University of New Hampshire Athletics
Cat Sheppard '22
Cat Sheppard Signs with Durham WFC of WSL 2 in England
7/11/2025 12:45:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Sheppard to play at second highest level of English soccer
DURHAM, England – University of New Hampshire women's soccer alumnae Cat Sheppard '22 has signed with Durham WFC of the Barclays Women's Super League 2 in England. WSL 2 is the second-highest division in England as Durham FC will look to be promoted to Barclays WSL as the Wildcats just narrowly missed promotion by just five points this past season.
"The team has been really welcoming," said Sheppard. "The culture seems great and I am lucky to have such a warm welcome by the team. I started out at UNH and was lucky to play for five years and win an America East Championship which was a great accomplishment for our University."
Sheppard spent last season as a member of Sporting Clube de Portugal in Lisbon. The team placed second in Liga BPI which is the highest level of soccer in Portugal and Sporting CP also won the Supercup and competed in the qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Sheppard made her professional debut with Clube de Albergaria also in Liga BPI in the 2023-24 season, where she appeared in 24 matches.
"This is certainly a significant milestone in Cat's career," said UNH women's soccer head coach Steve Welham. "Her hard work, determination and commitment to continuing to improve her game has paid major dividends. I personally feel that this move was meant to be. Durham FC are the Wildcats and the University of New Hampshire situated in Durham NH are the Wildcats. Her family must be bursting with pride right now and especially her father who was born and raised in England. This is a very special moment, and it is truly amazing when you apply yourself and go after your dreams and goals anything can happen. Cat is a shining example of bouncing back from adversity and propelling herself to new heights. She still embodies the 'Wildcat Spirit' and feel it is only fitting that she continues to be one in England with Durham FC. So proud of you Cat…go get it!!"
Sheppard enjoyed an illustrious five-year career with the Wildcats (2018-2022), where she set a new program record for career GAA with a mark of 1.02. She played a total of 5,481 minutes in 62 games and amassed an impressive 0.812 save percentage with 19 shutouts.
During her final season in 2022, she helped guide the Wildcats to a 9-6-3 overall record. Sheppard's performance in the 2022 America East title game led UNH to a dramatic victory over Binghamton in penalty kicks to secure the program's second America East title. For her efforts, Sheppard was named the 2022 America East Championship Most Outstanding Player. She was also named to the America East All-Conference Second Team in 2022 and earned a spot in the 2022 NEWISA Senior Bowl. Sheppard was named to the 2021 NEWISA All-New England Third Team and the America East All-Championship Team.
Sheppard is one of eight UNH women's soccer players who have turned professional starting in 2016.
"The team has been really welcoming," said Sheppard. "The culture seems great and I am lucky to have such a warm welcome by the team. I started out at UNH and was lucky to play for five years and win an America East Championship which was a great accomplishment for our University."
Sheppard spent last season as a member of Sporting Clube de Portugal in Lisbon. The team placed second in Liga BPI which is the highest level of soccer in Portugal and Sporting CP also won the Supercup and competed in the qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Sheppard made her professional debut with Clube de Albergaria also in Liga BPI in the 2023-24 season, where she appeared in 24 matches.
"This is certainly a significant milestone in Cat's career," said UNH women's soccer head coach Steve Welham. "Her hard work, determination and commitment to continuing to improve her game has paid major dividends. I personally feel that this move was meant to be. Durham FC are the Wildcats and the University of New Hampshire situated in Durham NH are the Wildcats. Her family must be bursting with pride right now and especially her father who was born and raised in England. This is a very special moment, and it is truly amazing when you apply yourself and go after your dreams and goals anything can happen. Cat is a shining example of bouncing back from adversity and propelling herself to new heights. She still embodies the 'Wildcat Spirit' and feel it is only fitting that she continues to be one in England with Durham FC. So proud of you Cat…go get it!!"
Sheppard enjoyed an illustrious five-year career with the Wildcats (2018-2022), where she set a new program record for career GAA with a mark of 1.02. She played a total of 5,481 minutes in 62 games and amassed an impressive 0.812 save percentage with 19 shutouts.
During her final season in 2022, she helped guide the Wildcats to a 9-6-3 overall record. Sheppard's performance in the 2022 America East title game led UNH to a dramatic victory over Binghamton in penalty kicks to secure the program's second America East title. For her efforts, Sheppard was named the 2022 America East Championship Most Outstanding Player. She was also named to the America East All-Conference Second Team in 2022 and earned a spot in the 2022 NEWISA Senior Bowl. Sheppard was named to the 2021 NEWISA All-New England Third Team and the America East All-Championship Team.
Sheppard is one of eight UNH women's soccer players who have turned professional starting in 2016.
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