KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Former Western Michigan women's soccer player Abby Smothers has signed a deal with the Brisbane Roar for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League season. 

"Abby is a attacking threat, direct, fast & strong with a wand of a left foot, these strengths will transition into the A-League very well and i'm excited to work with her," Roar head coach Johnathan Clemente said. 

Smothers ended her WMU career as one of the most decorated players in program history. She is the program's all-time leader in points and goals, tallying 75 points and 28 goals across 61 games. During her senior season, she was named to the All-MAC First Team and was recognized as a Untied Soccer Coaches All-Region honoree. 

The Livonia, Mich. native collected All-MAC honors during all three years of her career and was selected as the MAC Tournament MVP during the 2024 campaign. She broke the MAC Tournament single-game points record by scoring three goals and dishing out two assists in a win over Buffalo to secure the MAC Championship for the Brown and Gold.

"It's a dream come true to be getting my professional career started, and I can't think of a better place to begin than in Brisbane, Australia," Smothers said. "I'm so incredibly thankful for the club believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to get my career started. I can't wait to get to experience everything about Brisbane and more than anything, I can't wait to play in front of the amazing fans!"