Ipswich Town goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx enters the new season with a simple but unwavering objective: promotion.
Having joined the club midway through last campaign, the Canadian international quickly recognised the direction Ipswich were heading in and the role she could play in helping the club reach its ambitions.
“Get promoted, for sure,” she said when asked about her ambitions. “Seeing where the club was when I arrived showed the path where we want to go and where we can go.”
While the goal is collective, Proulx’s mindset reflects a balance between team success and personal pride.
“It’s not just about individual targets,” she explained. “But to say you helped a team achieve promotion—that’s something special.”
A Season Built on Momentum
Proulx joined Ipswich in February and spent the majority of last season adapting to her new surroundings.
Now, with a full pre-season behind her, including a month of preparation and an upcoming training camp in Spain, the focus has shifted firmly towards competitive action.
“We’re at that point where we’re just excited to get started,” she said, with the new campaign fast approaching.
The clarity within the squad is evident. Promotion to the Women’s Super League is the primary objective, with everything from preparation to performance aligned towards achieving it.
Overcoming Setbacks
Proulx’s journey has not been without its challenges.
Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout her career, with recent shoulder surgery proving particularly difficult mentally as she faced the uncertainty of returning to her previous level.
“That was the hardest one,” she admitted. “As a goalkeeper, I didn’t know how I would get back to doing what I was doing before.”
Her recovery at Juventus provided the support she needed to rebuild her confidence and return to form. However, frustration followed shortly after she arrived at Ipswich, when she suffered another injury within weeks.
“It wasn’t the start I hoped for,” she said. “But the recovery went well, and now I’m ready.”
That resilience now underpins her approach as she prepares for a full season with Ipswich.
A Long-Awaited Move to England
Proulx’s move to Ipswich was driven by a long-standing ambition to experience English football.
Having built a career across multiple countries, she actively sought out new challenges and environments, with England always high on her list.
“I’ve always wanted to come to England,” she said. “The leagues here are among the best in the world.”
The transition, however, was not straightforward.
As an international player, meeting the eligibility requirements to play in England proved a significant hurdle.
“It was about finding the right moment,” she explained. “Getting enough points to come here was a challenge, but when the opportunity came, I took it.”
Encouragement from Canada national team coaches also played a key role, with a clear message: come, play and develop.
A League Without Easy Games
Proulx expects Ipswich to face one of the most competitive seasons yet.
The gap across the league is narrowing, making consistency more important than ever.
“It’s very competitive; anyone can beat anyone,” she said.
That unpredictability is part of the league’s appeal, but also its challenge.
Reflecting on Ipswich’s previous season, Proulx pointed to a strong second half of the campaign as evidence of what the team is capable of.
“If the whole season had been like that second half, it would have been a different story,” she noted.
Despite structural changes to the league, including a new play-off system, Proulx remains focused on one outcome.
“It doesn’t change anything; we’re going to finish first,” she said.
A Modern Goalkeeper
Proulx embodies the modern evolution of goalkeeping.
Aggressive in her approach, she thrives in high-pressure situations, whether commanding crosses, dealing with one-on-one scenarios or operating as a sweeper-keeper.
“I enjoy coming out for crosses and corners, and I like 1v1 situations,” she said. “I’ve got good reactions, and I enjoy playing with my feet.”
That ability to contribute beyond traditional shot-stopping is central to her game and reflects the broader evolution of the position.
Working closely with Ipswich’s goalkeeping coach, she is also refining specific technical aspects of her game, including side volleys, as she continues to develop her all-round performance.
Belief Over External Noise
Within the Ipswich squad, motivation is driven less by outside perception and more by internal belief.
“It’s not about proving people wrong,” Proulx said. “It’s about belief.”
That belief is paired with a strong sense of togetherness and ambition as the team prepares for the demands of a promotion push.
Life Beyond the Pitch
Away from football, Proulx balances her professional focus with moments of escape.
Her off-season included a brief trip to Italy, where she rented a sailboat along the south coast, as well as time in Portugal, where her partner lives and plays.
However, much of her summer was spent in Ipswich, continuing her training and preparation for the new campaign.
She also carries personal motivations with her literally. Tattoos reading “stand out” and “zero degrees” reflect her desire to avoid mediocrity and her self-described personality.
Eyes on the International Stage
Alongside her club ambitions, Proulx remains focused on her international career with Canada.
Regular playing time at Ipswich is seen as a crucial step towards earning call-ups for upcoming qualifiers and, ultimately, the World Cup.
For now, though, her priorities are clear: promotion, consistency and contribution.
As Ipswich prepare for the new season, Proulx’s confidence is unmistakable, and it mirrors the mindset of a team ready to compete at the highest level.
