Former Calvin University women's soccer standout
Mia Judd has signed a professional contract to play overseas in Australia. Judd graduated from Calvin University on May 9 and shortly after, headed across the globe to join the
Launceston City Football Club.
Launceston City FC is located in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. The club competes in the state's top tier,
NPL Tasmania, administered by
Football Tasmania. Founded in 1958 by members of Launceston's Italian community, many of whom migrated after
World War II, the club fields senior men's, women's and junior teams.
At Calvin, Judd recently completed one of the most accomplished midfield careers in the history of Calvin University women's soccer. A native of Grand Ledge, Michigan, and a graduate of Lansing Christian High School, Judd competed for the Calvin Knights in NCAA Division III and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), distinguishing herself through elite two-way play, consistent leadership, and nationally recognized academic achievement.
She was a two-time MIAA Most Valuable Player (2024, 2025), becoming only the fourth player in Calvin women's soccer history to earn the distinction multiple times. Judd was a three-time All-MIAA First Team selection, consistently recognized as one of the conference's top midfielders for her complete impact on matches at both ends of the field.
Judd helped guide Calvin to 4 MIAA regular-season and tournament championships, 4 NCAA Appearances and 2 Sweet Sixteen Appearances. Over her senior season, she recorded key goals and assists while anchoring a Calvin team that finished 16-5 overall and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen, concluding the year ranked 17th nationally in the final United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll.
Judd's excellence extended well beyond the conference. She earned United Soccer Coaches DIII All Region (2023, 2024, 2025), United Soccer Coaches Division III Scholar All-American Second Team honors (2024, 2025), Scholar All-Region First Team recognition (2024, 2025), and CSC Academic All District (2023, 2024, 2025).
The Calvin University Sports Information Department caught up with Judd on Wednesday for a question and answer session which can be read below:
Q: Tell us how this opportunity came about. At what point did the opportunity to play overseas become a reality? Did you participate in graduation and if so, how soon after did you depart for Australia?
A: My assistant coach, Annette Stromberg, had mentioned the possibility of playing overseas a few times over the past two years, but I always set it aside to stay focused on the present with Calvin Women's Soccer. After the season ended in November, Annette and Calvin Men's assistant coach Mason Smith (who played for Launceston City in 2023) brought it up again. I put together a highlight video, which Mason sent to the head coach, Alex Aylott, and we connected on a phone call a few days later. I took some time to seriously consider the opportunity, as it was a big decision, and after about three weeks, I officially signed my contract at the beginning of February. Although I would have loved to join for the entire season, it was important to me to finish my nursing degree. I graduated on May 9th, flew out of Grand Rapids on May 11th, and arrived in Launceston on May 13th, after a total of 36 hours of travel.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the club that will be playing at and the part of Australia that the club is located in?
A: I am playing for Launceston City FC, located in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. We compete in the McDonald's Women's Super League, the top tier of women's soccer in Tasmania. This marks the first time the women's program has been in the top division after an eight-year absence. In addition to the women's team, the club also has men's and junior programs, with players ranging from ages 5 to 18.
Q: So far, how has it been, assimilating into a new country and club? What have the coaches and players been like?
A: So far, it has been great! The transition has gone very smoothly. I am staying with a host family that is very involved in the club, and they have been very welcoming to me! I have connected with my teammates very well. They have been showing me around the city, and we have already been on some fun adventures. My coach, Alex Aylott, has helped my transition by ensuring I have everything I need to succeed during my time here. Obviously, I have played at Calvin the past 4 years, so I am used to that style of play, principles, players, environment, etc., so getting used to something new will take time.
Q: It sounds like you are joining the club mid-season (or at least with the season underway). How do you hope to contribute to the team this season? What position(s) do you anticipate playing at for the team?
A: My team started preseason back in March, with their first game being March 14th, 2026. So I got to watch the first full round of games from afar. I am joining the team right at the start of the second round. There are 8 teams, including us, and we play every team in each round. Through the first round, my team suffered some injuries, causing some younger girls to jump in. Obviously, this is the first time the club has been in the top league in 8 years, so it is a year of growth playing against the top teams. I hope to use my experience and competitiveness to help guide my team to success and win a few more games than in the first round. I anticipate playing midfield or center back for the team.
Q: How long would you like to play professionally overseas?
A: This opportunity was perfect timing, and I couldn't pass it up. I plan to come back to Michigan at the end of my season in September. However, I will always keep my options open.
Q: How would you say that Calvin prepared you for this opportunity and specifically from a soccer perspective, how has Coach Ottenhoff prepared you for this step?
A: Calvin Women's Soccer has helped me grow so much over the past four years and ultimately prepared me for this opportunity. The competitiveness and high level of training pushed me to become more confident and consistent as a player. Coach Ottenhoff's encouragement to pursue this experience, along with her own perspective on growth through stepping into the unfamiliar, gave me the confidence to fully commit to this next chapter. She has consistently pushed me out of my comfort zone, both as a player and as a person. This opportunity allows me not only to continue playing soccer, but to do so in a new environment where I can keep growing, learning, and exploring.
Q: You graduated with a nursing degree at Calvin but are putting that career on hold for the time being. Describe that process? Do you need to take your nursing boards certification at some point or are you set with that?
A: Unfortunately, I was not able to take the NCLEX before leaving, as it takes several weeks for transcripts and state paperwork to be processed. While I am here, I will continue studying and completing practice questions. Calvin also provides graduates with an online program called "VATI," where we are connected with a nurse educator. I will begin this in July to ensure I am prepared to take the NCLEX when I return to Michigan in September. This was the biggest factor that initially made me hesitate about accepting this opportunity, but after speaking with my advisor, I was encouraged to go for it!
