DAYTON – Former Flyer soccer player
Alexis Kiehl, who graduated from University of Dayton this December, signed a contract to play professionally for UMF Selfoss in Iceland.
"To be able to turn my passion into my profession is incredible," said Kiehl. "I've worked so hard for this moment and I'm very grateful and excited for the opportunity."
Selfoss is in the southern part of Iceland about 40 minutes from Rekyjavic). The club currently plays in the Inkasso League and were runners-up in the 2017 Dield Women's standings.
UMF has started its preseason and will begin the regular season fixtures May 9.
"We are incredibly excited for Alexis. She has earned this opportunity through years of hard work, dedication, and passion in pursuit of her reaching her goal of becoming a professional soccer player," said Dayton head coach
Eric Golz. "She has always been a talented player, but her drive to be the best and her passion for the game have always been what has set her apart. She has received a lot of support and guidance through the years from various teammates, coaches, and family members; and we will all be her biggest fans as she heads into this next chapter of her soccer career."
Kiehl was named a Senior CLASS Award Second Team All-American in 2017. She was voted as the 2017 Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year, in addition to being named to the A-10 First Team for the third consecutive season. She was also named a 2017 United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Third Team selection. She has twice been named to the A-10 All-Championship Team. Kiehl scored 45 goals in her career (tied for fourth all-time at UD), including an A-10 best 12 this season; and she led the nation in scoring last season.
Kiehl, from Cincinnati, is just the ninth Flyer to amass more than 20 goals and 20 assists in her career (45 goals, 21 assists).
In the past 10 years, the Flyers have had several notable players sign professional contracts:
Mandi Bäck – 2010 signed with the Boston Aztecs, the feeder team of the Women's Professional Soccer's Boston Breakers.
Colleen Williams – 2013 was drafted by the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.
Ashley Campbell – 2015 part of the Seattle Sounders developmental league, signed with FC Slovácko Women of the 1st Division Czech Republic in the UEFA Champions League.
Nicole Waters - 2015 part of the Seattle Sounders developmental league, signed with FC Slovácko Women of the 1st Division Czech Republic in the UEFA Champions League.
