BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Cal State Bakersfield proudly announces that women’s soccer stars Karen Flores and Anela Nigito have signed professional contracts, marking a historic milestone for the program. Flores will join Mexico’s Atlas Femenil, while Nigito has signed with Valencia CF Femenino in Spain.
Karen Flores was an outstanding forward for CSUB, as she played for the program for five years. She totaled ten goals, four assists, started 54 games, and played 3,844 minutes during her time with the program. During the program's championship run, she had her most successful season this past year and had various call-ups to her national team Ecuador for international play. The graduate senior announced on Jan. 3rd that she signed a professional contract with Atlas. Atlas Femenil, the women’s soccer team of Club Atlas, competes in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, a premier professional women’s league established in 2017. Based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Atlas Femenil plays its home matches at the CECAF Atlas Colomos (Centro de Capacitación de Futbol), a dedicated training and match venue in Guadalajara. For high-profile matches, they use Estadio Jalisco, a historic stadium shared with the men's team, with a capacity of over 50,000 fans.
Coach Martin Navarro reflects on Flores signing to Atlas -
“Karen has been an outstanding example of what it means to be a student-athlete. Her hard work, commitment to excellence, and love for the game have been a driving force behind her success, and it’s no surprise she’s earned this incredible opportunity to play professionally in Mexico. Her journey is a reflection of years of dedication and perseverance, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her take this next step. Karen has left a lasting legacy here, and we’re confident she will continue to make an impact at the highest level.”
Junior Anela Nigito was a phenomenal defender for CSUB; she played for the program for three years. She totaled four goals, four assists, started 45 games, and totaled 3,659 minutes during her time with the program. She was a crucial piece to the championship run this season and had various call-ups to her national team Argentina for international play. The junior announced on Jan. 4th that she had signed with Valencia CF. The women’s team of Valencia CF competes in Spain’s top-tier Primera División Femenina, one of the most competitive women's soccer leagues in Europe. The club was officially established in 2009 and has become a prominent name in Spanish women's soccer. Valencia CF Femenino plays its home matches at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna, the club's training complex. For larger matches or special occasions, they use the iconic Mestalla Stadium, home to the men's team, which has a capacity of over 48,000 fans.
Nigito reflects on her departure from CSUB -
“Leaving CSUB wasn’t just about closing a chapter, it was about saying goodbye to a place that became my home, to people who became my family, and to moments that shaped my life forever. Here, I learned to give my all, on and off the field, to believe in myself, and to dream big. Every game, every practice, and every challenge pushed me to become the person and player I am today. As I take this step into professional soccer, I do so with my heart full of gratitude. CSUB will always hold a special place in my heart. Once a Runner, always a Runner!”
Coach Martin Navarro expresses his thoughts on Nigito signing with Valencia CF -
“We are incredibly proud of Anela and everything she has accomplished. Her dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game have been evident throughout her college career here, and this next step into the professional ranks is a testament to her hard work and talent. Watching her growth as both a player and a leader since she first arrived here has been inspiring, and we have no doubt she will continue to excel at the next level. Anela represents the best of what this program stands for, and we know she will make us all proud as she begins this exciting new chapter in Spain.”
Both Flores and Nigito are expected to start training with their respective clubs in the spring.
