The best defender in the Atlantic 10 is headed to Italy. 
 
Earlier this month, Lana Golob, VCU's standout center back who was named the 2021 A-10 Defender of the Year, signed a professional contract with Napoli Femminile of Serie A, Italy's top division.
 
 "It's definitely a dream come true," Golob said. "It is something I have been working towards for years and I am just extremely grateful to have this opportunity. It does pay off if you are willing to work for something 100%."
 
"I am incredibly happy for Lana for accomplishing her dream and working so hard on the field to make that dream a reality," Head Coach Lindsey Martin said. "Her development over her four years with us was tremendous. She always had the ability and we felt fortunate from the start that she chose to be at VCU, but once she started to believe in herself and play with conviction, that ability became evident to her and everyone who watched her play. I look forward to following her professional career for many years to come."  
 
Golob had a prolific career in black and gold, appearing in 60 matches across four seasons, including 58 starts. In addition to anchoring the back line, she also got involved in the attack, collecting seven goals and an assist in her career.
 
The Recica ob Paki, Slovenia, native has also established herself as a fixture of the Slovenian national team's starting lineup, even scoring a goal against Estonia in a World Cup Qualifying match this fall.
 
"Getting back to playing a more European style of soccer, getting my first minutes in Serie A, playing against world class players," Golob said of the things she's looking forward to about playing for Napoli. "Also, of course, learning Italian and getting to eat the Italian cuisine!"
 
While Golob has been a key member of the VCU back line throughout her collegiate career, her senior season saw a breakthrough in terms of external recognition and awards. After a Second Team All-Atlantic 10 selection as a junior during the 2020-21 season, Golob was a Preseason All-Atlantic 10 honoree this fall and backed it up with a First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection.
 
She was also named to the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Second Team and the Virginia Sports Information Directors All-State First Team. The Rams, who won the A-10 Regular Season Championship for the first time, boasted the league's best goals-against average at 0.81.
 
Golob credits her experience at VCU for preparing her for the professional game in Europe.
 
"The rigorous fall schedule and the work ethic needed to get through it definitely helped prepare me for the demands of my schedule now in Italy," Golob said. "I learned a lot about nutrition and the importance of recovery and prevention exercises. I became a more complete player, and also from a psychological perspective I started to believe in myself more, which is crucial."
 
Golob continues a long tradition of VCU women's soccer alumnae playing at the next level.