OXFORD, England (February 5, 2026) – Former University of North Alabama women's soccer standout Alice Bussey took a giant leap in her professional career this Wednesday, as it was announced she signed with the Oxford United professional football club in England.
 
Bussey had spent the last six years in the United States — roughly a 14-hour plane ride from home. The Oxford United Women's FC is just over two hours from her home of Hythe, England.
 
Oxford Untied is home of another former Lion, Kate Wiseman. Wiseman signed with the club ahead of the 2023-24 season after her career with North Alabama. Now, Bussey slots alongside the defensive midfielder.
 
"I am really excited for this opportunity," said Bussey. "This club has a lot of momentum currently. It has been so fun playing with Kate (Wiseman) again. I am looking forward to the next stage of my football career, but could not have done it without the coaching staff, athletic trainers and players at North Alabama."
 
Bussey was the most seasoned player for head coach Chris Walker during the 2025 season, being a part of the program since 2020. She crossed over with Wiseman for three years from 2020-22.
 
The Hythe, England native totaled 1,224 minutes across 19 matches this past season. She totaled 39 shots with 27 on target which gave her the nation's nod for best marksman with the .692 average. She led the Lions in goals with five and the two aforementioned categories as well during her third tenure as a captain.
 
The forward was nothing short of a star for the Lions squad during her career. She racked up accolades such as All-ASUN First Team, All-ASUN Third Team, Preseason All-ASUN, USC All-American Second Team, USC Players to Watch List, Mac Hermann Trophy Watch List, All-South Region First Team, Academic All-ASUN and CSC All-Academic selections.
 
"I am really proud of everything Alice has accomplished during her time with us at North Alabama," said Walker. "I am excited to watch her play at the next level. With her work rate and her ability, I have no doubt she will be successful."
 
Bussey is now the eighth student-athlete that played for Walker at North Alabama to sign a professional contract. This includes former Division II National Player of the Year Chloe Richards in the German Bundesliga and former standout defender Stacey Webber, who signed a contract extension with Llanelli Town AFC in 2024-25. The list also includes Briana Eads -- who currently plays for FC Zurich -- Ellis Hillman, Danielle Scanlon, Margarida Sousa and Wiseman.  
 
The former Lion forward led North Alabama to an 8-5-6 record with a 4-3-3 record in league play after her resurgence from an injured 2024 season. She tallied 89 total games played with 83 starts, 157 totals shots and 22 goals. The fifth goal of the 2025 season – and 22nd of her career – led her to sole possession of 11th place in school history for career goals.
 
Bussey walks away with two degrees after her time in Florence, Ala. with the opportunity to pursue her professional career back home – a dream she has had her entire life.
 
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