Women's Soccer | July 20, 2017

PHILADELPHIA – Former La Salle women's soccer players Jessie Wiggins ('15), Marykate Bateman ('17) and Deja Davis ('17) have all signed with Le Havre Athletic Club of France's 3rd Professional Division.
 
"Jamie [Scott] and I are so excited for this amazing opportunity for our alumnae to play for such a prestigious professional club," said head coach Paul Royal. "We're incredibly confident that each of these outstanding young ladies will make a significant impact on getting the club to the 2nd Division. Their high character, outstanding work ethic and passion for the game will surely carry them through the 10-month season."
 
Wiggins, who spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at La Salle, was a two-time A-10 First Team All-Conference goalkeeper for the Explorers. The Acton, Mass. native was also named NSCAA Scholar All-East Region and A-10 All-Academic in as a senior in 2014.
 
"I'm beyond thankful to have the opportunity to continue my playing career at the professional level with HAC," Wiggins said. "It is such an amazing opportunity and will give me the chance to put into practice many of the things I've learned as an assistant coach at La Salle."
 
Bateman led La Salle in goals (7) and points (16) as a junior in 2015 and was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team that season after a goal and an assist in the opening round win over Saint Joseph's and a goal against Duquesne in the A-10 semifinal. Bateman added two goals and two assists as a senior and finished her career with 30 points.
 
"It's not every day you're given the opportunity to play the sport you love overseas," said Bateman. "To say the least, I'm very grateful and definitely very excited for this next chapter in my life."
 
Davis paced the Explorers in goals (5) and points (14) as a senior in 2016 and tallied 32 career points. The Montclair, N.J. native was an Atlantic 10 All-Rookie selection in 2013 and went on to appear in 84 games at La Salle, which is the sixth most in program history.
 
"I'm thankful for the opportunity and for the people that have helped me get this far in my soccer career," said Davis. "Be it a coach, a teammate, a friend or my family, everyone played an integral role and I am forever indebted to the La Salle women's soccer program. I'm very eager to get over to France and continue to grow as a player."
 
"We're very sad to lose such an influential coach, mentor and former player in Jessie as well as two tremendous seniors in MK and Deja, but more importantly it's something very special to see these alums live out their dreams of reaching the pro ranks," added Royal." "We wish them all the best and can't wait to see and hear how incredibly well they're doing in the league."