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Pair of Buffs Sign European Deals
February 18, 2020 | Soccer
Jalen Tompkins and Sarah Kinzner head overseas to start professional careers
BOULDER — A pair of former Colorado soccer players are set to embark on their professional careers. Recent graduate Jalen Tompkins and 2019 graduate Sarah Kinzner will both head overseas to play in Europe.
Tompkins will begin her professional career with Vålerenga Fotball Damer in Oslo, Norway.
"Becoming a professional soccer player has been a dream since I was a kid," Tompkins said in Vålerenga's announcement. "Soccer is my passion and I am incredibly happy to come to such a professional club. The team has welcomed me very well."
Tompkins wrapped up 2019 as Colorado's all-time leader in wins (49), saves (369) and save percentage (.841). She also played the most games as a goalie (85) and started the most games in net (82). Her career .90 goals-against average ranks second and her 4.34 saves per game ranks third.
"We are thrilled for JJ signing her first professional contract with Vålerenga in the Toppseriegn in Norway," associate head coach Jason Green said. "Danny [Sanchez] and I had the chance to visit Oslo and see Vålerenga play last summer. It is a top-class club with an amazing set-up.
"JJ has earned this with her passion, dedication and focus," Green continued. "While she will give credit to everyone for helping her out, to be completely honest, she has done this all herself. We are excited to see what JJ can do at the next level."
The Phoenix, Ariz., native, was a second-team All-Pacific Region and second-team All-Pac-12 honoree in 2019. Tompkins recorded 12 wins and ranked fifth in the NCAA with 2046:25 minutes played this past season. She finished the year with 101 saves and eight solo shutouts. Tompkins also posted a 1.19 goals-against average and a. 789 save percentage.
Tompkins helped lead CU to three NCAA Tournaments in her four years in net. She was Pac-12 All-Freshman in 2016, posting a career-high 15 wins. She would break every freshman CU record, including saves (100), save percentage (.855), GAA (.83), wins and shutouts (7).
She earned back-to-back third-team All-Pac-12 honors in her sophomore and junior seasons. As a sophomore, Tompkins set records for GAA (.58) and save percentage (.882), while starting all 22 matches. She helped Colorado break program records for shutouts (14) and goals-against average (.61). Her junior year she totaled 12 more wins and a .979 goals-against average.
Vålerenga has belonged to one of the top three divisions in the last 12 years. They currently play in the top level of women's soccer in Norway, Toppserien. Vålerenga will also play in Champions League qualifying in 2020.
Kinzner, who has spent the last year with Calgary Foothills FC, is set to play for FTC Budapest in Budapest, Hungary.
"Sarah has been looking for the right fit to start her professional career since she graduated," head coach Danny Sanchez said. "She has continued to train with Calgary Foothills to stay sharp. This is a fantastic club in a beautiful city, and we know Sarah will excel."
Tompkins will begin her professional career with Vålerenga Fotball Damer in Oslo, Norway.
"Becoming a professional soccer player has been a dream since I was a kid," Tompkins said in Vålerenga's announcement. "Soccer is my passion and I am incredibly happy to come to such a professional club. The team has welcomed me very well."
Tompkins wrapped up 2019 as Colorado's all-time leader in wins (49), saves (369) and save percentage (.841). She also played the most games as a goalie (85) and started the most games in net (82). Her career .90 goals-against average ranks second and her 4.34 saves per game ranks third.
"We are thrilled for JJ signing her first professional contract with Vålerenga in the Toppseriegn in Norway," associate head coach Jason Green said. "Danny [Sanchez] and I had the chance to visit Oslo and see Vålerenga play last summer. It is a top-class club with an amazing set-up.
"JJ has earned this with her passion, dedication and focus," Green continued. "While she will give credit to everyone for helping her out, to be completely honest, she has done this all herself. We are excited to see what JJ can do at the next level."
The Phoenix, Ariz., native, was a second-team All-Pacific Region and second-team All-Pac-12 honoree in 2019. Tompkins recorded 12 wins and ranked fifth in the NCAA with 2046:25 minutes played this past season. She finished the year with 101 saves and eight solo shutouts. Tompkins also posted a 1.19 goals-against average and a. 789 save percentage.
Tompkins helped lead CU to three NCAA Tournaments in her four years in net. She was Pac-12 All-Freshman in 2016, posting a career-high 15 wins. She would break every freshman CU record, including saves (100), save percentage (.855), GAA (.83), wins and shutouts (7).
She earned back-to-back third-team All-Pac-12 honors in her sophomore and junior seasons. As a sophomore, Tompkins set records for GAA (.58) and save percentage (.882), while starting all 22 matches. She helped Colorado break program records for shutouts (14) and goals-against average (.61). Her junior year she totaled 12 more wins and a .979 goals-against average.
Vålerenga has belonged to one of the top three divisions in the last 12 years. They currently play in the top level of women's soccer in Norway, Toppserien. Vålerenga will also play in Champions League qualifying in 2020.
Kinzner, who has spent the last year with Calgary Foothills FC, is set to play for FTC Budapest in Budapest, Hungary.
"Sarah has been looking for the right fit to start her professional career since she graduated," head coach Danny Sanchez said. "She has continued to train with Calgary Foothills to stay sharp. This is a fantastic club in a beautiful city, and we know Sarah will excel."
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