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Photo by: BryceMitchell
Shell Signs Professional Contract With SCU Torreense Feminino
1/22/2026 9:07:00 AM | Women's Soccer
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Former Brown women's soccer defender Layla Shell' 25.5 has signed her first professional contract, inking a deal with SCU Torreense Feminino, playing in Liga BPI.Â
Shell appeared in 51 total matches for Brown, starting 42, and received many honors, including being named a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District, 2025 Academic All-Ivy, and to the Ivy League All-Tournament Team, and a Senior Bowl selection. She was also a member of the 2023 Ivy League Championship team that four-peated at the top of the conference.Â
"My time at Brown has been nothing short of amazing," Shell said. "My coaches, teammates, support staff, and the Greater Providence Community have been extremely supportive. I'm able to chase my dreams because of all that those around me poured into me, and for what it's worth, I hope that I have been able to do the same in return."
Shell added, "Younger me would be in total awe of what's unfolded these last few years and how I've been able to achieve my dreams of playing professionally and receiving an Ivy League degree at one of the best institutions in the world. Brown and the Ivy League as a whole are proof you can have it all."
The defender burst onto the scene in 2023, collecting two goals in her Brown debut, a 4-0 victory over Albany. For her efforts, Shell received Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week honors. Since the 2023 campaign, Brown has registered 20 shutouts.Â
"We are incredibly proud of Layla Shell as she takes the next step in her soccer journey, signing with SCU Torreense Feminino in Portugal,"Â Messing Family Head Coach for Brown Varsity Women's Soccer Kia McNeill said. "Watching her grow as a player and person here at Brown has been inspiring, and we are so proud to see her continue her career at the professional level. She is joining a fellow Brown soccer teammate, Ava Seelenfreund' 22.5, so it is great to see fellow Brown Bears staying connected and thriving at the next level. I am excited for the impact that Layla will have and can't wait to follow her success."
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here  to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
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Shell appeared in 51 total matches for Brown, starting 42, and received many honors, including being named a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District, 2025 Academic All-Ivy, and to the Ivy League All-Tournament Team, and a Senior Bowl selection. She was also a member of the 2023 Ivy League Championship team that four-peated at the top of the conference.Â
"My time at Brown has been nothing short of amazing," Shell said. "My coaches, teammates, support staff, and the Greater Providence Community have been extremely supportive. I'm able to chase my dreams because of all that those around me poured into me, and for what it's worth, I hope that I have been able to do the same in return."
Shell added, "Younger me would be in total awe of what's unfolded these last few years and how I've been able to achieve my dreams of playing professionally and receiving an Ivy League degree at one of the best institutions in the world. Brown and the Ivy League as a whole are proof you can have it all."
The defender burst onto the scene in 2023, collecting two goals in her Brown debut, a 4-0 victory over Albany. For her efforts, Shell received Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week honors. Since the 2023 campaign, Brown has registered 20 shutouts.Â
"We are incredibly proud of Layla Shell as she takes the next step in her soccer journey, signing with SCU Torreense Feminino in Portugal,"Â Messing Family Head Coach for Brown Varsity Women's Soccer Kia McNeill said. "Watching her grow as a player and person here at Brown has been inspiring, and we are so proud to see her continue her career at the professional level. She is joining a fellow Brown soccer teammate, Ava Seelenfreund' 22.5, so it is great to see fellow Brown Bears staying connected and thriving at the next level. I am excited for the impact that Layla will have and can't wait to follow her success."
Â
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here  to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
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