Former NC State women’s soccer player Ricci Walkling signed a contract with SV Werder Breman in her home country of Germany. Breman currently sits top of the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, the second tier of German soccer.

During her time at NC State, Walkling played 86 games, all starts, scoring 11 goals and recording 27 assists. In her senior season, Walkling played more than in any other season of her collegiate career and with a career-high 10 assists, Walkling was a crucial part of the Pack’s run to the Sweet 16.

Walkling already has experience playing in the top two flights of German soccer, having played 30 games for Bayern Munich II and nine for Bayern’s first team prior to joining the Wolfpack. She also gained experience at the international level prior to joining State, picking up a combined 26 caps for the German U-16, U-17 and U-19 teams. 

“This is a great fit for Ricci as a mid-year transfer,” NC State head coach Tim Santoro told NC State Athletics. “She’ll get established with Bremen and be prepared to help them in the top division come next year. It’s bittersweet, as you’re proud and happy however I hate not seeing her wearing red at NC State.”

With Breman currently seven points clear of second-place Wolfsburg II, Walkling should have plenty of time and opportunity to battle for minutes as the team looks to get promoted back into the Frauen-Bundesliga after being relegated last season. 

Walkling is the second member of the Wolfpack’s 2019 team to go pro this month with teammate Tziarra King being selected eighth overall in the 2020 NWSL College Draft.