Colorado University Athletics
Photo by: CUBuffs.com
James Signs Pro Deal in Portugal
February 05, 2025 | Soccer
Begins pro career with Racing Power FC
BOULDER – Shyra James, Colorado soccer's all-time leading goal scorer, will begin her professional soccer career in Portugal. James inked a deal last week with Racing Power FC in the first division of the Liba BPI.
"I am very happy to start this new stage in my career," James said in a team release. "I give everything for my team, and I'm looking forward to taking the field to help Racing achieve its goals. I was very well received and cared for. I came to a beautiful country, and I'm really looking forward to joining the team."
A standout forward at CU from 2020-24, James finished her career second in all-time points with 101. She scored her first-career hat trick against Wyoming this past season and, in the process, passed Nikki Marshall for the all-time lead in career goals, finishing with 47. James joined the ranks of CU greats Taylor Kornieck (102) and Nikki Marshall (93) as the only Buffs to surpass 90 career points.
"This is a great first step in Shyra's professional career," CU head coach Danny Sanchez said. "She will get meaningful first-team minutes and have the opportunity to build her resume. We are excited to see how she develops."
The La Mesa, Calif., native was a Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2023 when she finished the season tied for ninth in the nation with a career-best 15 goals. James became the second Buff to record double-digit goal totals in multiple seasons, recording 11 in the 2022 season. Her 32 points in 2023 closed the second-best season in CU history.
James was ranked No. 74 in this year's Top Drawer Soccer Mid-season 100 despite missing eight matches this season. She's a two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection, earning first-team honors last season, and was an All-Freshman selection in 2020. James scored two Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week honors and was a 2024 Top Drawer Soccer Third Team Preseason Best XI selection.
James' arrival at the club is a reunion of sorts as she reunites with former Colorado teammate Hannah Sharts who transferred to Racing last September.
"I am very happy to start this new stage in my career," James said in a team release. "I give everything for my team, and I'm looking forward to taking the field to help Racing achieve its goals. I was very well received and cared for. I came to a beautiful country, and I'm really looking forward to joining the team."
A standout forward at CU from 2020-24, James finished her career second in all-time points with 101. She scored her first-career hat trick against Wyoming this past season and, in the process, passed Nikki Marshall for the all-time lead in career goals, finishing with 47. James joined the ranks of CU greats Taylor Kornieck (102) and Nikki Marshall (93) as the only Buffs to surpass 90 career points.
"This is a great first step in Shyra's professional career," CU head coach Danny Sanchez said. "She will get meaningful first-team minutes and have the opportunity to build her resume. We are excited to see how she develops."
The La Mesa, Calif., native was a Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2023 when she finished the season tied for ninth in the nation with a career-best 15 goals. James became the second Buff to record double-digit goal totals in multiple seasons, recording 11 in the 2022 season. Her 32 points in 2023 closed the second-best season in CU history.
James was ranked No. 74 in this year's Top Drawer Soccer Mid-season 100 despite missing eight matches this season. She's a two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection, earning first-team honors last season, and was an All-Freshman selection in 2020. James scored two Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week honors and was a 2024 Top Drawer Soccer Third Team Preseason Best XI selection.
James' arrival at the club is a reunion of sorts as she reunites with former Colorado teammate Hannah Sharts who transferred to Racing last September.
Players Mentioned
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