TYLER, TEXAS – Former UT Tyler women's soccer standout Sarah Flannelly has signed a professional contract with BIIK Shymkent of the Kazakhstani Championship league.
 
Flannelly recently completed her four-year career for the Patriots in 2023 and appeared in 41 matches from 2020-23. The Tyler native was named as a 2023 CSC Academic All-District selection and finished her career with seven points.
 
"Honestly the opportunity kind of came out of nowhere," Flannelly said. "I was beginning to think that I might not go the professional route, I had some other options to pursue, but I had a great time at UT Tyler and became a better person and a better soccer player. I think that left me to want to keep playing. So I reached out to some people that coach Webb had contacts with and some different opportunities came about, but this one just felt right."
 
BIIK Shymkent is a women's professional soccer club based in Shymkent, Kazakhstan and has claimed 11 straight Kazakhstan Championships, the top level women's soccer league in the country. BIIK Shymkent's success has led to multiple appearances for the club in the UEFA Women's Soccer Champions League.
 
The club has gone 9-1 in the qualifying stage in the last two seasons of the Champions League, providing Flannelly with an opportunity to compete against some of the best professional players across Europe.
 
"I've had the privilege of knowing Sarah most of her playing career, as a youth player and at the collegiate level and so to watch her take this step and sign a pro contract is incredible," UT Tyler head women's soccer coach Stefani Webb said. "I am so proud of her for chasing her dreams and not just talking about it but putting in the work to make it happen.  We are excited for her to have this opportunity and be another Patriot extending their playing career."
 
Flannelly joins a growing list of former Patriots (Chestley Strother – Iceland, Brittany Matthews (Mahomes) – Iceland, Lindsey Halbrook (Flores) – England, Camri Cecil – Israel) that have continued their playing career at the professional level postgraduation.
 
"My goal is to make the team and play regularly," Flannelly said. "I hope that will get some exposure for me against other teams and hopefully get seen by some higher level teams."
 
Flannelly is set to join the club for preseason training in Turkey in the coming weeks in preparation for the start of the season in March.