Rookie goalkeeper Veronica Kozak looks to make immediate impact with Panthers

By Thomas Becker

As a seven-year-old playing soccer for the first time, Veronica Kozak did anything she could to avoid the tedious task of running. As a result, goalkeeping became a more suitable option that ultimately sparked her love for the game.

The art of protecting the net with perfectly timed diving saves that stymies the opponents and fuels the rest of the team really resonated with the Mississauga, Ontario native, and she wanted to see it through.

"Eventually, I noticed I was actually enjoying it," she said. "You get to make these crazy saves or as one of my coaches liked to describe it: 'picture saves'."

Kozak was fortunate to have a strong support system to back her soccer path, as her parents and coaches encouraged her and helped her any way they could. And while her coaches played a significant role in her development, the motivation to be the best she could be was nurtured at home. 

When she first learned how to kick a ball properly, her dad often took her to the field where they would kick the ball 100 times, emphasizing technique and accuracy. 

"They give me the motivation to work harder and be the best goalkeeper I can be," she said. "My parents have driven me to every practice, whether it's a rainy day, in the middle of a snowstorm, or right after school. They're the best." 

Kozak's commitment to her craft paid off over the years and opened doors that may not have been there otherwise. In her freshman year of high school, she earned a starting spot with the St. Martin Mustangs and never relinquished it. Kozak guided them to back-to-back regional championships before COVID-19 took away her junior and senior years. 

The 18-year-old also joined the Oakville Blue Devils Academy in 2016 and climb the ranks to their League 1 Ontario reserves team, where she continues to gain valuable experience. It also allowed her to train with and play alongside their semi-pro team, which featured national-level talent.

"Working with the League 1 girls was a dream," Kozak said. "I was a bit nervous at the time because I didn't want to make many mistakes, but our centre back Rachel Melhado — who played for the Canadian national team — was very supportive and always had my back."

If that wasn't enough already, she also dabbled a bit in the international game. As a Polish descendant, Kozak reached out to Poland's under-17 coach and pursued an opportunity to participate in one of their camps.

"It was amazing to see the skill level and intensity they had. I hope to go back soon." 

That experience, combined with her knack for keeping the ball out of the net, made her an enticing prospect. And when she was recommended to Panthers head coach Lewis Page, recruiting her became a top priority. 

"She's a rookie who comes in with lots of playing experience," Page said. "Her potential is very high, and it will be up to her how far she goes."

While she comes in with a world of potential, there's still plenty of work to get done before she's entrusted to be the last line of defence. Standing in her path are veterans Ali Muise and Julie Ann Reid, who, for the first time, will get a shot to compete for the starting spot that was held by Amanda Stanyer from 2016 to 2019. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing that battle," Page said. 

Kozak has all the physical tools to compete for the job, so it may come down to how well each candidate commands the 18-yard-box and communicates with the defence. The goalkeeper is the one player who sees each play unfold in front of them, so they must be able to direct teammates when the opposition makes a push, and that's where Kozak shines. 

"I find many goalkeepers struggle to communicate with their teammates," she said. "I need to be able to tell them when someone is making a run behind them or that I'm an option as a pass back. And they need to be able to trust me."

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