UCLA’s Jessie Fleming signs pro deal with Chelsea

A Bruin has packed her bags and is moving to London, as UCLA women’s soccer midfielder Jessie Fleming signed her first professional contract with English team Chelsea, in news announced by the club Wednesday.

Fleming, 22, embarks on her professional career after four seasons at UCLA, where she was a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist twice, awarded to the best NCAA soccer player in the country, and a first-team All-American twice.

But Fleming has far more experience than the typical rookie, having made her debut for her national team, Canada, at the senior level at the tender age of 15. The Ontario native (who coincidentally grew up in London, Ontario — she must really like London) earned a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics and has already played in two World Cup tournaments.

She’ll join a Chelsea side that is a growing power. Defending league champion, the Blues also won the FA Women’s League Cup this season, and with a star-studded roster (albeit minus any American stars) Fleming should both be an immediate asset and get some competition for playing time.