ORONO, Maine -- Former University of Maine women's soccer midfielder Lara Kirkby has signed a professional deal with VfL Bochum 1848 of the 2. Bundesliga in Germany, the club announced on Tuesday.

Kirkby started all 37 games that Maine played in her two seasons in Orono and helped the program to its first-ever America East Tournament title in 2023 and a second tournament title and first-ever regular season title in 2024. Kirkby earned two United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors, two America East All-Conference honors and an America East All-Academic Team honor. She was named to the America East All-Tournament Team in 2023 and 2024, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player in 2023 along with earning the America East Elite 18 Award in 2024. As a senior captain in 2024, Kirkby recorded career-highs in goals (6), assists (4) and points (16).

The Adelaide, Australia native spent the spring of 2025 with Adelaide United.

"With Lara, we're getting a talented player whose mentality is a perfect fit for VfL," said Annike Krahn, VfL Women's Football Director, in the VfL press release. "She works hard, always wants to improve, and has great potential."

"I'm really looking forward to starting my time at VfL Bochum," said Kirkby in the team release. "The club has a promising future, and I'm convinced I can develop both athletically and personally here. The team and coaching staff create an excellent environment in which I immediately felt at home."

-UMaine-