Portland Thorns FC Sign Defender Jazmyne Avant

Thorns FC announced today that Jazmyne Avant, a four-year starter at the University of Florida and former member of the US Women's U-20 National Team pool, has signed with the Thorns for the 2013 season.

The 23-year-old played in 97 matches for the Gators en route to an all-SEC second team selection her senior year. The 5'3" outside has some professional experience, having played for teams in both the WPSL and WPS. She made her professional debut for the WPSL's New York Fury in 2012.

Full press release below:

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC today announced the signing of defender Jazmyne Avant, a four-year starter at the University of Florida and one-time member of the U.S. Women's U-20 National Team player pool, as a Discovery Player. Per league and club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Avant, 23, appeared in 97 matches (79 starts) during a four-year career at the University of Florida from 2008-11. An All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection as a senior, the native Texan helped guide the Gators to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2011. Finishing her time in Gainesville with 12 assists, Avant registered a career-high four assists as a junior in 2010, and was an SEC All-Freshman team selection in 2008.

"We are very happy that Jazmyne will be joining Portland Thorns FC," said Thorns FC head coach Cindy Parlow Cone. "She is an outstanding outside back with great skill and tremendous pace who loves to attack."

A member of the U.S. Women's U-20 National Team player pool in 2009, Avant made her professional debut for the New York Fury (WPSL Elite) in 2012, appearing in 10 matches for the club. Prior to the WPSL Elite season, Avant was part of a two-game international trip to Japan with Sky Blue FC for matches against Japanese side INAC Kobe Leonessa.

A standout defender in high school, Avant was a member of the U.S. Girls' U-16 National Team in 2006.

Jazmyne Avant
Position: Defender
Height: 5-3
Born: Jan. 30, 1990, in Dallas, Texas
Hometown: Coppell, Texas
Last Club: New York Fury (WPSL Elite)
College: University of Florida
Nationality: United States

Editor's note: Also welcome Jonanna to the team here at Stumptown Footy as our Portland Thorns FC beat writer!