Yanez Inks Contract With Washington Spirit

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Former Tennessee goalkeeper Shae Yanez has signed a professional contract with the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), as revealed by a press release from the organization Monday afternoon.

Yanez becomes the fourth Lady Vol alumnae to sign with an NWSL club, joining Rhian Wilkinson (Boston Breakers/Portland Thorns FC, 2013-15), Lyndsey Patterson (Seattle Reign FC, 2013) and Jackie Acevedo (Portland Thorns FC/Houston Aces, 2014-15).

"Since I was little, it was always my dream to become a professional soccer player," Yanez said. "As I got older, I realized that if I wanted to pursue my dream, I needed to work day-in and day-out to be the best version of myself. Thankfully, all that hard work has paid off and I can officially say I am a professional athlete.

"I am so very thankful for everyone that has helped and supported me throughout my career; especially my parents and family, the staff and coaches at the University of Tennessee, my trainers at The Keeper Institute and finally, my teammates and friends. Time to embrace the journey!"

A Downingtown, Pa. native, Yanez put together arguably the greatest statistical goalkeeping campaign in Tennessee history during her senior season in 2018. She posted single-season program records for the highest goalie win percentage (.795), highest save percentage (.856) and lowest goals-against average (0.66) ever recorded by a Lady Vol.

In four seasons on Rocky Top, Yanez saw action in 57 matches with 56 starts between the posts. Logging 4,952 minutes for the Big Orange, she recorded 210 saves, 38 wins and a 0.84 career GAA that ranks second in program history.

Founded in 2012, the NWSL is a nine-team Division-I women's professional soccer league featuring players from around the world. The Washington Spirit's regular-season opener is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 at the Maryland SoccerPlex against Sky Blue FC.

For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee soccer, follow @Vol_Soccer on Twitter.

University of Tennessee Athletics

Players Mentioned

Shae Yanez

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