UNH Alumna Sally Rainey Signs with AC Milan of Italy’s Serie A
8/1/2026 8:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer
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Former Wildcat goalkeeper joins one of the world's premier women's soccer clubs
MILAN, Italy – University of New Hampshire women's soccer alumna Sally Rainey ('25) has signed a professional contract with AC Milan through June 30, 2029, joining one of the most prestigious clubs in world soccer.
AC Milan competes in Serie A, the top division of women's soccer in Italy and one of the world's highest-ranked professional leagues. Rainey will wear the No. 24 jersey while competing in a league whose top three teams qualify for the prestigious UEFA Women's Champions League.
Rainey arrives at AC Milan after helping Red Star Belgrade capture its third consecutive Serbian Women's Super League championship during the 2025-26 season.
Rainey and Red Star Belgrade won the Serbian Women's Super League championship
"I'm looking forward to being around people who all want to win and make this team the best it can be," said Rainey.
A native of West Lebanon, N.H., Rainey compiled one of the most decorated careers by a goalkeeper in UNH history. She was named America East Goalkeeper of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, becoming the first player in program history and only the fourth player in conference history to earn the award in consecutive seasons.
"Your journey continues Sally and you are taking another wonderful step in your professional career," said UNH women's soccer head coach Steve Welham. "We simply could not be more proud! It is truly amazing when someone decides to 'lean forward' and go after their dreams and goals…wonderful things do happen. AC Milan speaks for itself it is a global brand and an iconic team in World Soccer…everything from their heritage and tradition to their level of professionalism and class is truly at the highest level. Go get it Sally, Wildcat Nation is all behind you!"
Rainey was also a two-time America East All-Conference First Team selection, earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team honors in 2024 and Third Team recognition in 2023, and was selected to play in the 2024 NEWISA Senior Bowl.
She established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in program history, setting the school record for career goals-against average (0.78) while ranking fourth all-time in shutouts (17) and fifth in save percentage (.823).
During her senior season in 2024, Rainey tied the program's single-season record with nine shutouts and played every minute of all 18 matches. She helped lead the Wildcats to 12 victories, matching the school record, as UNH advanced to its third America East championship match in four years. Rainey was also a member of the Wildcats' 2022 America East Championship team.
Away from the field, Rainey excelled both as a leader and in the classroom. As Co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, she was honored with UNH's Cathy Coakley Student-Athlete Community Involvement Award in 2025.
A standout student, Rainey graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a 3.86 grade point average. She was a two-time Chi Alpha Sigma inductee and an America East Presidential Scholar, while also earning recognition on the CSC Academic All-District Team, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-East Region First Team, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Second Team and the America East All-Academic Team.
Rainey is one of 11 UNH women's soccer alumna to advance to the professional ranks starting in 2016, continuing UNH's tradition of developing student-athletes who succeed at the highest levels of competition.
UNH has been to three America East championship games in the last five years and opens up the 2026 campaign at Stonehill College on August 13.
Making the trip to cheer on the Wildcats? Book your hotel at GoCatsTravel.com — you'll get the same rate as Expedia or Booking.com, and 50% of proceeds goes straight back to UNH Athletics.
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