Chaviers Inks Pro Deal with Iceland’s Fjardab/Hottur/Leiknir
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Former University of Miami soccer standout Bayleigh Chaviers has officially signed a professional contract to continue her playing career overseas.
After graduating from Miami in May 2020, Chaviers recently joined Fjardab/Hottur/Leiknir, which competes in a division in Iceland.
“It’s honestly such an amazing feeling,” Chaviers said. “Playing professional soccer has always been a dream of mine since I was little and for it to become a reality is such a surreal, yet rewarding feeling. I’m so grateful that I have received this opportunity.
“I’ve actually been here in Iceland for a week now,” Chaviers continued. “Everyone here has been so nice and willing to help in any way they can to make me feel at home. It’s definitely different from back home and will take some time to adjust to the change. The town is much, much smaller than Miami and even my hometown in Texas. Luckily, most everyone here speaks some English so I can communicate well with my teammates and coach. I’ve had four practices with the team so far and their style of play is different than what I am used to, but it feels good to just be able to play the game I love again. Very excited for this season.”
A difference maker on both sides of the pitch during her career at Miami, she capped her four seasons with three goals and eight assists while playing outside back. As a senior, tallied three goals and four assists in just 16 starts.
“Initially after my graduation in May 2020, I wanted to jump right into playing professionally somewhere. The pandemic hit, and I had to adjust everything that I had planned. I started working as a RN in my hometown at a long term care facility and I was working out here and there. The lockdown made it very difficult because even gyms were closed,” Chaviers said. “After reopening, I started going back to the gym and was able to get a strength and conditioning coach to help me in those areas. While this past year has been such a difficult year (for everyone), I’m very grateful that I was able to be close to home near my family and spend some much needed quality time with them.
“My individual goals for the season are to improve my overall soccer skills and to be the best player I can be for my teammates,” Chaviers added. “As a team, my goals are to play together as a team and win lots of games together this season.”
