U.S. Under 23 team member and Florida All-American Claire Falknor signed with FC Bayern Münich this week. Falknor, who finished her Gator career in November, signed a contract to play with the club until June 2017.

Falknor attended a Bayern winter training camp in January 2015 and has been looked at by the club since then.

"Claire is a young, very talented defensive player who has deliberately chosen the challenge of a foreign country," says Coach Thomas Wörle. “We can use her variability and athleticism on defense as well as her footballing strengths. I look forward to a very strong-willed player personality.”

For the Gators, Falknor was a 2015 All-American and on the 2015 All-Southeastern Conference Team. She started every match her senior season, while playing the entirety of 21, and finishing her career with 65 consecutive starts. Falknor was named to the U.S. Under-23 team for the 2015 Four Nations Tournament at the end of May, where she appeared in two matches.

"I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to play for one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe,” Falknor said. “I look forward to the challenge to prove myself outside my comfort zone and grow as a person and player."