SPOKANE, Wash. — A former Gonzaga Bulldog soccer player is making her return to Spokane, this time in the professional league.
Jodi Ülkekul played for the Zags women's soccer team from 2015 to 2018. Now in June 2024, she joins the Spokane Zephyr FC.
“Women's professional football belongs in Spokane,” Ülkekul said. “This is such a special city with a community that has a significant place in my heart. It feels like I'm coming home, and I can't wait to play for the supporters that fuel the sports scene here so proudly.”
From Sammamish, Washington, Ülkekul started in 69 of her 74 career matches as a Bulldog. She totaled seven goals and eight assist throughout her four-year collegiate career.
From her junior and senior years, she served as co-captain.
Ülkekul has played forward and defender professionally, including during her time with Seattle Reign FC. Before joining Seattle, she played overseas with CD Castellón in Spain and AS Roma in Italy.
“We can’t wait to have Jodi back in Spokane to add in a big way to the team’s hometown feel,” said Katie Harnetiaux, President of USL Spokane and principal of Aequus Sports. “We are happy to welcome this former Zag back home and can’t wait to see the fan reaction when she steps onto the ONE Spokane Stadium pitch.”
Ülkekul joined the Zag squad as a walk-on, she quickly earned a scholarship.
“She is a hard-working wide forward, strong on the ball, and always looking to make herself available in between the lines,” Harnetiaux said.
Ülkekul is set to join Zephyr FC, which has already announced six other signings.
Her future teammates include several other players with ties to the Seattle Reign, including Makena Carr.
Spokane Zephyr FC will play their first match Aug. 17 at ONE Spokane Stadium in downtown.
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