Thorns FC Sign Defender Jazmyne Avant
February 20, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC today announced the signing of defender Jazmyne Avant, a four-year starter at the University of Florida and one-time member of the U.S. Women's U-20 National Team player pool, as a Discovery Player. Per league and club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Avant, 23, appeared in 97 matches (79 starts) during a four-year career at the University of Florida from 2008-11. An All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection as a senior, the native Texan helped guide the Gators to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2011. Finishing her time in Gainesville with 12 assists, Avant registered a career-high four assists as a junior in 2010, and was an SEC All-Freshman team selection in 2008.
"We are very happy that Jazmyne will be joining Portland Thorns FC," said Thorns FC head coach Cindy Parlow Cone. "She is an outstanding outside back with great skill and tremendous pace who loves to attack."
A member of the U.S. Women's U-20 National Team player pool in 2009, Avant made her professional debut for the New York Fury (WPSL Elite) in 2012, appearing in 10 matches for the club. Prior to the WPSL Elite season, Avant was part of a two-game international trip to Japan with Sky Blue FC for matches against Japanese side INAC Kobe Leonessa.
A standout defender in high school, Avant was a member of the U.S. Girls' U-16 National Team in 2006.
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