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Anna Karpenko understands firsthand what Canada’s player pathway can offer aspiring professional footballers.

The Vaughan Azzurri alum joined Episode 3 of The Pathway to discuss her journey through the Canadian game, her transition to professional soccer and life with Montreal Roses FC in the Northern Super League.

Now in her second season with the Roses, Karpenko reflected on the growth she has experienced since making the jump to the professional ranks.

“It’s definitely day and night,” Karpenko said when discussing the transition from youth and collegiate soccer to the professional game. “It’s not like you have one or two stars on each team. Now it’s like everyone. The average skill level and talent is just much higher.”

While the step up was significant, Karpenko believes her time competing in the Ontario Premier League helped prepare her for what was to come.

After spending her collegiate career in the United States, the goalkeeper returned home during the summers to compete with Vaughan Azzurri, continuing her development while remaining connected to the Canadian game.

“To be able to come home in the summers and play on home soil, make those connections and continue to grow in the offseason was super important to get me where I need to be today,” she said.

Karpenko also highlighted the role the OPL plays in helping bridge the gap between amateur and professional soccer.

“You have the semi-pro level, which is just a step below playing professionally, so you get a little bit of a taste of what it’s like to be in a professional league,” she said.

With more Canadian players now able to showcase their abilities closer to home, Karpenko believes leagues like the OPL are becoming increasingly valuable opportunities for players looking to take the next step in their careers.

“I think for scouting purposes, to really pull out talent that might have gone unnoticed otherwise, it’s really important to have these leagues.”

Now competing in the NSL, Karpenko has helped The Roses establish one of the league’s strongest defensive records while continuing to build confidence and chemistry within the squad during her second professional season.

For Karpenko, one of the biggest differences between her first and second years as a professional has been the relationships built both on and off the field.

“A big highlight for me is just having those connections now and building more and more with the trust that we have in each other,” she said.

As Canada’s professional landscape continues to grow, Karpenko believes the pathway available to young players is becoming stronger than ever. She also offered advice to those hoping to follow a similar route.

“Try to find what separates you from other players,” she said. “Find that skill or mindset piece that is really going to set you apart and keep polishing that.”

Watch Episode 3 of The Pathway now on the PSLC and OneSoccer YouTube channels.