BRUGES, Belgium – Harvard women's soccer's Lara Schenk '22 recently became the newest member of the Crimson to turn professional, signing a contract with Club YLA in Belgium. The center-back was a crucial piece of the Harvard women's soccer team from 2018-2022, helping the squad reach the NCAA Tournament twice in her career.
 
Schenk begins her professional soccer career after an amazing senior season on the pitch for the Crimson. One of the anchors of Harvard's defense, Schenk led the team in minutes played and did not leave the field in 10 of the 16 games she played in.
 
The German defender was a crucial piece to a Harvard backline that held opponents to only 15 goals in 2022. Additionally, Harvard's defense surrendered only 56 shots on their own goal this year, much in part due to Schenk's strong play in defensive third.
 
Club YLA rebranded in 2020 from the women's side of Club Brugge, one of the most famous and successful clubs in Belgian men's soccer. The team is currently in fourth place in the Belgian first women's division and are currently looking to make a push towards the playoffs by winning its next series of matches. The club could also qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season if it finsihes in third place in its division.