Former Ospreys Sonia O'Neill Inks with Scotland's Rangers Football Club
1/29/2020 1:34:00 PM | Women's Soccer
SCOTLAND - Rangers Football Club in Scotland recently announced the professional signing of former Osprey women's soccer player Sonia O'Neill. O'Neill played for North Florida from 2014 to 2016.
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"I'm extremely happy to sign with Rangers FC, as they are known for being one of the most successful clubs in the world," O'Neill said. "With them now investing into the women's side and becoming full time, I am hoping to continue to bring success to the club, but now on the women's side. We have great professional coaches and staff, a lot of talent and just a great group of girls that are focused on winning the league and competing in the Champions League. The facilities here are incredible as well. I think I enjoy being at the facilities more than I do being home. I am just really looking forward to the season and hopefully inspiring the next generation of girls."
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The Canadian-born player started her club career at Swedish club Husqvarna FF, before a spell in Italy playing for Roma and Pink Bari. She then moved to Croatia signing for ZNK Split where she represented them at Champions League level, before moving to her most recent club Fleury in France. O'Neill was also recently named to the Venezuelan National Team.
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"I will always be grateful for my experience as an Osprey," added O'Neill. "My whole mentality changed after being a student-athlete at UNF. My work ethic improved drastically and now I am not afraid of being outworked by anyone. I spend my off days at the gym or on a pitch. I learned the importance of doing the little things correctly and how to handle situations professionally. Doing the little things do not go unnoticed when playing professionally. I have played pro in many countries in Europe and my number one compliment from teams and staff have been about my character and professionalism. A huge part of that development I credit to UNF. I loved all the memories I made at North Florida, the experience, the friends, staff and so on. I hope to visit the Osprey family soon."
O'Neill played two seasons for North Florida finishing her career with 11 shots in 29 games as a midfielder. She began her collegiate playing career with two seasons a Niagara before transferring to UNF.
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"I'm extremely happy to sign with Rangers FC, as they are known for being one of the most successful clubs in the world," O'Neill said. "With them now investing into the women's side and becoming full time, I am hoping to continue to bring success to the club, but now on the women's side. We have great professional coaches and staff, a lot of talent and just a great group of girls that are focused on winning the league and competing in the Champions League. The facilities here are incredible as well. I think I enjoy being at the facilities more than I do being home. I am just really looking forward to the season and hopefully inspiring the next generation of girls."
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The Canadian-born player started her club career at Swedish club Husqvarna FF, before a spell in Italy playing for Roma and Pink Bari. She then moved to Croatia signing for ZNK Split where she represented them at Champions League level, before moving to her most recent club Fleury in France. O'Neill was also recently named to the Venezuelan National Team.
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"I will always be grateful for my experience as an Osprey," added O'Neill. "My whole mentality changed after being a student-athlete at UNF. My work ethic improved drastically and now I am not afraid of being outworked by anyone. I spend my off days at the gym or on a pitch. I learned the importance of doing the little things correctly and how to handle situations professionally. Doing the little things do not go unnoticed when playing professionally. I have played pro in many countries in Europe and my number one compliment from teams and staff have been about my character and professionalism. A huge part of that development I credit to UNF. I loved all the memories I made at North Florida, the experience, the friends, staff and so on. I hope to visit the Osprey family soon."
O'Neill played two seasons for North Florida finishing her career with 11 shots in 29 games as a midfielder. She began her collegiate playing career with two seasons a Niagara before transferring to UNF.
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