Pacific FC first round draft pick in the 2023 CPL U SPORTS Draft was a hugely successful pick for the club and an incredible learning experience for the player selected.

Eric Lajeunesse, the left-footed centre-back out of the University of British Columbia, was selected sixth overall by Pacific in last year’s draft and showed fantastic technical and tactical qualities during his first season as a professional in 2023.

“It was definitely a big step up,” says Lajeunesse of his first experience as a pro. “Instead of having school and soccer, and probably focusing a bit more on school, this is full focus on soccer. At first it was tough to get used to that because I’ve always had that balance between two things, so that mentality change was big.”

When looking back on the U SPORTS Draft process last year, Lajeunesse says declaring for the draft wasn’t immediately in his plans but when seeing that clear pathway to becoming a professional player, he knew he had to take it.

“During the season it was just focusing on ‘next game, next game’ and how well we can do at Nationals. Then, after the season finished, someone brought up the CPL Draft, and I wasn’t too aware of that pathway yet, but when they brought it to my attention of course I was going to enter. Being a professional has always been my dream as a kid. So I entered my name and when I found out I got drafted it was a special feeling.”

“I was on a call with my parents (when it happened) and it was great to share that with them because they know how that’s always been my dream. I’ve been with the Whitecaps Academy before, in that kind of pro setting, but I wasn’t too sure what to expect with this.”

When he arrived for training camp with the Tridents, Lajeunesse quickly learned the dedication and work ethic it takes to succeed at the next level. Learning from experienced defenders like Amer Didic and Thomas Meilleur-Giguere was invaluable for a young centre-back.

“Those guys are there everyday getting better to reach the next level and take the next step. I really enjoyed having those players around me to help me progress to the next level.”

After impressing during training camp and earning a U SPORTS Contract with Pacific for the 2023 season, Lajeunesse went on to rack up the most U-21 minutes of any U SPORTS player during the 2023 season. Signing the U SPORTS Contract allowed Lajeunesse to retain his eligibility and return to UBC for the beginning of the school year in August.

Lajeunesse’s unique profile helped him stand out and contribute so many minutes during his first professional campaign. At six-foot-three and with excellent composure on the ball, Lajeunesse has the ability and characteristics to play as both a centre-back and left-back. That flexibility provided the Tridents with a helpful depth piece during the first half of the year. Pacific also retained Lajeunesse’s U SPORTS rights for the 2024 CPL season.

Although Lajeunesse decided to return to school in the fall, his time on the Island helped the club put together one of the best defensive records in the league, but more importantly provided him with excellent knowledge to take back for his second season with the Thunderbirds and continue his exponential growth.

“I think the most important thing for me was playing games. It was quite an amazing experience, I really enjoyed my first season with Pacific, but for me the most important thing to grow as a player and a person was to play as many games as I can. I think this (U SPORTS) season really helped me, playing a full 22-game season and going to Nationals. Getting in those high pressure situations was good experience and I’ll be able to take that into my second preseason with Pacific.”

“Going from CPL back to U SPORTS I think I got to bring a lot of maturity and expertise that I learned from the older players in the CPL.”

As for advice that Lajeunesse would give to future players in his position: fear nothing.

“I don’t think there’s anything to be afraid of. There’s a reason you’re going there. I would not have expected this route but I’m taking it and not looking back.”