Former University of Alabama soccer player Victoria Frederick earned a spot with the Seattle Reign in the newly formed National Women’s Soccer League.
Frederick, who played at Alabama from 2007-10 under current head coach Todd Bramble, will suit up alongside the likes of United States National Team members Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez as a member of the Reign squad.
The road to playing professional soccer was not an easy one, Frederick said. She played two different stints at the semi-professional level with the Seattle Sounders of the USL W-League in 2010 and 2012.
After the NWSL’s inception, Frederick jumped at the opportunity. In March, she was invited to travel with the Reign on its preseason tour to Japan. While there, the team played three matches, including facing the renowned INAC Kobe Leonessa squad.
After making an impression during the tour and throughout Seattle’s preseason camp, she was invited to join the inaugural Seattle Reign roster.
“Playing professional soccer has been my dream since I was a little kid,” Frederick said. “It was pretty overwhelming when I achieved it. I have a great sense of accomplishment and I’m just thankful for everyone who has helped and coached me along the way.”
Frederick credits her time at Alabama as a big factor on her preparations for reaching the next level of professional soccer and is something she certainly does not overlook.
“I learned to have a good work ethic during my time at Alabama,” Frederick said. “Just working hard and trying to stay positive is a big thing. Playing at Alabama allowed me to get confidence and experience, which has translated into playing professionally.
“There isn’t one thing specifically that stands out, but I just remind myself about all the hard work that I put in during my time at Alabama. During the spring offseason when I worked really hard and it doesn’t always count, I just stayed with it and it has paid off.”
It is an opportunity to compete at the highest level of professional soccer, Bramble said.
“We are certainly proud of Victoria, but not surprised that she earned a spot on the Reign roster,” Bramble said. “She had a great summer with the Seattle Sounders in 2012 and is making a name for herself on the professional scene in the Pacific Northwest. All of this follows an impressive playing career at The Capstone.
“We are hopeful this league can pass the test of time as more of our current players aspire to join Victoria and extend their playing careers beyond their time at Alabama.”
During her four seasons at the Capstone, Frederick played in 70 matches, making 63 starts, including starting every game in each of her last three seasons. She finished her career with 47 points on 16 goals and 15 assists and ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in goals, assists, points and shots on goal.
As a senior in 2010, the Huntsville, Ala., native led the Tide in assists (6), points (14), shots (21) and shots per game (2.27) on her way to second-team All-SEC accolades. She was twice named to the NSCAA Scholar All-South Region team and was a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient.
Frederick and the Reign are gearing up for the first home game when the squad welcomes FC Kansas City on May 4.
