Tuesday April 1, 2003

Florida International's Dieke signs with professional league

he Florida International University women's soccer team announced today the signing of former player Ifeoma Dieke to a full professional contract with the Atlanta Beat of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA). Dieke became the lone invitational tryout player to make the squad, beating out several players for a spot on the Beat's roster.

"I'm in shock, but I'm very excited," Dieke said. "Only one out of thousands of players can make it to this level."

Dieke, a Glasgow, Scotland native, scored four goals and recorded six assists as a defender in her four seasons at FIU. In addition to being voted first-team All-Sun Belt in 2001, Dieke was awarded second-team honors in 2000 and named to the Sun Belt All-Tournament team in 2001. She was also selected third-team for the Southeast Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in 2000.

Dieke and the Beat begin their season this Saturday at home at 7:00 p.m. against New York.