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Padgett still kicking in Sweden

By Randy Lefko
Posted 7/25/18

SWEDEN –After a stellar career at Clemson University, Orange Park High graduate Tabitha Padgett, a hard-charging soccer forward under then-coach Kierston Heimerle, visited Sweden, found a soccer …

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Padgett still kicking in Sweden


Posted

SWEDEN –After a stellar career at Clemson University, Orange Park High graduate Tabitha Padgett, a hard-charging soccer forward under then-coach Kierston Heimerle, visited Sweden, found a soccer team and has been on a five year journey keeping her soccer dream alive.

Padgett, 27, and now known as Tabitha Nyberg after marrying Mattias Nyberg, a Swede, began playing with the Gustafs Goif team in Sweden and impressed the field with 33 goal in three seasons.

“We finished in the top three all three years and tied for first place the second year I played for them,” said Nyberg. “I now play for Tegle United.”

When Nyberg joined the Tegle team, they were ranked 10th in the local league and, as she noted, they are now battling for the third place spot.

“It is a semi new club and it is growing,” said Nyberg. “Our goal is to win the championship.”

Nyberg plays a center back position and has been named captain. She has just six goals, but seven assists.

“This will be my second year with them and we are midway through our season now,” she said.

Nyberg, while Tabitha Padgett at Orange Park High, recollected her playing days against St. Johns Country Day School’s Carson Pickett, now a pro player for the Orlando Pride.

“Yes we played against each other in high school and in college actually as well,” said Nyberg. “I played at Clemson and she played at FSU (both in the Atlantic Coast Conference).”