Roxanne Vilain, a defensive stalwart from West Virginia University, has officially signed a professional contract with Le Mans FC, stepping onto the pitch of France's Seconde Ligue. The agreement marks a pivotal moment in her transition from college soccer to the senior professional ranks.
During her tenure with the Mountaineers, Vilain appeared in 31 matches, starting 29 of them, and logged 2,453 minutes of play, including 1,778 minutes in the 2025 season. Her contributions helped anchor a defense that earned multiple accolades, including a 3-0 victory over Akron in which she recorded her first professional assist.
Vilain's collegiate achievements were recognized with a place on the Fall Academic All-Big 12 First Team and a weekly honor as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on September 17. She capped her academic journey by graduating with a master's degree in sports management in December.
A Milestone for Mountaineer Soccer
The signing elevates Vilain to the 46th professional player in WVU women's soccer history, underscoring the program's growing pipeline to the pro game. She also becomes the second member of the 2025 senior class to secure a professional contract, highlighting the class's overall impact.
Beyond the field, Vilain's professional debut will be closely watched as she adapts to the tactical demands of French football. Her experience and leadership are expected to contribute significantly to Le Mans FC's defensive strategies as the team aims for a strong season in the Seconde Ligue.
The partnership between Le Mans FC and the Mountaineer program reflects a broader trend of cross‑Atlantic talent exchange, offering young athletes like Vilain pathways to showcase their skills on international stages while maintaining academic excellence.