BROWN SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT WITH HOUSTON ACES

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RADFORD, Va. – Radford standout goalkeeper Che' Brown has signed a professional contract with the Houston Aces of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL).

"I am grateful to continue my soccer career and thankful to the Houston Aces for allowing me to pursue my dream," said Brown. "It's been a goal since I've been little, but still hasn't sunk in yet."

Upon graduation, Brown will join the Aces for the start of their season in May. Over the next six weeks, she will make two separate trips to Houston for training sessions with her new teammates.

"I am very proud of Che' for all of the hard work she has put in these four years," said head coach Ben Sohrabi. "I know she will definitely represent Radford University well in the pro soccer ranks. Che' has meant so much to this program and we wish her absolutely the best as she pursues her dream."

The three-time Big South Defensive Player of the Year completed her prestigious career this past fall helping the Highlanders to a third league regular season title in four seasons and third straight appearance in the Big South championship match (champions in 2011 & 2012). Brown, a four-time first team all-conference selection, finished her career with a Big South and school-record 33 shutouts. She rewrote the program's and Big South's record books ending her career with a 0.69 GAA, 304 saves, .866 save percentage and 49 wins in 6140:33 between the pipes.

In addition, Brown was selected to the 2012 NSCAA All-Region squad and named 2012 VaSID Defensive Player of the Year after setting a league-record 14 clean sheets and leading the Highlanders to their second straight Big South tournament title. En route to the title, the tournament MVP and the RU defense did not allow a goal. Brown followed that with a career-best performance (11 saves) against eventual national champion North Carolina in a 2-0 NCAA opening round defeat.

"My experience at Radford the past four years has made me realize soccer is my passion," continued Brown. "I would like to thank Coach Sohrabi and Coach Barrett and all the support staff at Radford, including my athletic trainer Katlyn (Joyner) for putting up with me and keeping me healthy the past four years. Thank you to my parents for the unlimited support they gave me throughout high school and college. Without them none of this would be possible."

The Houston Aces, under the direction of head coach Aguinald "Gui Gui" Ferreira, was founded in 2012 and moved into the WPSL Elite for the 2013 season. The WPSL is the largest national women's soccer league in the world. With more than 70-plus women's soccer teams, the WPSL is the leading amateur soccer league in America.

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