ST. LOUIS, MO.  – Former University of Missouri-St. Louis women's soccer player Kirsten Crabtree has signed a professional contract to play in Sweden for the 2017 season. She will be competing for Skovde KIK.
 
"This is a dream come true and I am so thankful for the opportunity," said Crabtree. "It's an amazing feeling to know that all the hard work, sweat and tears has paid off. I am looking forward to seeing where this journey will take me!"
 
Crabtree will report to Sweden April 1 with practice slated to begin on April 3. The team will hold five practices before the season opener on April 17.
 
Crabtree started 16 of the 19 games she played in for the Tritons, scoring two goals and helping UMSL to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The O'Fallon, Ill., native came to UMSL from Lindenwood, where she was a three-year starter.
 
"Deciding to finish my last season of eligibility at UMSL was one of the best decisions I've made," said Crabtree. "Playing for Wendy (Dillinger) helped me realize my potential because she held me to a high standard and pushed me to explore different aspects of the game that I have never experienced before.
 
"As soon as I told her about wanting to continue my career past college, she helped guide me with my agent and answered every question I've had along the way. She wrote a phenomenal letter to my agent, giving me a lot more credit than I deserved, that I believe helped me get the contract that I ended up signing. I'm beyond thankful for Coach Wendy's support and how much she believes in my soccer abilities!"