Women's Soccer 8/19/2019 5:39:00 PM

Kirsten Reilly Helps Squad Reach UWCL

EDINBURGH, Scotland –One of the top members in the history of the West Alabama Women's Soccer Program continues to advance her playing career on the highest level as Kirsten Reilly has become a key member of the Hibernian Ladies Football Club.

Known as the Hibs, Reilly and her squad have qualified for the Union of European Football Associations Women's Championship League (UWCL) Round of 32 Draw in their quest to compete for the tournament championship.

"It was my first experience of the UWCL, and it was definitely one to remember. The team competed so well throughout all three games and that shows with us progressing to the last 32," said Reilly. "Last time I played out with of the UK was when I was at UWA, so it brought back great memories from my time there. The final game of the group stages where we had to get a draw to progress was the most special. My mum and dad flew out to see that game and I loved being able to share the moment with them too. Getting all three points made it even more special. They are my biggest supporters and have travelled many places to see me play, including Livingston on many occasions."

The Hibs won all three of their group games, 3-0 against FC Nike of Georgia, 2-1 against Cardiff Met from Wales and 2-1 against Pomurje from Slovenia, the host country, to advance to the Round of 32.

"I am proud of Kirsten's achievements and congratulations to Hibernian ladies in qualifying for the last 32 of the tournament," said UWA Head coach Graeme Orr. "It's an honor to have coached Kirsten and now see her performing in European soccer elite competition. She's a great ambassador for West Alabama and hopefully it will motivate our current players to continuing their soccer careers."

Since graduating from UWA in May 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Reilly played for the Heart of Midlothian Women Football Club, also known as Hearts Women FC, right after graduation to August of the same year. Then in August, the midfielder received a sports scholarship from Stirling University in Scotland to play for the both club and university squad all while working on a Master's in Sports Management. Reilly then signed with Hibernian in January 2018.

While at UWA, Reilly accounted for 60 total points including 32 goals from her midfield position. The native of Musselburgh, Scotland is a former Three-time All-GSC Team Selection with appearances on the first team in 2015 and 2016 and on the second team in 2014. Reilly also a former Division II Conference Commissioner's Association All-South Region First Team selection after her senior season in 2016.

Hibernian LFC is part of the Scottish Women's Premier League where the team finished as runner-up to Glasgow who also qualified for the Round of 32.
"I'm really looking forward to the next round against Slavia Praha and excited to hopefully make more exciting memories," said Reilly.

The Hibs and Salvia Praha, out of the Prague, Czech Republic, will meet on September 11.

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