BERKELEY – After spending five seasons at California, forward/midfielder Emma Westin has signed her first professional contract with Hammarby IF, a first-division club in Sweden.
 
"I've had an amazing time at Cal and I'm so happy I got the opportunity to spend four and a half years at such a great place," Westin said. "I had the opportunity to play with such talented and amazing people. The experience that I've had is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life."
 
Westin became one of the Bears' top players during her time in Berkeley, she played in 72 games and made 60 starts. She has led the team in each of goals, assists and points twice. She tallied 11 goals in the 2019 campaign, the most by a Bear in any of the past six seasons. Westin finished her Cal career with 19 goals, 12 assists and 50 points. She's also been one of Cal's team captains each of the past two seasons.
 
Westin was named to the All-Pac-12 Third Team in 2020 and earned a spot on the United Soccer Coaches' All-Region Second Team in 2019. She also excelled in the classroom, twice being named to the CoSida Academic All-District Team and earning CoSida Academic All-American honors during the 2020 season. She was also honored for her academics by the Pac-12 in three separate seasons.
 
Westin joins Emily Smith in turning pro this year as Smith was drafted by Racing Louisville and will be in camp with them for the 2022 season. They are the 41^st and 42^nd Bears to have played professionally, including 16 who are active professionals.
 
"I am super excited to turn pro! I believe that Hammarby is a great environment to develop as a player and that the club will be the perfect place for me to start my professional career," Westin said. "I'm really looking forward to the start of the season and to playing in front of the big crowds that show up to the games!"
 
Hammarby is one of 12 clubs in the Damallsvenskan, the top division of women's soccer in Sweden. Last season, Hammarby finished in seventh place, but was just four points from one of the Champions League places, and they're hoping that Westin can help them clinch one of those positions when the 2022 season begins in April.
 
"We are truly happy for Emma in achieving her lifelong goal of becoming a professional," head coach Neil McGuire said. "She proved herself to be an exceptionally well-rounded student-athlete with her performances in the classroom and on the field. Beyond that she is a wonderful person and we wish her every success."
 
Westin is a native of Stockholm, Sweden and has competed internationally for Sweden. She is currently a member of the nation's U23 team, representing them at the La Manga Tournament. She's also played for her country at U17 and U19 levels representing Sweden at UEFA European Championship qualifiers.
 
Westin graduated this fall with a degree from the Haas School of Business.
 
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