Heap Signs with Czech Powerhouse AC Sparta Praha

LUBBOCK, Texas – Former Texas Tech Soccer midfielder Caity Heap has announced her signing with perennial Czech Republic powerhouse AC Sparta Praha, a club that has won 19 Czech First Division titles in the last 25 years. Heap will bolster a Sparta club that is once again atop the league standings after starting the 2018-19 season 10-0-0 and outscoring opponents 66-2.

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity," she said. "I want to thank my friends and family for all of their support, Lenny from Upper V Sports Management for finding this opportunity for me and, lastly, Sparta for allowing me to further my career with such an amazing club."

Heap's contract is set for 1.5 years, meaning she will finish the 2018-19 season with Sparta and play all of the 2019-20 season with them as well. Her preseason competition will include teams from the top league in Germany, which is the highest-rated country in Europe for women's soccer. Sparta will also play in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

"I'm excited to join this prestigious club and really make my mark," Heap said.

Heap will make her way to the Czech Republic after spending a year playing with Mallbackens IF in Sweden. The McKinney, Texas, native started in 20 of 22 matches for Mallbackens and knocked in three goals. Her first score for the Swedish club – which was also the first of her professional career – came in her 15^thappearance on Aug. 25^thof last year against KIF Obrero. She went on to score twice in the team's final four games.

Heap joined Mallbackens after being transferred from the Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League on New Year's Eve in 2017. She played two years for the Dash after impressing at a mini camp in 2016, after which she was signed to the last roster spot on the squad. She appeared in 19 games for the Dash and made four starts.

Heap's Texas Tech career included 13 goals in 80 appearances for the Red Raiders. She was a member of Tech's first-ever Big 12 Championship squad in 2015 and was named to the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team.

Texas Tech University Athletics

Heap Signs with Czech Powerhouse AC Sparta Praha

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