BIRMINGHAM – Former UAB standout goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty has signed with the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League.
UABSports.com had a chance to catch up with Daugherty to talk about her playing days in Denmark and the events leading up to her signing with the Red Stars.
The last time we spoke in the spring, you were finishing out your first season in Denmark. How was the overall experience?
The experience of playing in Denmark was really cool. It was a hard adjustment to be away from home and in a different place where everything was now. There was only soccer to focus on. So my life revolved around soccer.
How did the global pandemic factor into the season?
We shut down for about two months. We were sent home, but when we returned in May, we had training for a couple of weeks then we played a five game season. We wound up winning the league and got to the Round of 16 in the Champions League, where we played Olympique Lyon. The have won the Champions League six times, so that was a real cool experience to get to play against them.
What did you do after the season ended?
I loved my time in Denmark, but it just wasn’t the place for me in my development and growth. Once my Visa expired, I came back home looking for the January transfer window.
How did you wind up with the Red Stars?
Two of the Red Stars’ keepers are out on loan. They needed a number two keeper to travel with the team to be behind Alyssa Naeher. Erica knows their keeper coach Rade (Tanaskovic) and he reached out and asked me to finish out the season with them, about two months.
Even though this is a short-term contract through the end of the season, this is a tremendous opportunity for me to get into the league and train with some of the best players. After the contract is up, I’ll look to secure a spot in the NWSL on a full roster.
How has the experience been so far?
The weather is great this time of the year. The training environment is really good and the facilities are excellent. The coaching staff is great. I really like Chicago.
The Red Stars (0-1-0) return to the pitch on Sunday to face Sky Blue FC (1-0-0). You can watch on CBS All Access.
Women’s soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card for $65 here. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, women’s basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB women’s soccer team, follow @UAB_WSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
