SEVILLA, SPAIN - Former California junior All-Region and All-Conference midfielder Luca Deza has signed a professional soccer contract with Sevilla FC Femenino of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. 

After three standout seasons as a Golden Bear, Deza unknowingly played her last collegiate game during Cal's stint in the 2019 NCAA Tournament and joins four fellow Cal women's soccer alumnae that are playing internationally this year. 

"We are all very happy for Luca as we know how hard she has worked and how long she has dreamed of being a professional." said Cal head coach Neil McGuire. "She is a hugely talented player with a very bright future. She graduates from Cal with our very best wishes and we are excited to see her flourish at the next level."

Deza joined Cal in 2017 as a TopDrawerSoccer four-star recruit and a member of the No. 3 signing class, alongside current seniors Emma Westin and Emily Smith. Her accolades continued as a Cal student-athlete, earning All-Pac-12 honors during every season she played for the Golden Bears - Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2017), Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention (2018), All-Pac-12 Second Team (2019). 

She has been an integral part of Cal's midfield and helped the team finish with 32 goals in her junior season. Having finished second on the team in goals (5) and points (13) in 2019, the 2020 season was looking bright for Deza. However, when the Pac-12 announced the cancelation of fall sports, she decided it was time to take her next career steps. 

"I cannot wait to watch a Cal soccer game and I am going to support so hard from over here," Deza said. "I owe a big thank you to the coaches and the team for supporting me throughout my time there." 

Before joining Sevilla, she was able to train with the NWSL's Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. After receiving a call to tryout from Sevilla FC, Deza bought a one way ticket to Spain. 

Sevilla FC Femenino competes in the Primera División of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Sevilla began its 2020-21 campaign in October 2020. Deza will make her professional debut on January 6th, 2021. 

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