East Carolina University has announced that former soccer star Abby Sowa has signed a pro contract to play in Poland.
Below are more details from ECU Sports Information.
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Photo illustration: (Rekord Bielsko-Biała)
Bielsko-Biała, Poland – East Carolina soccer’s Abby Sowa has signed her first professional contract with the Polish club Rekord Bielsko-Biała.
Sowa, a defender from Southington, Conn., finished an historic career in Purple and Gold in the fall, capping her time with an American Conference Tournament title and NCAA berth, the first in program history. She played a significant role in that run, earning All-Conference Second Team recognition in the regular season and being named to the All-Tournament Team.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my time at ECU,” said Sowa. “My time as a Pirate student-athlete shaped me as a player and helped me grow on and of the field in ways that I’ll carry with me forever. I’m thankful for my coaches, teammates and everyone who supported me these past four years. I’m excited to take on a new challenge in Poland and continue growing and competing at the next level!”
Sowa played 5,658 minutes without leaving the pitch over the final three seasons of her career and in totality appeared in 79 games with 76 starts. The Pirates’ rock on the back line, she became a stalwart institution in her No. 8 uniform, making timely stops and pushing forward to score goals—including being the team’s designated penalty taker.
Sowa scored seven goals and notched six assists in her career with five tallies coming from the penalty spot. In the American Semifinal as a senior, she converted the opening PK of the Pirates’ shootout win over South Florida.
Now, the two-time Team Captain turns her attention to the pro ranks. With Rekord Bielsko-Biała, Sowa will be competing in the Orlen Superliga, the top league for women’s association football in Poland. They play their games in Stadion BTS Rekord under the tutelage of Mateusz Żebrowski.
“We are thrilled for Abby as she begins her professional career,” said East Carolina Head Coach Emily Buccilla. “She has been a constant for our program — a leader, a competitor, and someone her teammates could always count on. Her impact as a captain goes far beyond the field, and we are grateful for everything she has poured into Pirate Soccer. We can’t wait to watch her continue to grow at the next level.”
In a happy small-world moment for Pirate fans, Sowa will be playing in the same league as former teammate Kim Sanford.