UNCW women’s soccer standout Katrina Guillou will have the chance to continue her career after signing a professional contract with Oulu Nice Soccer (ONS).
Founded in 2006, Oulu Nice Soccer is a soccer club for girls and women with teams from U-5 to the First Team in the Finnish Women’s League. ONS is known for its player development and its youth teams compete for national championships each year along with developing players for the Finnish youth national teams. The First Team earned a promotion to the Finnish Women’s League in 2015.
“I am thankful to Coach Cairney and the Seahawk family for giving me the opportunity to reach my dreams of completing my education at UNCW and for believing in me and recruiting me as I came out of high school,” Guillou said. “I would also like to thank all of my coaches, family and friends for believing and supporting me throughout my entire career and for helping me fulfill my dream of playing professional soccer.”
A three-year starter at forward for the Seahawks, Guillou finished her career as the fifth-leading scorer in program history with 30 goals and 74 points. She also tallied 14 assists in her career, which ranks eighth in the Seahawks’ annals, while her 10 career game-winning goals are tied for fourth on the all-time list.
Guillou enjoyed her best season as a senior and guided the Seahawks to a school-record 15 wins and an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. She was the team’s second-leading scorer with 11 goals and 5 assists, while starting 22 of 23 games.
“Katrina developed herself into a top attacking player for UNCW,” Coach Paul Cairney said. “She worked hard to get better every day and is reaping the rewards of her hard work. It is exciting for her and for our program that she now has the opportunity to continue her playing career in the professional ranks.”
UNCW goalkeeper lands contract with home standing Hammerheads
Former UNCW men’s soccer goalkeeper Sam Williams recently signed a professional contact with Wilmington Hammerheads FC of the United Soccer League.
Williams, who is the fourth player from last year’s squad to earn a pro deal, has been reunited with former UNCW defender Michael Mechem, who signed with the Hammerheads in December.
“I am delighted for Sam that he has earned this opportunity with our hometown professional team,” UNCW Coach Aidan Heaney said. “He is dedicated, works extremely hard and is passionate about the goalkeeper position. It’s great to see yet another Seahawk take the next step in their soccer careers.”
A four-year letter winner for the Seahawks, the Clinton, N.C., native started 22-of-27 games during his career and posted a 1.11 goals against average. During his senior campaign, he appeared in five games and had a 0.91 goals against average.
