Former Pitt defender Hailey Davidson signs pro contract in New Zealand

Former Pitt women’s soccer defender Hailey Davidson signed a one-year professional contract with New Zealand club Wellington Phoenix, who announced their signing on Monday.

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐱 ☄️

The American fullback signs a one-year deal with the Wellington Phoenix for the upcoming A-League Women season 💥

Become a Nix member: https://t.co/YpVNn9NEmH#COYN! 🔥

💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/QTyXrUIBDj

— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) August 15, 2023

Davidson starred at Pitt the past three seasons, starting 54 of 56 games over that time. She excelled in a stellar Pitt defense last season, playing a role in keeping nine clean sheets and propelling Pitt to their first ever NCAA Tournament. She played in every minute in the postseason, which saw Pitt defeat Buffalo 1-0 in the First Round and then a 2-1 win over Georgetown in the Round of 32 to make the Sweet 16.

She started in all 16 games in the 2020 season and all 18 games in the 2021 season to finish with a career 4,422 minutes played with the Panthers.

Davidson played her first two seasons of collegiate soccer at Oklahoma, making 38 appareances and starting 23 times. She hails from Prosper, Texas, north of Dallas and played club soccer for FC Dallas.

Following her career at Pitt, Davidson received and invite to NWSL club Houston Dash’s preseason camp. She also signed a short term contract with Swedish club Mallbacken IF, which lasted from March through July of this year.

Wellington Phoenix, who play in the A-League, or the Australia league, already have fans who are excited to see of one of the best players in Pitt women’s soccer history join their club.

Welcome, Hailey! We look forward to having you at the Nix! @haileyydavidson 🖤💛 https://t.co/K55PmOHP7I pic.twitter.com/4AWJYFx9cJ

— The Little Corner of Yellow (@cornerofyellow) August 15, 2023