Two recent University of Maine women’s basketball standouts have taken the next step in their careers, signing professional contracts that will take them across the Atlantic. Sarah Talon, who capped her senior season with a career‑high performance, will head to Germany’s Bundesliga, while Asta Blauenfeldt, the team’s second‑leading scorer, is set to join Portugal’s top‑flight Liga Feminina.
A German Opportunity for Talon
Talon’s agreement with New Basket ’92 Oberhausen includes more than just playing minutes; it also tasks her with coaching a youth girls’ team and provides housing for the duration of the season. The club, based in the North division of the league, is known for its tight‑knit environment and welcoming staff, a factor that influenced Talon’s decision.
A Portuguese Prospect for Blauenfeldt
Blauenfeldt will suit up for A.D. Sanjoanense in the Liga Feminina, the premier women’s league in Portugal. The club, located in Sao Joao da Madeira, offers her a chance to be a key scorer after she averaged 11 points per game at UMaine and posted a 35.3% three‑point shooting rate. Her recent two‑week stay in Denmark, spent with Talon and her family, hints at a smooth transition into a new continent.
A Tradition of Professional Pathways
The moves underscore a broader pattern at the University of Maine, where the athletics department has long cultivated talent that reaches professional circuits abroad. Nine former Black Bears are currently active in European leagues, a testament to the program’s emphasis on competitive play and academic rigor.
Both athletes will begin their campaigns in early September, with Talon’s squad opening its schedule on September 1 and playing weekly fixtures through March 27. The Bundesliga season, divided into North and South divisions, will test her adaptability against seasoned European opponents.
Beyond the Court
Off the court, the contracts reflect a growing trend of student‑athletes embracing coaching responsibilities and community engagement. Talon’s dual role as player and youth mentor illustrates how European clubs are integrating development programs, while Blauenfeldt’s international experience adds a global flavor to the league.