LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jonas Skulstad had a lot of high-level soccer left in him. The former Bellarmine University standout could feel it.

More importantly, Aalborg Ballklubb recognized it.

The result was that Skulstad last Friday signed a two-year professional contract with AaB, which competes in the Danish Superliga, the top division in Denmark. The native of Egersund, Norway, described the level as equivalent to the MLS. Teams can qualify for the Champions League through it.

"It was a bit surreal to go from never having gotten paid to play to signing a full professional contract," Skulstad said, "but I was over the moon about it and very thrilled."

Skulstad, who graduated from Bellarmine in 2021, played for AaB's amateur team for a year and a half. The center back seized the opportunity to begin training with the first team — which he'd been doing since December — and signed his professional deal during the last week of training camp in Valencia, Spain.

"At first it was fun with the amateur team, but I felt like I had a much higher Level than 5th division of Denmark in me," Skulstad said. "I did really well when training with the first team — I don't think the coaches expected me to do that well, which is why jumping from such a low amateurly league to professional football is a huge step. I have always wanted to play professionally but never really pursued it with full intent."

Skulstad earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science at Bellarmine. He'd been studying physical therapy in Aalborg, but he'll pause those pursuits for now to focus on his professional soccer career.

"Jonas is physically strong, has a good head game and a fine left leg and is game intelligent, and he is very verbal when he is on the pitch, and now it will be exciting to follow him in his continued development," AaB's managing director and acting sporting director Thomas Bælum stated in the club's signing announcement.

Skulstad ranked among the best players in Bellarmine program history. He became the Knights' first, and only, GLVC Defensive Player of the Year after being acknowledged in 2018. After the transition to Division I his senior year, Skulstad became the program's first-ever first-team ASUN All-Conference selection along with its first D1 All-Region recipient.

Skulstad was also an exemplary student and honored as the 2018 GLVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for men's soccer. He earned Scholar All-Region accolades from the United Soccer Coaches in 2020.

"It is great to hear Jonas signed a contract to play professionally," Knights Coach Tim Chastonay said. "During his time here at Bellarmine, it was clear he had qualities that could take him to the next level. We are so proud of his accomplishment and look forward to following his success."  

Indeed, Skulstad's impressive achievements have continued since he graduated from Bellarmine, the latest the landing of a pro deal with AaB.

Said Skulstad: "It is a boyhood dream that has come true."

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