Former Brown University soccer standout Layla Shell is making waves in professional sports. At just 25.5 years old, she has signed her first professional contract with SCU Torreense Feminino in Portugal’s Liga BPI.
During her time at Brown, Layla made a significant impact on the field. She played in 51 matches, starting in 42. Her achievements include two College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors and a place on the Ivy League All-Tournament Team. In 2023, she helped her team win its fourth straight Ivy League Championship.
Reflecting on her journey, Layla shared, “My time at Brown has been amazing. The support from my coaches and teammates has been incredible.” She believes her experiences there have prepared her well for this next step. “Younger me would be in awe of achieving my dreams of playing professionally while earning an Ivy League degree.”
Shell’s debut for Brown was memorable. She scored two goals in a 4-0 victory over Albany, earning Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week honors right away. Since then, the team achieved 20 shutouts during the season, showcasing Layla’s defensive skills.
Kia McNeill, her coach at Brown, expressed pride in Layla’s accomplishments. “Watching her grow as a player and person here has been inspiring. I’m excited to see her thrive at the professional level, especially since she’ll be joining another Brown teammate, Ava Seelenfreund.”
Today, women in professional soccer face both challenges and opportunities. Even though the sport has grown significantly over the past few years, equal pay and visibility remain issues. According to a recent survey by UEFA, women’s soccer viewership grew by 65% from 2020 to 2022, highlighting increasing interest. Layla’s success is a bright spot in this expanding landscape.
Overall, Layla Shell’s journey from Brown to professional soccer not only inspires future athletes but also reflects a broader trend of increasing opportunities for women in sports.
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