

"I can't wait to follow Hilary's career along with other grads that are already competing in the pro ranks," Novak said. "I'm especially looking forward to the Champions League qualifiers."

Jaén said her time at UMass Lowell helped prepare her to go pro. She saw the field in every match last season and tallied 1,882 minutes across two seasons as a River Hawk.

"UMass Lowell helped me improve both physically and mentally," Jaén said. "We trained at high intensity and the matches were very demanding. I had great coaches and teammates who pushed me to improve and created a positive environment where I could grow."

Moving to Prague has been a big adjustment for Jaén, but she said she's been handling it well.

"Prague is a beautiful city, and I've enjoyed walking and exploring since I came here," Jaén said. "Soccer is faster and more physical [at the professional level], but it's a great opportunity to learn, improve and grow as a player."

One thing Jaén took from her time as a River Hawk is her competitive edge. She also attributes her communication skills as a player to her time in the Mill City.

"My time at Lowell taught me to be competitive every single day," Jaén said. "Everyone wants to win and I still have that mentality."

Players Mentioned

Calliste Brookshire