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Pro Cards - Gaby Vincent
April 05, 2021 | Women's Soccer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It's been a wild year for pretty much everyone, but for former University of Louisville soccer player and current Kansas City defender and midfielder Gaby Vincent, it's been a bit wilder than most.
After two seasons in Utah, the team she joined post-graduation moved back to its original home of Kansas City, Mo., and it all happened within the span of roughly a month.
"It was during the offseason so we were all home, but all of our stuff that was in Utah got shipped to Kansas City and we just arrived here," Vincent said of the move. "It all happened so fast, but our owners (in Kansas City) have been completely transparent with us, and they are very player focused, which we appreciate."
Vincent hopes that a new city and new management will lead to renewed success for her and her team. Utah Royals FC accrued a 10-4-10 record in 2019, and Vincent earned playing time in nine of those games during her rookie season. Then, in 2020, the squad went 1-1-2 in the league's Challenge Cup before being knocked out in the first knockout round by the eventual tournament winner Houston Dash
She said that there was a significant transition when adjusting from the collegiate game to the professional game, especially in terms of the speed of play.
"I feel like that is the hardest part for a lot of people because in college, you can get away with so many things," Vincent said. "If you're a little bit more athletic you can get away with some stuff. But at this level, everyone is right there. They're the same class of athlete and they have the same type of knowledge.
"So you really have to make your decisions so quickly, and there is no off period."
Making the transition even more complicated for Vincent has been her movement between positions. After a season and a half playing the center-back position, much like she did at UofL, she made a transition back to midfield, the position she played prior to her collegiate career.
That brought along an entirely new and steep learning curve that she's still adjusting to.
"In the second half (of last season) I transitioned back to midfield, and jumping from, like, a club level midfielder to the professional level is significantly different," Vincent said. "You have to play significantly different and significantly smarter.
"So just adjusting to the new position, what's expected of me and what my job is has been fun, but challenging. Luckily I have a great coach here Natalia (Astrain). She's really been helping me figure out my role as a midfielder and what's expected of me."
Aside from the general excitement of just getting back in action, Vincent is also excited to make a return trip to Louisville when the regular season starts to take on the city's new expansion NWSL team Racing Louisville.
In doing so, she will also get a chance to play against former teammates Emina Ekic and Chinyelu Asher, as well as meet back up with UofL head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes.
"I love Louisville," Vincent said. "That city has a really special place in my heart. I'm super excited that there's a new NWSL team there. I think the city is going to be great for that and it's totally going to get on board behind and support that team.
"I'm also totally excited to see my girl Emina. She's killing it, as always. I'm super proud of her. I cannot wait to come back and see coach (Ferguson). Hopefully she's still around (in Lousville) and we can catch up."
After two seasons in Utah, the team she joined post-graduation moved back to its original home of Kansas City, Mo., and it all happened within the span of roughly a month.
"It was during the offseason so we were all home, but all of our stuff that was in Utah got shipped to Kansas City and we just arrived here," Vincent said of the move. "It all happened so fast, but our owners (in Kansas City) have been completely transparent with us, and they are very player focused, which we appreciate."
Vincent hopes that a new city and new management will lead to renewed success for her and her team. Utah Royals FC accrued a 10-4-10 record in 2019, and Vincent earned playing time in nine of those games during her rookie season. Then, in 2020, the squad went 1-1-2 in the league's Challenge Cup before being knocked out in the first knockout round by the eventual tournament winner Houston Dash
She said that there was a significant transition when adjusting from the collegiate game to the professional game, especially in terms of the speed of play.
"I feel like that is the hardest part for a lot of people because in college, you can get away with so many things," Vincent said. "If you're a little bit more athletic you can get away with some stuff. But at this level, everyone is right there. They're the same class of athlete and they have the same type of knowledge.
"So you really have to make your decisions so quickly, and there is no off period."
Making the transition even more complicated for Vincent has been her movement between positions. After a season and a half playing the center-back position, much like she did at UofL, she made a transition back to midfield, the position she played prior to her collegiate career.
That brought along an entirely new and steep learning curve that she's still adjusting to.
"In the second half (of last season) I transitioned back to midfield, and jumping from, like, a club level midfielder to the professional level is significantly different," Vincent said. "You have to play significantly different and significantly smarter.
"So just adjusting to the new position, what's expected of me and what my job is has been fun, but challenging. Luckily I have a great coach here Natalia (Astrain). She's really been helping me figure out my role as a midfielder and what's expected of me."
Aside from the general excitement of just getting back in action, Vincent is also excited to make a return trip to Louisville when the regular season starts to take on the city's new expansion NWSL team Racing Louisville.
In doing so, she will also get a chance to play against former teammates Emina Ekic and Chinyelu Asher, as well as meet back up with UofL head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes.
"I love Louisville," Vincent said. "That city has a really special place in my heart. I'm super excited that there's a new NWSL team there. I think the city is going to be great for that and it's totally going to get on board behind and support that team.
"I'm also totally excited to see my girl Emina. She's killing it, as always. I'm super proud of her. I cannot wait to come back and see coach (Ferguson). Hopefully she's still around (in Lousville) and we can catch up."
Thank You, Coach: Karen Ferguson-Dayes Announces Retirement
Thursday, February 19
WSOC: Karen Ferguson-Dayes Presser (11/17/25)
Monday, November 17
NCAA Tournament: Louisville vs. Kentucky
Monday, November 17
WSOC: Mackenzie Geigle and Erynn Floyd Presser (vs. Kentucky/NCAA Tournament - 11/15/25)
Saturday, November 15
