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Allie Thornton signs first pro contract to play in France

PostPosted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 9:21 pm
by PonyPride
From SMUMustangs.com:

Allie Thornton Signs First Professional Contract With HAC Feminines

DALLAS (SMU) – Recent SMU alumna Allie Thornton signed a professional contract to play overseas with French club HAC Feminines to close out a stellar 2019 year for the Arlington native.

Thornton graduated from SMU in December with a degree in Sport Management after helping lead the Mustang women's soccer program for four years. An agent put together a player profile to send to coaches and it wasn't long before she was calling Le Havre, located in northern France's Normandy region, her new home.

HAC Feminines, a Division 2 team, currently sits at the top of its league and has the potential to move up to Division 1 if the team finishes first. The high level of play in France helped Thornton feel confident in her choice and left her hopeful about the chance to be seen by a Division 1 team.

"I'm so excited," Thornton said of her signing. "This has been my dream since I could talk. I've worked hard for it and I'm happy everything else fell into place the way that it did. I'm sad and nervous to be leaving my family and friends, but getting out of my comfort zone is important. This is going to push me and allow me to grow in ways that I haven't before."

Playing in Europe is something that Thornton says she is looking forward to. On the field, she has the opportunity to develop her game and become a more dynamic player, since playing in Europe is more technical than playing in the States. Off the field, she says she can't wait to explore the places around her new home.

"I couldn't have done it without my time at SMU," Thornton said. "I owe so much of it to my coaches. They were there for me and supported this dream of mine. Coach Petrucelli was super-helpful in guiding me through the whole thing. My team was so supportive, too! I'm going to miss everyone a lot. My experience at SMU was amazing and I'm so thankful that it added to my passion and drive for the sport."

Throughout her time at SMU, Thornton started all but one game, led the team in goals for three seasons and points for four, scored 13 game-winners to tie for second and totaled 37 goals for ninth in the Mustang career records. She was named to the American Athletic Conference First Team four times, AAC All-Tournament Team twice, United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team twice and earned a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region Honor.

"We are really excited for Allie," head coach Chris Petrucelli said. "This is something she's worked hard for. I'm sure she'll have great success."