CONWAY, S.C. – Former Coastal Carolina women's soccer student-athlete Mackenzie Cherry signed a new professional contract to play with Valadares Gaia FC in Portugal.

Cherry signed her first professional contract with UMF Afturelding in 2022 before moving to FC Famalicao in 2023.

The Canton, Ga., native was a standout player for the Chants, being named to the 2020 All-Sun Belt first team and the All-Sun Belt second team in 2021.

While at CCU Cherry bagged two goals and four assists in her 5,934 minutes of playing time. The defender helped the Chants keep 18 clean sheets and posted a .500 shots-on-goal percentage during her career.

Cherry will play in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino league, the highest division of women's soccer in Portugal.

CCU will open the regular season at the new CCU Soccer Stadium on Aug. 15 versus Richmond. Kick off is set for 7 p.m. ET.

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For complete coverage of CCU women's soccer, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalWSoccer (X), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com