Esi Lufo, or ‘Esi-Messi’ as her teammates call her, has had a journey from Tirane, Albania, to the Thompson Rivers University soccer field that has been one of growth, determination, and record-breaking ambition. Now in her final year as a business student, Lufo has become a key player for the WolfPack, racking up eight goals this season and currently leading the Canada West division as the league’s top scorer. Lufo sat down with The Omega to talk about her standout moments on the field, how her mentors have affected her journey and her goals, both for the remainder of the season and for her future in soccer.
Ω: You grew up in Albania so what drew you to Thompson Rivers University and to playing for the WolfPack?
EL: First, it was for my education, and then I wanted a new experience. Soccer-wise, I saw this as a good opportunity to come here, and I took it.
Ω: When did you get started in soccer?
EL: I started playing soccer when I was five. I started playing just for fun first with a boys’ team, and then I saw it as my future. My dad was also a basketball player, so when he saw that I was into sports, he tried to convince me to go play basketball. I tried for a bit, but it wasn’t my thing, and I was like, “No, Dad, I don’t wanna do this. I like soccer more”, so I stuck with soccer.
Ω: Do you have any family members or mentors who have been especially influential in your athletic journey?
EL: My whole family supported me, but I think [my dad] was the one who really showed me the way. He started playing professionally when he was around my age, even as a backup, and I think he wanted me to follow in his footsteps. He guided me through it all and became like a mentor to me.
Ω: This year, you’ve scored eight goals so far this season. But in your first season, you only had one along with seven assists, and then three in your second season. What do you think has changed for you this year that has helped lead to this breakout?
EL: I think my first and second years, I was taking my time to adjust to the team and this country, because everything is so different. But this year, I figured out what I need to work on for myself, and I put in a lot of work in the gym. So that’s the part that was different this year. Now I’m feeling much better, I’m more confident, and the results are coming.
Ω: What’s your favourite goal that you’ve scored here at TRU, and why was it special?
EL: A favourite goal? Well, I’d have to choose my two goals versus Trinity this year. I scored two and we won the game 2-1. It was a special game because Trinity is ranked number eight in the country. So scoring against them gives me a good feeling.
Ω: Looking ahead, what’s the biggest focus for you and the team as you push toward the playoffs this season?
EL: Our goal for this year is to make it to the playoffs. We’re working hard on that. We had a tough weekend last weekend, but I think we’re just learning from that, taking our notes on what to do better, and I think that’s it. We’re just trying to work hard, be a family, work together, so we get ourselves in that playoff spot, which is what we want.
Ω: Do you have any routines, rituals, or superstitions on game day?
EL: On a game day, not much. I just love to eat my favourite snacks like three hours before the game. I usually take a shower before the game. I try not to stay on my phone too much, so I just focus on the game and listen to music. That’s like my routine, and I feel like it helps me.
Ω: Is there someone — either a teammate here or from past years — who has had the biggest impact on your growth as a player?
EL: I have a best friend, Jehona Shala, who’s been with me through everything. Even though we’re apart now, we talk on the phone all the time, and she’s helped me through my toughest moments. Of course, my teammates here have supported me as well, but Jehona has been my biggest supporter. She’s really helped me get through everything.
Ω: What’s been your favourite memory with the Wolf Pack that you’ve had so far?
EL: Honestly, I’d say everything from this year is such a good memory; the team chemistry and everything are so perfect. I think this year is going to be a memory forever.
Ω: What personal goals have you set for yourself for the rest of this season?
EL: I want to break records. I think I’m close to becoming the all-time leading scorer in a season for this program, so that’s my first goal, to set a new record here. I’d also love for us to win Canada West Team of the Year. And personally, I’m aiming to be the league’s top scorer. Right now, I’m leading the league, but we’ll see how it goes by the end of the season.
Ω: Looking ahead, what are your plans after finishing school, both in your career and with soccer?
EL: This is my last year here. I have one more semester to go, and I’m done. After that, I wanna try and make it pro. Maybe in Canada, in the new league here, or maybe in Europe, but I want to play soccer for a few more years. Then we’ll see after that.
Ω: Are there any soccer players you’ve looked up to as role models, or tried to model your game after?
EL: Yeah, I usually look at strikers in men’s games to model my own play. My all-time favourite is [Lionel] Messi. I get really inspired by him, and my teammate even calls me ‘Esi-Messi,’ since my name is kind of similar. So yeah, he’s my favourite and a big inspiration
Ω: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger players who want to play soccer at the university level?
EL: University is the best time for a student-athlete to grow, work hard, and use the experience to set themselves up for the future.