Soccer has opened many doors for Sudbury native Cloe Lacasse. These days, opportunity is calling at an most unexpected outpost.

Having completed her NCAA career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Lacasse was on the lookout for a chance to continue with a sport that she is clearly passionate about. As it turns out, the road would lead to Iceland, where the graduate of Macdonald-Cartier is suiting up as a member of IB Vestmannaeyjar.

A unique opportunity, with some unique challenges. "Most of the girls are from Iceland, which means they speak Icelandic," noted Lacasse. "On the field, you have to be much more aware, since we cannot always communicate as effectively as we should be."

Lacasse continues to score goals, her calling card for years in the world of soccer. But between games, she is enjoying an experience that she could never have imagined. "As soon as I landed in Iceland, I could tell right away it was an extremely picturesque country," she said.

"There are mountains everywhere you look. I also have the unique opportunity of living on an island off the coast of Iceland called Vestmannaeyjar. I got lucky, because when I got here, it was the peak time to see the northern lights."

"I got some pretty incredible nights," Lacasse continued. "On the island, there are two volcanoes, one is still active and one is not. We took a hike up the one that is active, and I got to put my hands over it. That was both a cool and scary experience, getting to feel the heat radiate onto my hands, but also dealing with the fear of falling in."

Nothing is yet finalized beyond her Iceland adventure, but Lacasse is not overly concerned. "I am going to be here for a little bit less than a year, which includes the pre-season phase that we are currently in," she explained.

"The official season will be starting on May 16th. After the season is over, I will be returning home and deciding what happens next." With any luck at all, another door will open.