EMPOLI, Italy - Former Oredigger all-American Emily Garnier has joined Empoli F.C. Ladies of Italy's Serie B, making her professional debut for the side this past weekend.

Garnier signed with Empoli last week and came off the bench to play the second half against Mozzecane. Empoli lost the match 3-1, but did not concede a goal after halftime as Garnier was patrolling her familiar center back spot.

A 2018 graduate of Mines with a degree in computer science, Garnier had a decorated career for the Orediggers that included three all-America seasons, three straight RMAC Defensive Player of the Year awards, and two Blaster Awards for Best Female Athlete as Mines' top overall player. Garnier led NCAA Division II with 15 assists in her senior season of 2017, and ended her career with 12 goals and 30 assists (second all-time) in 90 career starts at center back. She was a two-year captain for Mines, helping the team win three RMAC regular-season titles, three RMAC Tournament cups, and make four NCAA appearances including the 2014 Final Four and 2016 Elite Eight during her career. 

Empoli, which is currently halfway through the season, is battling for promotion to Serie A and is currently second in the Serie B table. Their next game is Feb. 3 taking on league leader Inter Milan.