Wickenheiser Makes Move to Top Swedish Division
December 04, 2020 | Women's Soccer
Former Tech captain moves to top league in Sweden for third pro season.
ÖREBO, Sweden – Former Texas Tech defender and captain Carly Wickenheiser has signed with Swedish side KIF Örebro of the The Damallsvenskan, the highest division in Sweden. Wickenheiser's agreement with KIF Örebo represents a step up in her professional career after spending her first two post-collegiate seasons in the Elitettan, Sweden's second tier.
"I'm super excited to take the next step in my soccer career," said Wickenheiser. "Since coming to Sweden, I have made it my goal to play in this league so I am grateful for this opportunity. I have loved my time in Sweden so far and how I have continued to develop, so I am excited to continue that."
Since graduating from Tech after the 2018 season, Wickenheiser played in 48 games for Morön BK of the Elitettan. Morön BK finished third in the league table last season, missing promotion by one spot. Wickenheiser played every minute for the squad and scored three goals. She netted two in her rookie season while averaging over 85 minutes on the pitch.
Her new club, KIF Örebro, finished seventh of 12 teams last year in the first division. The club is chasing a top-two finish in The Damallsvenskan – and the invitation to the UEFA Women's Champions League that comes with it – after achieving such in 2014. The team recorded a club-high 14 wins in 20 matches and advanced to the Champions League Round of 16 in its first appearance in the competition that year.
The staff at KIF Örebro believe the former Red Raider can contribute to the goal of making another UCL appearance.
"We are getting both a hard-working central midfielder who is also an American winner," said KIF Örebro sports manager Jonas Karlberg. "With Carly, we have an American player who is already used to the Swedish elite football, which promises good things."
"Carly possesses many of the qualities we want in the central midfield position," said head coach Rickard Johansson. "She combines her passing game and drive with a strong physique to be able to win the ball. It will be very exciting to be part of her development with us."
Wickenheiser was a rare two-year captain for the Red Raiders. In total, the St. Louis native appeared in 83 games from 2015-18, scoring four times and assisting goals on three other occasions. She played in every game her freshman year, including Tech's win over Kansas to secure the program's first-ever Big 12 Championship.
Texas Tech head coach Tom Stone was not surprised when Wickenheiser told him about her advancement to Sweden's top division.
"Carly is one of the most driven and committed players to have ever donned the Scarlet & Black," he said. "She is a true leader in every sense and has grown her game into a successful professional. It's no surprise she has progressed to the top of the pro ranks in Sweden."
Wickenheiser's first taste of top-flight Swedish soccer will come in April when The Damallsvenskan begins its 34th season.
"I'm super excited to take the next step in my soccer career," said Wickenheiser. "Since coming to Sweden, I have made it my goal to play in this league so I am grateful for this opportunity. I have loved my time in Sweden so far and how I have continued to develop, so I am excited to continue that."
Since graduating from Tech after the 2018 season, Wickenheiser played in 48 games for Morön BK of the Elitettan. Morön BK finished third in the league table last season, missing promotion by one spot. Wickenheiser played every minute for the squad and scored three goals. She netted two in her rookie season while averaging over 85 minutes on the pitch.
Her new club, KIF Örebro, finished seventh of 12 teams last year in the first division. The club is chasing a top-two finish in The Damallsvenskan – and the invitation to the UEFA Women's Champions League that comes with it – after achieving such in 2014. The team recorded a club-high 14 wins in 20 matches and advanced to the Champions League Round of 16 in its first appearance in the competition that year.
The staff at KIF Örebro believe the former Red Raider can contribute to the goal of making another UCL appearance.
"We are getting both a hard-working central midfielder who is also an American winner," said KIF Örebro sports manager Jonas Karlberg. "With Carly, we have an American player who is already used to the Swedish elite football, which promises good things."
"Carly possesses many of the qualities we want in the central midfield position," said head coach Rickard Johansson. "She combines her passing game and drive with a strong physique to be able to win the ball. It will be very exciting to be part of her development with us."
Wickenheiser was a rare two-year captain for the Red Raiders. In total, the St. Louis native appeared in 83 games from 2015-18, scoring four times and assisting goals on three other occasions. She played in every game her freshman year, including Tech's win over Kansas to secure the program's first-ever Big 12 Championship.
Texas Tech head coach Tom Stone was not surprised when Wickenheiser told him about her advancement to Sweden's top division.
"Carly is one of the most driven and committed players to have ever donned the Scarlet & Black," he said. "She is a true leader in every sense and has grown her game into a successful professional. It's no surprise she has progressed to the top of the pro ranks in Sweden."
Wickenheiser's first taste of top-flight Swedish soccer will come in April when The Damallsvenskan begins its 34th season.
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