Former UCA soccer player Kristen Ricks recently began playing professional soccer for the Football Club de Metz in France.

Soccer has always been a major part of Ricks’ life, and professional soccer has been her goal since her sophomore year of high school.

Her time playing soccer at UCA helped her become a professional soccer player. Ricks said UCA soccer practices were hard work and prepared her for the intense professional training at the Football Club de Metz.

“During preseason at UCA, we would practice about three times a day for the first couple of weeks. Then when preseason ended, we would practice every day except for Monday,” Ricks said.

The UCA soccer team also practiced weightlifting three times a week. Ricks said UCA helped prepare her for professional soccer by keeping her fit.

Even though UCA helped prepare her for professional soccer, she has had to adjust to playing soccer in a different country.

“The play is relatively similar, but there are always little details that are different for each team,” Ricks said.

Ricks enjoys living in a different country. 

“I love Europe and it’s a great experience, but I do miss all of my family and friends at home,” Ricks said.

Ricks is from Texas, which is a seven-hour difference from France, she said she always makes time to talk to her family.

Her family is a major reason why she plays soccer. She started playing soccer when she was five years old and stuck with it because soccer has been a major part of her family. Her Dad grew up playing soccer, her Mom is a huge soccer fan, and her twin sister played soccer throughout college.

Ricks considered quitting soccer once when she was young, but her parents convinced her to play for one more year. 

“I’m so glad they convinced me [to continue playing] because I couldn’t imagine my life without soccer. It is what I love to do every day, all day,” Ricks said.

Besides her family, UCA also played a role in helping her get a professional soccer job. Ricks chose to play soccer at UCA because it allowed her to play in Division 1, but she also loved the atmosphere, the people, and the campus.

Ricks’ soccer coach helped by referring her to an agent, who she presented with a highlight video and resume.

“[The agent] then sent it to teams all across Europe, and FC Metz decided they were interested and offered me a contract,” Ricks said.

Ricks hopes to continue playing soccer throughout her life. 

“Through soccer, I have learned to work hard no matter what and I’ve made my best friends through soccer. If I get the opportunity and am able to, I would love to make soccer my career for a while,” Ricks said.