Southington, Connecticut, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Abby Sowa, a defender from East Carolina University, has signed her first professional contract with Polish club Rekord Bielsko-Biała. Competing in the Orlen Superliga, Sowa aims to further her soccer career after a notable college journey. She played 79 games for ECU, helped the team secure their first American Conference Tournament title, and earned All-Conference honors. Sowa’s transition to professional soccer is a significant milestone, inspiring other athletes to pursue their dreams in sports.
Southington, Connecticut – Abby Sowa, a standout defender from East Carolina University, has signed her first professional contract with the Polish club Rekord Bielsko-Biała, marking a significant milestone in her soccer career. Sowa will compete in the Orlen Superliga, Poland’s top league for women’s soccer, furthering her ambition to excel at the professional level.
Sowa, who concluded her collegiate journey at East Carolina University with a commendable record of 2-2-2, leaves a remarkable legacy within the program. During her time at ECU, she played an impressive 5,658 minutes across her final three seasons without once leaving the pitch. Over these years, Sowa participated in 79 games, making 76 starts, and demonstrated her scoring prowess by netting seven goals and providing six assists, with five of her seven goals coming from penalty kicks.
The highlight of Sowa’s collegiate career came when she played a pivotal role in leading the team to its first-ever American Conference Tournament title and subsequent NCAA tournament berth. This achievement not only showcased her talent but also solidified her place as a crucial player for the Pirates. In her senior season, Sowa’s exceptional performance earned her a spot on the All-Conference Second Team, and she was also recognized on the All-Tournament Team.
Under the guidance of head coach Emily Buccilla, Sowa assumed the position of team captain twice, a testament to her leadership qualities and influence on the field. One of the most notable moments in her final year was during the American Semifinal, where she successfully converted the opening penalty kick in a thrilling shootout victory against South Florida. This not only highlighted her composure under pressure but also her strategic importance to the team during decisive matches.
Grateful for her time at ECU, Sowa acknowledged the immense support she received from coaches, teammates, and fans throughout her collegiate career. Her transition to professional soccer comes with excitement and anticipation as she joins Rekord Bielsko-Biała, which competes at home in Stadion BTS Rekord, under the management of coach Mateusz Żebrowski. Fans of the Pirates will be pleased to know that Sowa is not the only one from ECU making waves in the league; former teammate Kim Sanford also plays in the Orlen Superliga, providing a familiar connection for supporters.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Abby Sowa’s achievement reflects not only her hard work and dedication but also the potential for young athletes from collegiate programs to succeed at higher levels. Her journey serves as an encouraging story for aspiring soccer players looking to make their mark in the professional arena.
Key Career Statistics
- Games Played: 79
- Games Started: 76
- Goals: 7
- Assists: 6
- Minutes Played: 5,658 over three seasons
Abby Sowa’s Impact at ECU
- American Conference Tournament Champion
- First NCAA Tournament berth in program history
- Two-time team captain
- All-Conference Second Team recognition
- All-Tournament Team in senior year
Frequently Asked Questions
What team has Abby Sowa signed with?
Abby Sowa has signed with the Polish club Rekord Bielsko-Biała.
What position does Abby Sowa play?
Abby Sowa is a defender.
Where did Abby Sowa play collegiate soccer?
Abby Sowa played collegiate soccer at East Carolina University.
What were some of Sowa’s achievements at ECU?
At ECU, Sowa helped lead the team to an American Conference Tournament title and its first NCAA tournament appearance while being named to the All-Conference Second Team and the All-Tournament Team.
What league will Sowa be competing in professionally?
Abby Sowa will be competing in the Orlen Superliga, Poland’s top league for women’s soccer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- ECU Pirates: Abby Sowa Inks First Professional Contract
- Wikipedia: Soccer
- ECU Pirates: Pirates Secure 1-0 Result at App State
- Google Search: Abby Sowa
- ECU Pirates: Pirates Travel West for Battle with App State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Pirate Media: The East Carolinian
- Google News: East Carolina University Soccer
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