University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Lindsey Murphy
Alivia Kelly Signs Pro Contract with Wellington Phoenix
12/2/2024 2:10:00 PM | Women's Soccer
DURHAM, N.H. – Former University of New Hampshire women's soccer standout Alivia Kelly has signed her first professional contract with Wellington Phoenix FC of the Ninja A-League in New Zealand.
Kelly joins the Phoenix as their final visa signing for the 2024-25 season to solidify their defensive line. The Boston, Mass., native will report to the team during the league's international break ahead of their match against Brisbane Roar on Dec. 8.
"I'm super excited to start this next chapter of my soccer career," Kelly said. "I'm very thankful for my time spent at UNH. The team environment and coaching staff have really prepared me as both a person and player. Being part of a winning culture at UNH instilled the leadership and competitiveness needed to win championships. I hope I can bring these qualities to the Wellington Phoenix this season."
"We are both thrilled and excited to know that Liv has signed to play professionally for the Wellington Phoenix and take her game to the next level," UNH head coach Steve Welham said. "Liv was instrumental to our team's success for four years, culminating in a championship during our 2022 season. She has left behind a tremendous legacy becoming the first America East Conference Defender of the Year for UNH along with being our first United Soccer Coaches Academic-All American.
"She worked hand-in-hand with our current Defender of the Year in Maddie Kolb and there is no doubt Maddie picked up some key aspects directly from Liv's play and leadership on and off the field," Welham added.
Kelly's four-year career at UNH was marked by consistency, leadership, and excellence on the field. A mainstay in the Wildcats' lineup, she started all 60 matches during her tenure and helped anchor a defense that consistently ranked among the best in the America East Conference. Her impact was particularly evident in 2022, when she played a pivotal role in leading UNH to the America East championship title and an NCAA tournament appearance.
That remarkable 2022 season saw Kelly earn a series of prestigious honors. She was named to the America East First Team All-Conference and All-Academic Team, received Academic All-District recognition, and earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team honors. Her performances on and off the field were further recognized when she was named a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American (Third Team) and was selected to the All-ECAC Second Team.
In her senior year, Kelly solidified her legacy by becoming the first Wildcat to win the America East Defender of the Year award. She repeated as a First Team All-Conference selection and was named to both the America East All-Academic and All-Tournament teams. Nationally, she earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team honors and was selected for the NEWISA Senior Bowl. Additionally, she was recognized on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, further underscoring her excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
After completing her undergraduate studies in neuroscience and behavior at UNH in May 2024, Kelly chose to pursue a graduate year at N.C. State, where she competed in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference. Her performance and dedication throughout her collegiate career caught the attention of Wellington Phoenix and earned the opportunity to play at the professional level.
Since head coach Steve Welham took over in 2014, eight UNH women's soccer alumnae have signed professional contracts, marking the only such players in the program's history. Along with Alivia Kelly, who recently joined Wellington Phoenix FC in New Zealand, Brooke Murphy '18 and Kendra Prince '18 both signed to play in Sweden. Kaylan Williams '20 inked a deal with WFC Lokomotive Moscow after a season with WFC Ramat HaSharon in Israel. Cait Keenan '20 signed with Clube de Albergaria in Portugal, where Cat Sheppard also began her professional career before signing a one-year contract with Sporting Clube de Portugal for the 2024/25 season. Caroline Murray '16 had a prolific career, playing in Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, and in February 2021, she signed with AIK Football, a top-division club in one of the world's premier women's soccer leagues. Shayna Salis '23 also signed with a club in Israel.
Players Mentioned
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