Carolina Elite Cobras News Release - www.carolinaelitecobras.com
Monday, August 12, 2013
GREENVILLE, S.C. - Almost immediately after the Carolina Elite Cobras finished their run to the 2013 W-League Championship weekend, a trio of defenders headed to Europe to play in some of the world’s top professional leagues. Blakely Mattern has journeyed to Sweden to join Mallbackens IF, while Ashely Swineheart and Hannah Gmerek landed in the Czech Republic to play with 1. FC Slovacko Zeny.
Mattern, the 2013 W-League Defender of the Year, led the Cobras to their first Southeastern Conference title with two goals and an assist while serving as the team’s leader on defense in 2013. Mattern was a member of the Atlanta Beat of WPS in 2009-10, and joined Dutch side FC Twente in 2011.
Mallbackens IF plays in Sweden’s top division and is located in Mallbacken, in Värmland, Sweden, and was established in 1942.
Swinehart, who appeared in 10 games for the Cobras in 2013, joined Mattern on the All-Southeastern Conference defense in 2013. Gmerek, a College of Charleston graduate, also appeared in all 10 games this season.
1. FC Slovacko Zeny plays in the Czech First Division and is considered to be one of the top three teams in the country. Follow the Cobras throughout the off-season on www.carolinaelitecobras.com or on Twitter: @CE_Cobras.