A New Chapter in Prague
Hilary Jaén, a Panamanian defender who anchored the back line for the UMass Lowell River Hawks over two seasons, has officially signed a professional contract with SK Slavia Prague. The move marks the culmination of a collegiate career that included 1,882 minutes of play, three goals, and All‑America East Second Team honors in 2024.
Jaén also earned caps for Panama at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, gaining invaluable international experience. She described Prague as a beautiful city and expressed excitement about exploring its culture while beginning her professional journey.
Coach Novak’s Praise
Head Coach Mira Novak, who mentored Jaén at UMass Lowell, highlighted the player’s relentless passion and rapid development. Novak noted that the transition to a professional environment reflects both Jaén’s talent and her readiness to compete at a higher level.
Champions League Showdown
SK Slavia Prague will face Scotland’s Rangers in the UEFA Women’s Champions League second‑round qualifier. The tie will reunite Jaén with former teammate Calliste Brookshire, who now plays for the Glasgow side, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on the professional game, Jaén observed that soccer at this level is faster and more physical, demanding sharper communication and tactical awareness. She credits her collegiate experience at UMass Lowell for providing the physical conditioning and mental resilience that she believes will help her thrive in the Czech league and beyond.