Former Iowa soccer player Alex Melin is headed overseas. The recent Iowa graduate will sign a professional contract with AFC Ajax in the Netherlands.

Melin started every game she played during her four-year career at Iowa, finishing with 14 goals and six assists. AFC Ajax was founded in 2012 and plays in the Vrouwen BeNe Leauge, which is regarded as one of the best leagues in the Belgium and Netherlands.

“I have always wanted to play professional soccer,” Melin said in a release. “It’s a lifelong goal to be able to do it. It is amazing for [Ajax] to be able to offer me the opportunity and to be able to play for it.”

Melin was named to the second-team All-Big Ten squad during her senior season. Ajax, which won the KNVB Women’s Cup in this season, is located in Amsterdam.

— by Danny Payne