Hagen Agrees to Professional Deal with Bayern Munich

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Sarah Hagen of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team has agreed to a professional contract with FC Bayern Munich of the German Frauen-Bundesliga.

This will be the first professional contract for Hagen, who wrapped up her career in a Panther uniform in November. The four-time All-American led the nation in goals per game (1.238), points per game (2.90) and game-winning goals. Her 26 goals and 61 points in 2011 set school and Horizon League records for a single-season and were second in the country.

"It felt great to finally accept an offer from a professional soccer team," Hagen said. "It was a tough decision to make, whether I wanted to play in the WPS or over in Europe somewhere, but I am very excited and feel confident in my decision. I think it is going to be a great experience to play professionally in a different country where soccer is so much part of the culture."

She finished her career with 93 goals, a figure which is ninth in NCAA Division I history, and 212 points--17th all-time. Both marks set new League records as well.

Bayern Munich is currently in eighth place in the 12-team Bundesliga with a three wins and a draw in 11 matches at the mid-season break. Hagen is expected to leave for Germany in early January and join the team when it returns to action Feb. 26 against SC Freiburg.

"I think playing for Bayern Munich will be a good transition for me from college to professional play," Hagen said. "Growing up as kid, my dream was to play professional soccer and to finally be a professional soccer player is extremely exciting."

At this time, Hagen has remained eligible for the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) draft in January. She could still be drafted and join a team in the United States following the Bundesliga season in May. She could then join the team and play out the year in the top league in the U.S.

(Release courtesy of UWMPanthers.com)