FARGO, N.D. – Former North Dakota State soccer goalkeeper Abby Wilkinson has signed a professional contract with FC Pinzgau Saalfelden in Austria's Women's 2. Frauen Bundesliga.
 
Wilkinson is coming off a stellar season in goal for the Bison, earning Summit League Goalkeeper of the Year and first team All-Summit League honors. Wilkinson played every minute, posting a 1.06 goals against average and made 80 saves for a .816 save percentage.
 
"I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to play at the next level," said Wilkinson. "I'm excited to be a part of FC Pinzgau Saalfelden and I look forward to helping the club to continued success. NDSU will forever be my home. I will always remember my time in Fargo and the people who've helped and encouraged me throughout this process."
 
Wilkinson spent four seasons with the Bison, appearing in 38 career games with over 3,400 minutes in goal. The Littleton, Colorado native recorded 11 career shutouts and finished with a career save percentage of 77.4 percent. Despite just two full seasons in goal, Wilkinson finished fifth in program history in saves and eighth in wins.
 
"We are super proud of Abby and all she has done for herself and the Bison," said NDSU head coach Mike Regan. "This is a true reflection of a player who embraced the process at NDSU and did the things needed to grow and succeed. Abby worked tirelessly with our goalkeeping coach, Chris Higgins, and both were tremendous in her development over the last few seasons to get Abby to where she is today. We wish her all the best and we know there is more to come from her."
 
With her contract, Wilkinson becomes the first Bison soccer player to sign a professional contract.
 
FC Pinzgau Saalfelden, which is located in the Pinzgau region of Saalfelden south of Salzburg, currently sits third overall in the league through 10 games, just two points off of the lead. The second half of the season is scheduled to get underway on March 3.