Central Michigan women’s soccer signs Russian international

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Via Central Michigan University) – Central Michigan soccer head coach Jeremy Groves has made a key addition to the Chippewas’ roster in signing his first recruit since taking over the program in December.

Alina Miagkova comes to CMU from Lipetsk, Russia and brings with her an impressive international resume.

“I’m really excited that Alina has chosen to come to Central,” said Groves. “This is a big-time get for our program it shows our intent to compete at a high level straight away. Alina comes in and instantly brings experience and a high-level quality to our program.”

Miagkova, a defender/midfielder, was recently called up by the Russian National Team. She will appear in three international friendlies in China this month, facing Cameroon, Croatia and the host nation, as the team prepares for qualification for this summer’s World Cup in France. This comes on the heels of playing in the 2019 Russian Cup with Lokomotiv Moscow.

With the Russian U19 National Team, Miagkova won the Kuban Spring Women’s Tournament, an international festival of women’s youth soccer teams supported by FIFA, in 2017 and 2018. She participated in the Elite Round of the 2018 European Championship with the U19 team and won the Russian Championship with a team from the Moscow region in 2017.

Miagkova is currently enrolled at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry and intends to continue her pursuit of a medical degree at Central Michigan.

Miagkova will have junior eligibility when she joins the team for the 2019 season.