The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Soccer Texas-Exes Cyera Hintzen and Haley Berg sign pro contracts
08.20.2021 | Soccer
Hintzen is currently playing for Valur in Iceland, while Berg is slated to suit up for Zaragoza CFF in Spain
AUSTIN, Texas – A pair of recent soccer Texas-Exes are continuing their careers as professionals overseas as forward Cyera Hintzen (2016-19) is currently playing for Valur Reykjavik (Iceland), while midfielder/forward Haley Berg (2017-2021) is slated to join Zaragoza CFF (Spain).
Hintzen, a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American and three-time All-Region selection while on the Forty Acres, has already made an impression for Valur, registering three goals over her first 10 professional matches. After scoring for the first time in Úrvalsdeild kvenna (top tier of Icelandic women's football) action back on July 30 during a 5-1 victory over Fylkir, the Garland, Texas, native managed a brace (two goals) over a three-minute span in Valur's 3-1 win over Zurich in a UEFA Women's Champions League third-place qualifying round match. Hintzen and her squad return to action on Aug. 25 in league play against Tindastóll.
Berg, a three-time All-Big 12 Conference and two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region selection while at Texas, will open her initial season in the Segunda División Pro, the second tier of women's pro football in Spain, on Sept. 5 against Oviedo Moderno Fem CF.
The duo joins a list of standout Texas-Exes that have played professional soccer. Former goalkeeping standout Abby Smith (2012-15) currently plays in the NWSL for Kansas City after beginning her career with the Utah Royals. Phoenetia Browne (2015) has spent time with Sindri (Iceland), CSFA Ambilly (France), Olimpia Cluj (Romania), Aland United (Finland), FH (Iceland) and is currently with SC Sand (Germany), while former goalkeeper Cara Connatser (2013-16) played part of the 2018 season in the English FA Women's Super League for West Ham United. Longhorns Jill Gilbeau (Texas 2005-08; San Diego WFC Sealions/Washington Freedom), Stephanie Logterman (Texas 2005-08; Jersey Sky Blue/St. Louis Atletica) and Kelly Wilson (Texas 2001-04; Charlotte Lady Eagles/KIF Orebro DFF, Boston Breakers) also all spent time in the pro ranks after graduation.
