University of Tennessee Athletics
Wilkinson to Continue Career Professionally in Sweden
March 10, 2017 | Soccer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Former Tennessee soccer star Hannah Wilkinson has signed with top level Swedish soccer team Vittsjö GIK.
Vittsjö GIK was founded in 1933 and competes in the Damallsvenskan, the highest level of women’s soccer leagues in Sweden.
“Hannah Wilkinson will be another spearhead of our already powerful squad and we look forward to seeing Hannah's offensive play in the Damallsvenskan season in 2017,” said club president Erika Nilsson on the team’s official website.
”We are elated for Hannah. Playing in the Swedish league is going to be outstanding for her from a level of play standpoint and from a cultural standpoint. She is excited to begin her professional career while also being in a beautiful part of the world,” Tennessee head coach Brian Pensky said. “The sky is the limit for Wilks and we look forward to following her continued success.”
Wilkinson is one of the most decorated players in Volunteer history, earning numerous awards and honors throughout her prestigious career. She was a 2012 NSCAA All-American and a two-time All-SEC first team selection during her time at Tennessee. Wilkinson finished her career with 33 goals, good for second all-time at UT, and 85 points, which ranks third in program history. Wilkinson has also been an integral part of New Zealand’s national team, playing in two World Cups and two Olympic Games for the Lady Ferns.
The New Zealand native had a career year in her final season on Rocky Top in 2016, leading the team while posting career highs in goals (11), assists (10) and points (32). Her 29 points in the regular season ranked third in the SEC and her 10 assists were tied for 18th nationally. She recorded at least one point in 15 of her final 17 games to climb numerous UT career record lists.
Wilkinson is the second UT soccer player to sign with a professional team this offseason, joining Carlyn Baldwin, who signed with BSC Young Boys in Switzerland back in January.
