Megan Jakubicka had a life-changing experience at the recent U-17 European Cup qualifying tournament.
The Scorpions midfielder from Sandwich, Mass. represented the Slovakian National team during three group-stage games in France. Not only did Jakubicka score a tying goal to help Slovakia earn a crucial point, but the 16-year-old returned home with a new perspective after honoring her roots on a lofty stage.
Jakubicka was born in Massachusetts, but her father, Miro, and mother, Monika, were born in Slovakia before moving to the United States when they were 20 years old. Miro grew up playing soccer in Slovakia, eventually passing down his love of the sport to Megan.
As Megan’s career started to blossom, Miro discovered that you didn’t have to live in Slovakia to play for the national team. So, with help from connections from his playing days, Miro and Megan got in contact with the coaching staff. They sent highlights and clips from Megan’s club games. Eventually, Slovakia noticed and invited Megan to a tryout camp last February.
However, a few weeks before the camp, Megan was playing in Florida at an ODP Camp when she tore the ACL in her right knee.
Jakubicka missed the next nine months and couldn’t attend the Slovakian tryout camp.
