WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Former William & Mary women's soccer standout Nicole Baxter '16 recently resigned with Sky Blue FC of the National Women's Soccer League.
Baxter made her NWSL debut during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. She went on to make four appearances in the fall series, including a start in the final match of the year a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars for. Baxter completed an impressive 80% of her passes across all 2020 competition.
"Nicole has used the opportunity of the unconventional 2020 season to demonstrate some of the key qualities of a professional in the league," said Sky Blue FC Head Coach Freya Coombe said following the team resigning Baxter. "She has real determination to succeed, great quality on the ball, and the ability to create in the final third. She is highly motivated to continue her journey in the NWSL and I look forward to the 2021 season with her."
Along with her time with Sky Blue FC, Baxter's professional career has spanned across the globe as she played with Asarums IF FK in Sweden in 2019. She also had a successful 2018 season with Telge United FF in Sweden's first division as she scored three goals and record six assists in 22 games.
With the Tribe, Baxter was a staple in the lineup during her four-year career. She played in 77 games with 59 starts, scoring eight goals, 19 assists, and 35 points.
The Pennington, N.J., native enjoyed her best season during her senior year when she was tabbed to the All-Colonial Athletic Association First-Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Mid-Atlantic Region First-Team honors. Baxter led the team with 10 assists, while she added two goals for 14 points. As one of the defensive midfielder's on the team she has also helped a defense to 11 shutouts, while the team allowed just 0.88 goals a game. The 2015 Tribe won the CAA regular season, received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.
Sky Blue FC will begin the 2021 pre-season on February 1 with the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup set to kick-off mid-April. The team is preparing for a 24-match season in 2021 beginning in mid-May.
