FLORENCE, Ala. (July 26, 2024) – Former University of North Alabama women's soccer standout
Briana Eads took a giant leap in her professional career Friday, as it was announced she signed with the FC Zurich Frauen professional football club in Switzerland.
The former North Alabama defender signed a two-year deal with FCZ and will begin play August 10 against Frauenteam Thun Berner-Oberland.
FC Zurich Frauen is historically the most successful women's soccer club in Switzerland with 24 league titles and 15 Cup titles. The team plays in the Swiss Women's Super League.
"I am super excited to start this next journey in my soccer career," said Eads. "FC Zurich and Switzerland have been amazing, and UNA Soccer was the perfect place for me to finish my collegiate career. I can't be more grateful for the coaches to have taken a chance on me and helping me become a better version of myself on and off the field."
Eads played four seasons at Jacksonville State before transferring to UNA for her graduate year. She earned third team all-conference honors from the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2023, starting all 22 matches for the Lions. She logged 1,979 minutes — most among non-goalkeepers on the team — with 20 shots, 10 shots on target and one goal.
Additionally, Eads was named ASUN Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 1, 2023 after leading UNA to a 2-0 shutout of Alcorn State.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for Bri and one that she has worked extremely hard for," said longtime UNA head soccer coach
Chris Walker. "I know she has what it takes to excel at the next level, and I wish her the best of luck. We will definitely be following her career closely."
Seven student-athletes that played for Walker at UNA have gone on to professional success, including former Division II National Player of the Year Chloe Richards in the German Bundesliga and former standout defender Stacey Webber, who just signed a contract extension with Llanelli Town AFC for 2024-25. Webber made the game-winning penalty kick to win the 2015 GSC Championship. The list also includes Ellis Hillman, Danielle Scanlon, Margarida Sousa and
Kate Wiseman.
Last season, Eads and the Lions went 11-5-6 overall and made a run to the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship Final, defeating Queens and upsetting regular season champion and top seed Lipscomb on its own pitch. The Lions fell to No. 3 FGCU in penalty kicks in the championship game.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
