Women’s Soccer Alum Gabi Pereira ’20 Signs Professional Deal with Atletico Mineiro
BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (October 27, 2020) – Gabi Pereira ’20 (Belo Horizonte, Brazil), formerly of the Franklin Pierce University women’s soccer program, has signed a contract to play professional soccer with Clube Atletico Mineiro, as announced recently by the Brazilian club. Atletico Mineiro competes in highest levels of women’s soccer in Brazil.
“The word that would define what I'm feeling right now is 'happiness', because I'm so happy I don't even know how to describe it in words,” said Pereira, after signing the deal. “Having the opportunity to sign a contract as a professional soccer player has been my dream and this dream has finally been accomplished. I would like to send a hug to all of my people from FPU, including the professors, because in the time I was there each one of you had a role in my development as a human being.”
Atletico Mineiro is one of the most historic and famous pro clubs in Brazil. The club has more than a century of history behind it, with the men’s side dating back to 1908. Pereira continues a run of Ravens who have signed professional contracts in recent years.
“Gabrielle’s journey both professionally and personally is one that everyone, regardless of background, can both relate to and be inspired by,” said Franklin Pierce head coach Jonathan Garbar. “Gabrielle’s ability to not simply adapt, but influence everyone who is fortunate enough to share the same environment as her is one of her greatest attributes. She earns the respect and admiration of her peers through exhibiting both competitiveness and compassion… Congratulations Gabizinha, your extended family at FPU loves you!”
Pereira was a multiple-time All-Northeast-10 Conference selection in her three years for the Ravens, as she transferred in as a sophomore after spending her freshman season with Garbar at Monroe College. She posted 12 points in her sophomore campaign (5-2-12) and added 18 more as a junior (6-6-18) to collect All-NE10 First Team honors on both occasions. In her senior season, she collected 16 more points (7-2-16) and garnered All-East Region Third Team accolades from United Soccer Coaches.
Pereira saw success in the classroom for the Raven as well. During each of her six semesters in Rindge, she was named to the NE10 Academic Honor Roll, for posting semester grade-point averages of 3.0 or higher.