OREM—Former Utah Valley standout midfielder Heather Stainbrook has signed a professional contract with the Washington Spirit, becoming the first player in UVU history to sign with a team from the National Women's Soccer League.
 
Stainbrook signed a three-year deal with the Washington Spirit. Stainbrook signs a pro contract after impressing the Spirit at training camp, which she was invited to after going undrafted in the NWSL draft in January. 
 
Stainbrook is Utah Valley's career leader in goals (40), points (105), game-winning goals (14), shots attempted (305), and shots on goal (134). She is also tied for the all-time UVU career assists record with 25.
 
"Reflecting on my journey at UVU, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the program, my coaches, and my teammates who have all played a pivotal role in my development," said Stainbrook. "The guidance and unwavering belief from my coaches have been instrumental in shaping me into the player and person I am today. These past five years have challenged me, fostering growth beyond my expectations. As I step into this new chapter with the Washington Spirit, I carry with me not only the skills but also the passion for soccer that UVU has instilled in me. I'm thrilled for the opportunity to continue playing the game I cherish at a professional level, all while representing UVU on a national stage."
 
The five-year starter led Utah Valley to its first-ever WAC regular season championship in 2021 and a WAC Tournament title in 2020. She led the Wolverines to their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory with a first-round win over No. 25 Memphis in the 2020 NCAA Tournament. She also guided UVU to its first-ever at-large selection in the NCAA Tournament in 2022. In all, Stainbrook led UVU to two WAC regular season championships, one WAC Tournament championship, and two NCAA Tournament appearances.
 
The South Jordan, Utah, native became the first player in UVU women's soccer history and just the sixth student-athlete in UVU history to receive Academic All-America® honors. She also became the first player in UVU history to earn United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Team honors, achieving this distinction in 2022 and 2023.
 
Stainbrook was a three-time First Team All-WAC honoree and was UVU's first-ever First Team All-Region selection in 2022. She earned three All-Region selections during her tenure at UVU.
 
"Heather is very deserving of this contract," said Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay. "She is a special player who will add to the talented roster that the Spirit has. We are really excited to watch her grow and contribute in the NWSL. Heather is a tireless worker, a great teammate, and is incredibly fit. She will continue to pursue her goals day in and day out. Heather is our first NWSL signee, but we have good reason to believe that more Wolverines will be representing UVU in the NWSL in the near future."
 
The Washington Spirit, based in Washington, D.C., play at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. Founded on November 21, 2012, the Spirit was an inaugural member of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the premier women's soccer league in North America.
 
The Washington Spirit will open the 2024 season at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on Sunday, March 17, against the Seattle Reign. The Spirit will play in Sandy, Utah, at America First Field against the Utah Royals on Saturday, June 8.
 
Stay up to date with UVU women's soccer by following the Wolverines on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.