Utah Royals FC Acquire Former BYU, Alta High School Star

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Royals FC has acquired Brigham Young University graduate and Utah native Michele Vasconcelos from the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for $55,000 in allocation money.

Vasconcelos, 26, appeared in 31 matches during her time with the Red Stars, 15 of them starts and notched three goals and three assists.

“I’m thrilled to be able to do what I love in my hometown,” Vasconcelos said. “I grew up going to games at Rio Tinto Stadium, I even played my high school state finals there. I look forward to playing in front of my family and friends, as well as having the added support of my daughter. I am excited to be a part of the Royals and to contribute to the club and community.”

This is going to be fun! Welcome home @murph_vas7

⚽ https://t.co/jJKFrqQlrP pic.twitter.com/MpH70JrqcM

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) September 10, 2020

Vasconcelos grew up in Sandy, Utah where she starred on Alta’s High School soccer team. In 2011-12, during her senior year, she was announced as the Gatorade Utah Soccer Player of the Year.

“Michele is a talented young forward with deep roots in this community and we are excited to have her as part of this club,” General Manager Stephanie Lee said.

Following her high school career, Vasconcelos moved south and attended Brigham Young University from 2012-16. During that stretch, she appeared in 70 games for the Cougars notching 30 goals and 27 assists, good enough to still be listed as top-10 all-time in both categories at BYU.

“Michele is quality, her combination of skills is high level and her mindset on top of that is high level,” Head Coach Craig Harrington said. “I know we are getting a really good player here that makes our squad stronger.”