Goals galore as Koulizakis sets her sights on more to come

Sydney Olympic FC’s star signing Demi Koulizakis has been on fire topping the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW golden boot race with her 9 goals already.

Koulizakis has had some serious injury struggles recently which have tested her passion for the game, even going as far to consider an early retirement.

But Sydney Olympic have helped her recapture that love for football and find some incredible goal-scoring form.

“I was falling out of love with the game and now returning back and loving it once again.

“Honestly it feels really great because the last two years that I’ve been playing I haven’t had the best of luck with injuries, and I was actually going to hang up the boots last year.

“My first season with Perth [Glory], it was literally the first training session in preseason, I hyperextended my knee, ruptured the knee capsule at the back, PCL tear, meniscus tear and two fractures.”

Koulizakis pushed through the pain for two seasons but eventually saw a sports doctor in Perth, and then had successful surgery in April last year.

The 26-year-old comes with a wealth of experience, in the A-League Women’s [with Perth Glory, Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers] as well as a decorated American College career with Texas Tech University.

Getting the chance to travel far and wide for football is something Koulizakis has loved, but after her difficulties in Perth she is grateful to return home to Sydney.

“I’ve been away from home since I was eighteen years old because I played in college in America for four years, [then in the A-league Women’s for Perth Glory and Canberra United] so I’m kind of used to the whole getting away from home thing.

“But I think after the year I had last year coming back home is what I really needed, and it’s made me find the love for the game again.”

The striker has played her last few NPL seasons with Bankstown City but was excited for the chance to return to Sydney Olympic.

“I played for Olympic a few years ago when I was coming back from America, so I played a short stint there for like eight weeks every time I came back.

“Sydney Olympic has always had a part of me in my football career, especially like with my grandfather, he’s very into football.”

Koulizakis is enjoying being one of the senior members of the team who can mentor the youth coming through the club.

“All the girls we get along, it’s such a great environment to be in.

“I feel like my experience has taught me a lot and I’m helping out the younger girls.

“There’s a good balance between being serious and enjoying ourselves, I think our coaching stuff has really driven that and created a great opportunity for us to learn and grow as a team.”

Despite her current finishing form, she says the goals aren’t front of mind when preparing for a game.

“Honestly I’m just going out there, having fun, and trying to do what’s best for the team.”

Ultimately her main goal is to consistently perform well in the NPL Women’s competition and earn another professional opportunity.

“I think that’s [a professional contract] my goal for this season and my future as a football player

“I’ve reached an age where it’s either I go all in or find another job and give up soccer.”

For players who are going through a slump or having some challenges like she did, Koulizakis suggests remembering the enjoyment and excitement for football.

“I know a lot of players have gone through a lot with injuries and other outside stuff, but I think overall you need to find the love for the game again.”