Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm the signing of defender Sabrina Hillyer ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The American joins from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and a master’s degree in Business, alongside gaining extensive collegiate experience.
Originally from Texas, Hillyer was a key figure for the Roadrunners across her time at UTSA. She made 62 career starts, playing a total of 4,689 minutes, and started all 22 games during the 2022 season, playing every minute of the C-USA Tournament semi-final and final. She contributed four assists that season. A two-time team captain, she helped guide UTSA to an NCAA Tournament appearance and was named Team MVP. She also earned multiple C-USA Academic Honour Roll selections, received All-District and All-State honours, and was named to the American Athletic Conference Watch List, underlining her consistency on and off the pitch.
Reflecting on her move to Rovers, Hillyer said:
“It’s really exciting to sign for the club. I love the ambition here and the support around the team. Coming to a new country and learning a new culture is a challenge, but it’s an opportunity to grow and compete at a high level. The girls have been welcoming, and it already feels like a place I can make an impact.”
On what she brings to the squad, Hillyer added:
“I’m comfortable across defence, whether it’s full back, wing back or centre back. I like to contribute going forward, deliver strong crosses, and I enjoy the 1v1 battles. I’m gritty, determined, and always look to help the team both defensively and in attack. I want to push myself and my teammates to improve every game.”
Discussing her ambitions for the season, Hillyer said:
“I know the league is competitive, and I’m joining a team with real ambition. My goal is to help Sligo Rovers challenge at the top, grow as a team, and make a statement in the league. Personally, I want to lead by example, contribute wherever needed, and bring the experience I’ve gained from my time in the US to the squad.”
Rovers manager Gavin Hughes highlighted Hillyer’s qualities and why she is a strong addition at this stage of the season:
“Sabrina is a proper full-back, aggressive, very strong in 1v1s and brave going forward. She is very clever in her defending and intelligent with her positioning and timing. She communicates constantly and brings more leadership to the back line, which will be huge for us.
With Sabrina in the team, we feel our defensive unit is much stronger, more connected and more secure.”
With Sabrina Hillyer joining, the squad now stands at twenty-four players ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, Natalie Yoo, and Ella Karolak.
Jack Dempsey