Amanda Chimbima Named to Athenians 2022 Squad
Published by San Antonio Athenians SC Communications 4/8/22
San Antonio, TX (April 8th, 2022) - The Athenians have strengthened the backline for the upcoming UWS season with the latest addition to the squad, Amanda Chimbima, an English-Zimbabwean defender currently playing for Limestone University in South Carolina. Chimbima brings international pedigree, having debuted for the QPR Women’s first team at the age of 16 in the Women’s Premier League in England, going on to be named QPR Young Player of the Year in 2018-19.
Athenians Technical Director Leland Hammonds describes Chimbima as the perfect fit for the Athenians defense in the wake of former Captain Jamie Erickson signing professionally in Ireland: “Amanda checks all the boxes for us with her leadership, composure on the ball, and excellent ball-winning ability. She will be a force to be reckoned with this season in UWS.”
Amanda Chimbima was born in Harare, Zimbabwe but grew up in London after moving as a child. She worked her way up through the Fulham Academy before making the cross-town switch to represent QPR, where she debuted at 16 in the Women’s Premier League. After standout performances, Chimbima was recognized as the QPR Young Player of the Year in 2018-19. She came to Texas for the first time in August 2019, where she spent one year playing at Northeast Community College, captaining the team and earning All-Region Honorable Mention honors for starting in all 18 games and scoring 3 goals.
After one season with the Eagles, Chimbima moved to Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, where she competes for the Saints at the NCAA DII level. Chimbima started all 15 games for the Saints in the fall season of 2021, with a personal highlight coming in the opening game of the season when she scored a debut goal against Belmont Abbey in a 4-0 win. For her standout play, she was named 2nd team All-South Atlantic Conference as a sophomore.
The Athenians 2022 roster is beginning to take shape, with familiar faces bolstered by new additions. Mia Wildeman, Helene Farris, Olivia Wright, Eden Bretzer, and Ashley Newland have been announced as returners from the 2021 UWS Southwest Championship squad, with Emma Bates, Enzi Broussard, and Amanda Chimbima set to don the Purple and White for the first time this season. Stay tuned to SanAntonioAthenians.com and the club’s social media for further announcements in the coming weeks.
The San Antonio Athenians Soccer Club (SAASC) was created in 2016 and played its inaugural soccer season in 2017. SAASC is the first women’s semi-pro soccer team in San Antonio and features top players from the San Antonio area and beyond, including amateurs, collegiate, semi-pro and former professional players. After a change in ownership and a move to Soccer Central (6610 Low Bid Lane, San Antonio TX 78201), The Athenians lifted the first trophy in club history in 2021, defeating Lone Star Republic in the UWS Southwest Final 1-0.
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