Former Butler defender, Annika Schmidt, has signed a two-year contract with Göteborg FC in Gothenburg, Sweden.  Schmidt joined the team for training at Valhalla IP on Thursday, June 11. 
 
"Annika is a talented player who strengthens an important position in the squad," said Göteborg FC head coach Jörgen Ericson. "We hope that she will develop in this environment and I look forward to seeing her in the plan ahead."
 
By joining Göteborg FC, Schmidt follows in the footsteps of U.S. women's national team standouts Christen Press, Hope Solo and Yael Averbuch, who previously played for the club. The team finished second in the league during the 2019-20 season.
 
"We are incredibly happy for Annika and proud that her hard work, commitment and quality have led to this opportunity," said Butler co-head coaches Tari St. John and Rob Alman.  "She has earned the right to spend the next few years in one of the best soccer environments anywhere in the world, with a club that operates at the highest levels both on and off the field."

"We wish Annika the best of luck as she and her teammates chase a championship with games beginning again at the end of this month. And we know that Göteborg has just gained a whole new fan base of Butler Bulldogs that are excited to follow Annika in this next step of her career."
 
Schmidt anchored the Butler defense during the 2019 season, earning United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Region honors and First Team All-BIG EAST accolades. She started 17 games during her senior campaign, notching two goals, including the only score against No. 15 Wisconsin (Sept. 1). Schmidt helped the Bulldogs post a .80 goals-against average for the season and limited opponents to 16 goals, which lead the conference.
 
Schmidt was a three-year starter for the Bulldog's defensive line after transferring from University of Connecticut as a redshirt sophomore. She was a three-time All-BIG EAST First Team selection, and a two-time United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Region choice. The defender had five career goals and two career assists. Schmidt saw time in 55 of 57 games as a Bulldog, starting 53 contests. She graduated in December of 2019 with a degree in Sports Media.