Former ECU keeper Maeve English inks professional contract

by | May 28, 2025

Former East Carolina soccer keeper Maeve English has signed her first professional contract, the school announced on Tuesday.

Below is more information on the former D.H. Conley High School and ECU star.

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Photo credit: Maeve English (ECU Sports Information photo illustration)

By ECUPirates.com

RETHYMNO, CRETE – East Carolina soccer alumna Maeve English has signed her first professional contract to play with Greek Division A side AO Rethymniaki Enosi Athliton (REA FC).

“I am nothing short of grateful for my time at ECU, but it is time for me to close this chapter and take the next step in my career,” said English. “I’m so thankful for everyone who has been a part of my journey and helped me develop into both a better player and person! I truly believe REA is the perfect place to begin my professional career, and I am beyond excited to see how this challenge will push me to grow and develop!”

After concluding an illustrious career with the Pirates in the fall, it is no surprise that English now takes her talents to the professional level. The Greenville native finished her time in Purple and Gold having started more games than any other player in program history. The 2024 American Athletic Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Defensive Player racked up 294 saves in her career, the third most in program history, resulting in a goals against average of 1.12 which ranks second all-time. Her 30 shutouts tied the program record while taking the No. 2 spot in the history of The American.

A three-time Team Captain, English became a familiar sight in goal in Johnson Stadium and along the way to leading the Pirates to their first ever American Tournament Championship, she became the 25th keeper in NCAA history to play over 8,000 career minutes. She helped the team to an improved win percentage in each of her four seasons as a Pirate and finished with a 38-32-18 overall record.

English collected All-Conference accolades three times in her career, twice she was named to The American’s All-Tournament squad, and as a freshman back in the spring of 2021 she was named to the league’s All-Rookie team.

“We are incredibly proud of Maeve for earning the opportunity to continue her playing career,” said ECU head coach Emily Buccilla. “Her journey is a testament to her relentless work ethic, resilience, and passion for the game. She’s left a lasting impact on our program, and we know she’ll continue to inspire as she takes this next step in her career. We’ll be cheering her on every step of the way!”

And now, an historic collegiate career in the books, English sets her sights on Greece. Her new club, REA FC, was established in 2022 and competes in the top division of Greek association football. The club plays its games under the tutelage of Stelios Kozanidis in Sochora Municipal Stadium in the city of Rethymno on the island of Crete.

It is just the beginning of a promising professional career for one of East Carolina and Greenville’s finest.

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